Submitted by Dallas Education Foundation
More than 34 educators across Dallas ISD are the new recipients of Dallas Education Foundation’s Heart of Teaching Grant.
Now in its third year, the DEF’s Heart of Teaching program supports innovative, educator-led initiatives that reflect the passion and commitment of teachers who go above and beyond to inspire students beyond the classroom.
From building chicken coops, coding robots, and launching drone teams to producing musicals, promoting school spirit, and expanding student media, the 2025–2026 Heart of Teaching Grant projects will transform extracurricular activities across Dallas ISD.
“Extracurricular activities are where students often discover their voice, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging,” said Emily Davis, grants and programs manager at the Dallas Education Foundation. “We are honored to support these educators who are creating meaningful opportunities for students to thrive.”
Heart of Teaching Grant recipients:
- Emily Allison, Bishop Arts STEAM Academy
- Bailey Brown, Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy
- Mark Brunet, Ascher Silberstein Elementary School
- Jose Cena, Mount Auburn STEAM Academy Elementary School
- Sara Cram, Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy
- Sergio de Rozas Barrio, L.O. Donald Leadership Academy
- Devlin DeCutler, Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management
- Saraid Driskell, Solar Preparatory School for Boys at John F. Kennedy Learning Center
- Tim Eastman, L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School
- Ashley Gallo, Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs
- Dakecia Hall, Umphrey Lee Elementary School
- Brittany Hearne, William M. Anderson Elementary School
- Jakim Jackson, Stephen C. Foster Elementary School
- Angela Johnson, Royce West Leadership Academy
- Katharine Joss, Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School
- Raven LeDay, Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy
- Jamie Linver, Dallas Hybrid Preparatory
- Yun Liu, Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School
- Esmeralda Martinez, Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
- Alicia McCowan, E.B. Comstock Middle School
- Maria Melian, Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School
- Blake Mokate, Skyline High School
- Kelley Moore, New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell
- Martha Mouret-Sanders, San Jacinto Elementary School
- Maira Perez, Rosemont Upper Campus
- Lorraine Ramos, Adelfa Botello Cajello Elementary School
- Carla Renteria, Personalized Learning Preparatory at J.W. Ray
- Netallia Rush, Ronald E. McNair Elementary School
- Jonathon Salguero, Thomas Tolbert Elementary School
- Ana Sepulveda, John Q. Adams Elementary School
- Gloria Velasquez, San Jacinto Elementary School
- Anali Vidana, Barbara Jordan Elementary School
- Jordan Wheatley, John Q. Adams Elementary School
- Destinee Wilson, North Dallas High School
