Special education teachers were recently recognized by the Dallas Education Foundation for the dedication they have to their students.
The foundation awarded 16 teachers with a 2024-2025 Heart of Teaching Grant to support innovative teaching practices and impactful educational projects. The total funding for all the projects awarded amounts to over $61,500 and will benefit more than 1,000 Dallas ISD students across all trustee districts.
Hydee Lopez, a three-year bilingual special education teacher at Central Elementary School, is a first-time grant recipient.
Her project, “We Heart Games!” will provide a vibrant and inclusive game room tailored for special education students to develop communication, cooperation, and teamwork skills, enhancing their overall educational experience.
“It’s like a collaborative gaming room, but mixed with a sensory room so they can get to know each other across grade levels. I ordered a huge Tic-tac-toe, Connect 4, and Hacky Sack,” Lopez said. “I want them to have fun at school because a lot of the time they don’t feel successful and I want to show them they’re worth something.”Grant awardees were selected by a committee and were chosen for their exceptional proposals aimed at advancing equity through innovation in special education. Applications focused on enabling and driving student success, with projects that help boost morale, motivation, belonging, and a sense of accomplishment for students with special needs and their peers.
“We can see your heart in these applications. This is part of the reason why we call these grants the “Heart of Teaching.” Your heart is in teaching. You show it to us and you show it to your students every day,” said Mita Havlick, executive director of DEF.
Glenda Lenston, a 12-year special education teacher at Birdie Alexander Elementary School, will use her grant for a project titled “Inspiration via Information.”
Her initiative addresses the socio-economic challenges her students face, including hygiene concerns, inappropriate clothing for the seasons, and academic deficiencies. She plans on providing uniforms, coats, shoes, and exposure to cultural activities like museum field trips to foster better social etiquette and academic focus.
“This will just significantly impact their life because it’s going to level the playing field. They won’t feel like the odd man out. I’m just really excited, I can’t wait to put it into effect,” Lenston said.
The significance of the Heart of Teaching Grant extends beyond individual projects, representing a commitment to innovative and equitable education for all students. As these dedicated teachers implement their projects, they are enhancing the educational experiences of their students but also setting a powerful example of what can be achieved through creativity, dedication, and support.
List of awardees:
- Kyle Clarke – J.L. Long Middle School
- Christine Foggia – Benjamin Franklin International Exploratory Academy Middle School
- John Fore – Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs Middle School
- Katybeth Hagler – Leila P. Cowart Elementary School
- Faith Henderson – Leila P. Cowart Elementary School
- Emily Hobbs – Maria Moreno STEAM Academy
- David Jiménez-Rosado – T.G. Terry Elementary School
- Glenda Lenston – Birdie Alexander Elementary School
- Hydee Lopez – Central Elementary School
- Chantrelle Lovett-Andrews – Umphrey Lee Elementary School
- Vanessa Rangel – Maria Moreno STEAM Academy
- Fabiola Reynaga – Dr. Barbara Jordan Elementary School
- Esther Reisman – Hospital & Homebound
- Lecharia Scales – George W. Truett Elementary School
- Connie Westbrook – C.A. Tatum Jr. Elementary School
- Mia Witt – César Chávez Learning Center
