Author: The Hub

Connecting you to the personalities, places and perspectives of Dallas ISD

Manny Scott, one of the original Freedom Writers, went from being a dropout to earning his Ph.D, thanks to the help of an inspiring student teacher. In presentations around the country he shares his experience with students to help them take responsibility for their lives.  He works to eliminate bullying and encourages students to spread a philosophy of compassion and understanding. In this video, Scott brings his message of empowerment to students at T.W. Browne Middle School.

Read More

Today, more than 100 Dallas ISD student-athletes and their families gathered at Ellis Davis Field House to celebrate athletic signings to colleges and universities across the country. National College Signing Day highlights the achievement of student athletes while encouraging their commitment to higher learning. When asked what this occasion means to students and their families, Dallas ISD Athletic Director said this: “I think what we try to do is make it a big highlight, we to try to celebrate with them their accomplishments,” said Dallas ISD Director Gil Garza. “They’re parents make a tremendous amount of sacrifice in four years…

Read More

When you think of Distinguished Teacher Review meetings you think of collaboration and conversation but do you ever think of…a party? That’s exactly what the DTR eligible teachers from the Thomas Jefferson feeder pattern held when they combined working on their DTR applications with pizza, music and fun. Ms. Sculley, third grade teacher at Foster Elementary and DTR applicant, agrees with the process of rewarding hard working teachers. The party gives her and her fellow DTR applicant teachers the opportunity to collaborate on their applications, build camaraderie within their feeder patterns and have their DTR questions answered by their executive…

Read More

Elizabeth Kelley, a teacher at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School, is glad there’s a Distinguished Teacher Review (DTR) process. Check out her comments in the latest video about the process and the Teacher Excellence Initiative. SEE ALSO: Thomas Jefferson teacher excited about the DTR process SEE ALSO: Principal excited about the Distinguished Teacher Review process

Read More

Dr. Dora Renaud, principal of Nathan Adams Elementary School, is very proud of teachers going through the Distinguished Teacher Review (DTR) process. Check out her comments in the latest video about the process and the Teacher Excellence Initiative. SEE ALSO: Thomas Jefferson teacher excited about the DTR process

Read More

Raising the quality of instruction in each classroom requires having effective teachers. Destination 2020, Dallas ISD’s strategic plan for college and career readiness, places a strong emphasis on identifying, supporting and rewarding effective teaching.” Tonight, teachers from around the district, known as TEI Experts, met at meetings like this one to discuss and provide feedback for the Teacher Excellence Initiative, the district’s new evaluation system that measures teacher effectiveness. They provide guidance and input on TEI. “The things that we do at these meetings help me to understand this evaluation system a little better because we see the PowerPoints every…

Read More

Principals play an important role when communicating the components of the Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI) – Dallas ISD’s new teacher evaluation system that defines, supports and rewards effective teachers. Principals must have a deep understanding of the components that make up the new evaluation system to ensure a successful implementation and to answer questions and provide feedback to teachers.

Read More

Wooden rocking horses, reindeer, and airplanes are just part of how students at Dallas ISD’s Multiple Careers Magnet give back to the community in the spirit of the holidays. Terry Stott’s wood working classes produce these colorful and fun creations to donate to charity.  This year saw the donations going to Ronald McDonald House in Dallas. Stotts praised his students for working hared, but the effort is worth it to them.  “it’s kids helping kids.  It doesn’t get better than that,” he said, adding that he also looks forward to the project each year.  “I’m so blessed to have into…

Read More

Rachel Harrah, a teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School, thinks students should have the very best education possible. She believes the Distinguished Teacher Review, or DTR, process is another level to achieve that goal. Watch the video and gain insight into how this process ultimately benefits our students. SEE ALSO: VIDEO: Stonewall teacher gives insight into Distinguished Teacher Review

Read More