Inside Dallas ISD

National Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a chance to recognize the stories, contributions, achievements, and lived experiences of those leaders who embrace the culture as their own and educate our youth. Richard Heffernan is currently the executive director of the Bilingual ESL department. Heffernan supports the development of bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism for all participating students in the Dallas ISD, which currently leads the largest dual language program nationally, serving 158 schools. “Dual Language is the most powerful tool we can leverage in serving historically marginalized students,” said Heffernan. “For Spanish speaking students, the Dual Language program not only validates…

Chef Juanita Mejia is a food service specialist in Dallas ISD’s Food and Child Nutrition Services, where she has the honor of training school cafeteria staff members to provide delicious food and impeccable service to students and staff members. In her role, Mejia utilizes her more than 20 years of culinary experience to empower trainees to be more efficient in the kitchen, read recipes, and prepare food that is tasty and visually appealing. Mejia is well respected and regarded by those in her charge, because she has an amazing ability to connect with each individual in a personal way. “I…

Dallas ISD’s goal is to educate every single student for success. In order to make that mission a reality, district principals strive every day to provide equity, safety and excellent educational opportunities. Each campus leader has a passion to help their community. They are the men and women who ensure day-to-day that our students receive a quality education, a secure environment and an opportunity for a brighter future. Derek Thomas, the new principal at Adelle Turner Elementary, and Executive Director Sheryl Wilson talked to us about the greatest qualities of a principal the district’s rigorous hiring process. Why did you…

Born and raised in Mexico, Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School Principal Alicia Iwasko followed in her mother’s and grandfather’s path and became a teacher. In Mexico, she taught English as a Second Language from the elementary to college level. In 2008, she moved to Dallas to follow her passion of teaching bilingual classes in elementary school. She served as a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Ascher Silberstein Elementary School in Dallas ISD for six years before becoming a math instructional coach for three years. “I believe in education because I know it is the best way to empower students…