Inside Dallas ISD

In the more than 20 years Yatta Johnson—a licensed mental health clinician—has worked as a school psychologist, she has played many roles but perhaps none more crucial as the one she has now at Emmett J. Conrad High School. Every day, she connects with students, guides them through difficult times and helps them better understand themselves and others. Johnson is one of several school psychologists in Dallas ISD, and thousands throughout the country, whose work is celebrated and highlighted through Nov. 10 during National School Psychology Week. “I’m a non-traditional school psychologist because my degree is in mental health counseling psychology and…

For the past 19 years, Terry Stotts, has been teaching his students how to make wooden rocking horses, first at the Multiple Careers Magnet Center and now at Career Institute South, where he became a construction teacher this year. The students who worked on the rocking horses to develop skills will donate them to the Ronald McDonald House, an organization that provides resources to families with sick children. Stotts says that this process of making the wooden horses teaches his students to give back to the community, while learning a new skill. Students spend the semester cutting, sanding, staining, and…

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…