Inside Dallas ISD

“Maestro de la Semana” (Teacher of the Week) is a series of short videos where we highlight outstanding educators in the Dallas Independent School District. Sarah Cardenas adds a little bit of herself in every math lesson. She’s in her third year of teaching seventh-grade math at Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs Middle School (YWSA). She’s a third-generation educator, a proud San Antonian and an athletic role-model. “Ms. Cardenas is a wonderful teacher and model for the characteristics we want our girls to grow into. She’s persistent, passionate, and positive!” said YWSA Principal Gabbi Dickson. “She has inspired…

Dallas ISD seniors at participating high schools are eligible to apply for the Dallas County Promise (DCP) Scholarship. Through this program, students can earn a last-dollar tuition scholarship to any Dallas County Community College District schools and partner universities. A last-dollar tuition scholarship covers any cost of tuition that need-based aid and scholarships do not cover. All eligible seniors can take the Promise Pledge on the DCP website. This is the first step to enroll in the DCP scholarship program. All seniors from 57 participating campuses located within Dallas County are eligible for this assistance. Among the 57 campuses are…

The Council of the Great City Schools and McGraw-Hill Education selected Dallas ISD teacher Eric Hale as the recipient of the 2019 Annual Queen Smith Award, which recognizes a top educator in the country working in an urban school district. Hale, who teaches kindergarten and first grade at David Burnet Elementary School, will receive the award at the council’s conference happening Oct. 25 in Kentucky. The award comes with a $5,000 check and plaque to honor his significant contributions to urban education and the children he serves. Hale is an active advocate for his school and community. He participated at…

“Oh wow! Colors are brighter, and I can see the words on the board! And I didn’t know things were supposed to look this clear!” These were just a few of the enthusiastic comments echoed as nearly 60 Dallas ISD students at Jerry R. Junkins Elementary received new high-quality eyeglasses (at no cost to families). Coinciding with World Sight Day – an annual day of awareness focusing global attention on blindness and vision impairment – eye care professionals with Essilor Vision Foundation were on hand to present and fit the children with their new eyeglasses. They also explained to the…