Inside Dallas ISD

On any given day at Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Academy at James W. Fannin, students are dreaming up ways to solve problems most adults barely notice. One group imagines a vending machine stocked not with chips and candy, but with deodorant, lotion, pencils, pens, sanitary pads, and even hoodies that meet dress code.  Another team wants to redesign the lanyard for student IDs so it feels more like an accessory. Another looked at the hallways, and spearheaded a campaign to decorate them with student art to improve campus culture.  Kathryn Cates, the teacher who is turning entrepreneurship into a way…

Simone Chandler, a science teacher at Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs and Dallas ISD graduate, credits her early exposure to science for shaping her career in education and her journey toward becoming a dentist.  Now, she is preparing the next generation to be resilient and inquisitive girls.  Celebrated on Feb. 11, International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the importance of encouraging young women to pursue innovation, discovery, and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The observance also recognizes learning environments, such as the STEAM Academy, that promote equity and opportunity in science education. Chandler…

In 47 years of serving Dallas ISD Food & Child Nutrition Services, Brenda Jackson can count on one hand how many days she’s missed work—just one. In an era where job-hopping is the norm, her colleagues still marvel at her reliability, because for Jackson, the job was never just about serving meals—it was about serving people. This past December, Jackson—who was the food service assistant at Maria Luna Food Service Facility—hung up her apron one final time. Her story with the district began in 1978 at two schools, the now defunct Pearl C. Anderson Middle Learning Center and David Crockett…

Youngsun Choi is a 2025 recipient of the Dallas Education Foundation Heart of Teaching Grant. Through the grant program, the foundation recognizes outstanding educators, such as Choi, who is using art and inclusive activities to support student growth and strengthen her school community. Choi is the functional living instructor at Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School, where she has been a special education teacher for 10 years. “I love this population of students,” Choi said. “My goal is to continue building an inclusive campus culture and school community and to help students feel valued.” Before entering education, Choi studied fashion…