Inside Dallas ISD

With a passion that reaches far beyond his classroom walls, Rex Lees, a teacher at Emmett J. Conrad High School is an inspiration to his students.   Lees fosters a community-wide love of STEM education. And, under his leadership, the school’s robotic club, the RoboChargers, has expanded to supporting projects, such as the “RoboChargers for All” campaign. The campaign promotes inclusion and diversity in robotics and STEM through specialized camps run by female mentors with the goal of encouraging all students to go into the field of engineering.  “We hold robotics camps specifically for girls and non-binary students, led by female…

At Dallas ISD, students get to be rock stars for a few minutes.  That’s how Seagoville High School modern band and fine arts director, Rodney Dittmar explained the experience of students coming together for the Dallas ISD Modern Band All-City Jam. Now in its 13th year, it has been an annual tradition since 2011. It’s an honor that schools from all over the district come out to Seagoville and showcase the work they’ve been doing, Dittmar said. The schools who participated in the Modern Band All-City Jam were: Emmett J. Conrad High School Daniel Webster Elementary School Martha Turner Reilly…

Imagine what it would be like to have a career day, where professionals and community members visit a school to share their experiences not just one day a year but on a regular basis. Associate superintendent Nancy Bernardino, who was the founding principal of the school and the late Jennifer Turner, the founding assistant principal, came up with Wisdom Wednesdays, also known as Wonder Woman Wednesdays, and Fierce Female Fridays. “To believe that they have potential in STEM and careers that are in leadership, they need to be able to see women who look like them almost on a weekly…

From adopting new curricula to administration changes, Sunset High School continues to evolve, but two teachers –  Valarie Nichols and Stephanie Blankenship – are a constant source of support to students, and have been, for more than three decades. As English teachers, they are committed to encouraging students to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.   “Adapting to changes has been challenging, especially with the increasing emphasis on standardized tests,” Nichols said. As Nichols reflects on becoming campus “Teacher of the Year” and being recognized in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” she says her proudest accomplishments extend beyond accolades. Blankenship…