Heart of Teaching grants enrich classroom experiences 

On Aug. 8, the Dallas Education Foundation awarded 51 Dallas ISD teachers Heart of Teaching Grants to fund innovative, teacher-led projects that will enrich classrooms and campuses across the district. 

The Grantee Award Ceremony brought together educators, principals, and district leaders to celebrate bold ideas that, according to DEF, will inspire and transform student learning. From robotics and cheerleading to sensory spaces, theater clubs and gardens, each project reflects the passion and creativity that define Dallas ISD educators.

“Extracurricular activities arewhere students often discover their voice, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging,” said Emily Davis, Grants and Programs manager at the Dallas Education Foundation. “We are honored to support these educators who are creating meaningful opportunities for students to thrive.”

Grants awards were divided into two categories: 17 teachers received the Heart of Teaching Advancing Equity through Innovation in Special Education Grant and 34 teachers received the Heart of Teaching Grant for Elevating Extracurricular Excellence. Each educator will receive up to $2,500 impacting a total of 7,737 students. 

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Heart of Teaching Advancing Equity through Innovation in Special Education grant recipients: 

• Christine Bickers, Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary 

• Toni Cheri Butler, Frank Guzick Elementary School 

• Youngsun Choi, Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School 

• Michell Dukes, E.B. Comstock Middle School 

• Pamela Jenkins, Martin Weiss Elementary School 

• Dora Karim, Barbara Manns High School – DAEP 

• Adriana Perez, Leslie A. Stemmons Elementary School 

• Yizzel Pompa, Leila P. Cowart Elementary School 

• Patricia Reyes, W.H. Adamson High School 

• Rachel Rogerson, W.W. Samuell High School 

• Jennifer Rottkamp, W.H. Adamson High School 

• Shauniesa Sisk, Central Elementary School 

• Stashawn Swist, Jerry R. Junkins Elementary School 

• Jewel Vaughn, Anne Frank Elementary School 

• Lenett Wilson, Adelfa Botello Callejo Elementary School 

• Karen Wood, W.W. Samuell High School 

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Heart of Teaching Grant: Elevating Extracurricular Excellence grant recipients: 

• Emily Allison, Bishop Arts STEAM Academy 

• Bailey Brown, Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy 

• Mark Brunet, Ascher Silberstein Elementary School 

• Jose Cena, Mount Auburn STEAM Academy Elementary School 

• Sara Cram, Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy 

• Sergio de Rozas Barrio, L.O. Donald Leadership Academy 

• Devlin DeCutler, Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management 

• Saraid Driskell, Solar Preparatory School for Boys at John F. Kennedy Learning Center 

• Tim Eastman, L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School 

• Ashley Gallo, Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs 

• Dakecia Hall, Umphrey Lee Elementary School 

• Brittany Hearne, William M. Anderson Elementary School 

• Jakim Jackson, Stephen C. Foster Elementary School 

• Angela Johnson, Royce West Leadership Academy 

• Katharine Joss, Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School 

• Raven LeDay, Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy 

• Jamie Linver, Dallas Hybrid Preparatory 

• Yun Liu, Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School 

• Esmeralda Martinez, Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School 

• Alicia McCowan, E.B. Comstock Middle School 

• Maria Melian, Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School 

• Blake Mokate, Skyline High School 

• Kelley Moore, New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell 

• Martha Mouret-Sanders, San Jacinto Elementary School 

• Maira Perez, Rosemont Upper Campus 

• Lorraine Ramos, Adelfa Botello Cajello Elementary School 

• Carla Renteria, Personalized Learning Preparatory at J.W. Ray 

• Netallia Rush, Ronald E. McNair Elementary School 

• Jonathon Salguero, Thomas Tolbert Elementary School 

• Ana Sepulveda, John Q. Adams Elementary School 

• Gloria Velasquez, San Jacinto Elementary School 

• Anali Vidana, Barbara Jordan Elementary School 

• Jordan Wheatley, John Q. Adams Elementary School 

• Destinee Wilson, North Dallas High School 

“My deepest, most sincere gratitude goes to the Dallas Education Foundation,” said Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Transformation Brian Lusk. “By providing vital programs like the Heart of Teaching grants, you are directly empowering our teachers to innovate, to dream bigger, and to create opportunities that might otherwise remain just dreams.”