Inside Dallas ISD

The Beat has interviewed Master Teachers across the district to share their stories and introspections about their careers, including tips for teaching. Meet Master Teacher Chantrelle Lovett-Andrews. Chantrelle Lovett-Andrews, a designated Master Teacher at Umphrey Lee Elementary, was born and raised in Fort Worth. She ended up working for Dallas ISD after attending a job fair in July 2002 where she was hired on the spot by Principal Rachel George at Julia C. Frazier Elementary School. She is now in her 22nd year at Dallas ISD with a total of 27 years in education and said she credits her educational…

Tucked away in Seagoville, just miles away from several Dallas ISD campuses, is a hidden gem known as the Environmental Education Center (EEC). The center, spanning over 500 acres of land, served more than 30,000 families during the 2022-2023 school year and is anticipating more visitors this school year. Students and families can walk nature trails at Post Oak Preserve, pet animals in the center’s barn, and tour the 26,000-square-foot museum which models a forest habitat, grassland habitat, and freshwater pond habitat. Visitors can also enjoy the nature play area or take a stroll through the garden to check out…

The Beat has interviewed master teachers across the district to share their stories and introspections about their careers, including tips for teaching. Meet Master Teacher José Ramos-Villicaña. José Ramos-Villicaña, a master teacher at Stevens Park Elementary School, first came to Dallas ISD in 2006. He was living in the city of Monterrey, Mexico, when he  learned about the district’s  Alternative Certification Program. When representatives from recruitment were in his city, he decided to apply—and a year and a half later, he began teaching in the district. Fast forward 18  years and he is happy that he made this leap of faith…

Submitted by the Student Activities department Dallas ISD debate coaches partnered with the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance (DUDA) to create Community Action Debate (CAD), a new debate format centered around local issues. With 158 Dallas ISD elementary and secondary campuses participating in the district’s debate program, DUDA is the second-largest urban debate league in the nation.  Michelle Read, Student Activities coordinator, said Dallas ISD debate provides students with an equal shot at success. “As the district continues making debate accessible to all students at every level, we take steps closer to educational equality where voices are heard and civil discourse…