Inside Dallas ISD

Through its Service Above Self Teacher Awards, the Rotary Club of Dallas calls attention to the importance of teachers, and rewards those who demonstrate excellence by going the “extra mile.” Each year the organization solicits nominees from all Dallas ISD schools, and selects three finalists at elementary, middle and high school levels. Finalists are honored at a recognition luncheon, and receive cash and other awards, with the winner at each level taking home $2,500. “Every year, it is a very special day for all who attend, but especially because it’s a chance to give much- deserved recognition to those dedicated…

In 1989, Marcus Gates told his high school coach, “Mark my words, I’ll be head coach here one day.” Today, not only is he the head football coach at James Madison High School, he’s also the athletic director, and teaches college and career readiness. A natural at motivating students at Madison to work hard and pursue college, Gates draws inspiration from vivid childhood memories of his grandmother working long hours to support an extended family of nine. “By watching her, I learned to work hard, and I knew that education would be critical if I wanted something different for my…

The dress code went out the window for teachers by the third day of school in favor of masks, helmets and capes at Dallas ISD’s Mark Twain Leadership Vanguard. The colorful attire helped kick off a year-long effort, “Teachers are Super Heroes,” to show students positive role models through real and imagined heroes. Heroes, Cops and Kids, a program started by two Dallas police officers, will also work with the school in promoting positive behavior, decision-making and ways to cope with peer pressure. “We want students to know that they are all superheroes in their own ways,” said counselor Keith…

The South Oak Cliff High School feeder pattern has joined the 21 schools in the Lincoln, Madison and Pinkston feeder patterns that comprise the Imagine 2020 initiative. Schools in the Imagine 2020 feeder pattern receive additional support and resources for both students and teachers with the goal of increasing student academic ­achievement, improving college- and career-readiness, and training teachers to help them grow as educators. “Imagine2020 will open the door to a level of instruction and services our students need and deserve at South Oak Cliff,” said Principal Shon Joseph. “The increase in services and personnel will positively impact our…