The Dallas Education Foundation is awarding 30 innovative classroom grants to educators across the district, as part of 2026–2027 Heart of Teaching Grant.
“Dallas ISD educators demonstrate extraordinary creativity, passion, and commitment to student success,” said Mita Havlick, executive director of DEF. “This year’s record number of applications reflects the incredible innovation happening across our district. We are honored to support these educators as they bring transformative ideas directly into their classrooms and communities.”
Selected projects represent every Dallas ISD trustee district, ensuring students across the city will benefit from creative learning experiences designed to inspire academic achievement, engagement, and opportunity.
The Heart of Teaching Grant supports educators who are developing innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of their students and school communities. Grants fund projects that expand access to enriching educational opportunities, enhance classroom learning, and create meaningful experiences that help students thrive.
The 2026–2027 Heart of Teaching Grant recipients include:
- Danelle Adeniji: Skyline High School early college program, The Legacy of Leaders Symposium
- Emma Arett: Solar Preparatory School for Girls, 2026 Solar Filmmaking Society
- Jesse Bartlett: J.L. Long Middle School, Sewing Pathways
- Christine Bickers: Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School, Play & Connect Board Game Club
- Mirshish Boyd: W.H. Adamson High School, Bricks to Brilliance LEGO Club
- AnaVictoria Braun: Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker, Growing Together: A Family Garden Club
- Brandon Carter: Barbara Jordan Elementary School, Little Leaders Enrichment & Leadership
- Jose Cena: Mount Auburn STEAM Academy, VEX IQ Robotics Program
- Kathy Clark: Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III Global Preparatory Academy, Global Bites
- Aaron Crawford: Young Men’s Leadership Academy at Fred F. Florence Middle School, Drumline
- Denise De La Cruz: Leila P. Cowart Elementary School, Life Skills Café Club
- Devlin DeCutler: Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, Music Production Course
- Katrina Espinal: Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School, Love Folklorico Club
- Carlos Estrada: Julián T. Saldivar Elementary School, Little Scholars Wellness Club
- Robin Fall: W.H. Adamson High School, 2026 Unified Champions: Inclusive Golf & Simulation Lab Excellence through Extracurriculars
- John Fore: Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs Middle School, Beyond the Classroom: The Jaguar Den Student Enterprise Program
- Amber Holmes-Turner: Hillcrest High School, Panther Leadership Lab: Igniting School Spirit & Student Engagement
- Rebekah Ickes: Lida Hooe Elementary School, School Music Explorers Club
- Allen LaPoint: Celestino Mauricio Soto Jr. Elementary School, Music Makers
- Maria Malagon: Pre-K Partnerships, Little Cheerleaders
- Minerva Morales: Maria Moreno STEAM Academy, Yoga Kids
- Martha Mouret: Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School, Performing Arts & Design Club
- Pamela Murtuza: Arturo Salazar Elementary School, Green Team
- Julie Nicotra: Moisés E. Molina High School, Student Led News Station
- Ramicia Paul: Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy: Pages to Podcast Club
- Alejandro Rodriguez: Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School, Modern Band Project
- Leesonia Rutledge: William Brown Miller Elementary School, Mic-Drop Literacy: Digital Storytelling
- Debora Vazquez: Thomas L. Marsalis STEM Academy, Roots & Wings: A Sustainable Garden & Hydroponic Co-op
- George Wilcox: South Oak Cliff High School, BBQ Team
- Shinea Wright: Buckner Terrace Montessori, STEM LAB is STEAMING UP!!
