Inside Dallas ISD

It’s Thursday morning, and J.L. Long Middle School dual language teacher Susan Moreno is noticeably stunned as an auditorium full of news cameras, students, Dallas ISD and state leaders suddenly turn their attention to her. Jane Foley, the senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, just announced that Moreno is a recipient of the national award known as the “Oscars of Teaching.” Moreno had no idea she was going to win the award that comes with a $25,000 prize. “This is unbelievable,” Moreno said as she walked down the auditorium aisle to receive her award. Texas Education Agency Commissioner…

Growing up in in Kansas City, Dallas ISD Assistant Superintendent Usamah Rodgers still remembers enjoying participating in the free after-school program at the Boys and Girls Club. As a result, Rodgers said it’s an easy decision to support causes such as the Dallas ISD United Way Giving Campaign, which aims to fundraise $190,000 for the nonprofit that provides programs and services that help district students and families. Rodgers shared her story at a Nov. 5 breakfast kickoff for the Dallas ISD United Way Giving Campaign. “At my free after-school program, I was nurtured in a safe environment and I became…

After piloting an elementary debate initiative last year with 85 students from 13 elementary schools, the Dallas ISD Student Activities Department has implemented a districtwide debate program that saw more than 300 fifth-graders recently attend a workshop at Conrad High School. With 44 schools in attendance, the workshop introduced the elementary students to debate terms, purpose and format. Debate Coach Michelle Read and two of the district’s top high school debaters were among the presenters. Sunset High School Head Debate Coach Michelle Read’s “Your Speaking Voice” presentation was designed to improve the students’ communication skills during a debate. TAG Debater…

Through engaging field trips, the Dallas ISD STEM Department is bringing real-world experiences to district students. Dallas ISD STEM Department Manager Crystal Alexander said students gain many benefits from seeing STEM in action. “Through these field trips, students can make the connection between what they learn in school and what happens in the real world,” Alexander said. “Our ultimate goal is to increase our students’ interest in STEM and have them see it as a viable career path.” STEM Goes Red North Texas On Oct. 25, 75 students from six schools visited the University of Texas at Dallas for the…