To manage the daily requirements of running the second largest school district in the state of Texas, Dallas ISD employs more 20,000 people. But with nearly 160,000 students to educate, volunteers become critical to providing those students with the best opportunity for success.
The mission of Dallas ISD Volunteer and Partner Services is to build relationships that meaningfully engage volunteers and partners to impact student achievement. To achieve that mission, department staff have created a variety of options for community members to become involved in local schools.
“By working one-on-one with a student, you can help them improve their academic achievement, confidence and motivation,” said Volunteer and Partner Specialist Veena Armstrong. “Becoming a mentor or tutor doesn’t require any experience – we provide the training, materials and support you need to impact students.”
Armstrong noted that literacy tutors for elementary students and mentors for middle school students are the most in-demand. Schools also frequently seek out business groups to adopt their school and help with competition fees and transportation, library and teacher’s lounge makeovers, and ongoing needs such as technology, materials and classroom speakers.
A variety of options exists to make a difference to Dallas ISD students:
- Support a classroom by chaperoning a field trip, helping a teacher prepare classroom materials or speak at a career day;
- Join a school’s parent organization or their Site Based Decision Making Committee;
- Create a partnership with your office and a school by holding school supply and uniform drives or take on a one-time campus improvement project such as landscaping or painting.
All volunteers must complete a volunteer application, attend orientation and undergo a background check. For more information on opportunities and how to volunteer with Dallas ISD, visit the Volunteers and Partners webpage, email the staff, or call 972-925-5440.
