Inside Dallas ISD

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…

During National School Counseling Week, Dallas ISD recognizes educators who support students’ academic success while nurturing their social and emotional well-being.  At Frank Guzick Elementary School, counselor Elizabeth Reed-Smith is creating a student-centered program that helps young learners understand their emotions and build confidence. After nearly 20 years in the classroom, first as a teacher and then as a librarian, Reed-Smith is now in her first year as a school counselor. As a veteran educator, she brings both experience and a modern perspective to the profession. “My success this year is because of a strong and encouraging school community,” she…

Candace Balderas-Miller is one of the few female athletic coordinators in the district, leading the Hillcrest High School Athletic Department with a vision of opportunity, wellness, and athletic success for all students.  Overseeing 18 sports programs, she leads by example as a lifelong learner, inspiring the next generation of student-athletes, especially young girls, finding their place in sports. “Sometimes when we think of sports, especially because it is male-dominated, girls may feel like it’s not a place for them,” she said. “I hope that when any student sees me or interacts with me, they become open to new possibilities, because…

Each year, students from across Dallas ISD prepare for the debate stage, gathering at a workshop for a day of topic understanding and practice.  Hosted by the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance, fifth-grade students have the opportunity to participate in an interactive debate workshop designed to build essential skills for debate.  The overall goal of these preparation sessions is to prepare students for competitive debate and public speaking, honing their confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills both at the workshop and on their home campuses. Another goal is to equip coaches with the resources they need to bring what they learned…