The district’s Leader Excellence, Advancement and Development program wants teachers and instructional coaches to know that the district has three university principal prep program partnerships, of which two are currently accepting applications. The district offers partial tuition reimbursement for participants who are selected into one of these programs. One of the goals of the LEAD program is to grow high-potential teachers and instructional coaches as rising leaders for the district, ensuring that year after year, each school has an effective leader.

Winter break is the perfect time to apply for the two master’s degree principal prep programs whose deadlines are approaching.

University of Texas at Austin—Texas Principal Leadership Academy

Application deadline: Wednesday, Jan. 15

Program Highlights:

• Fast-tracked 12-month program resulting in an M.Ed in Educational Leadership and Policy with principal certification
• 12-month residency with hands-on training as a leadership intern under the guidance of a mentor principal
• Classes take place in Austin, online and in the Dallas area

For more information and to apply, visit education.utexas.edu/principal

Southern Methodist University—Aspiring Leaders Program

Application deadline: Monday, Feb. 17

Program Highlights:

• Two-year program resulting in an M.Ed in Urban Educational Leadership with principal certification
• Second year residency under the guidance of a mentor principal and on-the-job support and coaching from Teaching Trust staff

For more information and to apply, visit smu.edu/urbanleader

University of North Texas at Dallas—Future Leaders Academy

The application window is not yet available.

Program Highlights:

• 18-month program resulting in an M.Ed in Educational Leadership with principal certification
• Classes held at a central Dallas ISD location
• Internship course taught by Dallas ISD leaders

For more information, email LEAD@dallasisd.org

Dallas ISD’s United Way employee giving campaign is underway, and it’s a chance to support the many United Way programs that directly benefit district students and families.

Here are some thoughts from Dallas ISD employees on why they support the United Way employee giving campaign:

“I give to United Way because it has been such a big help to so many people. There have been children and teachers in my school who have received help from United Way.” — Alpher Garrett-Jones, principal of Charles Rice Learning Center

“I think the importance of giving to United Way is not measured by money or by a number, but it’s measured by the impact it has on somebody’s life.” — Raul Pena, executive director of Molina High School feeder pattern

“I feel like we are all connected together as a community and we do better as a whole if everybody is at their best. So, when somebody struggles, we all suffer, and it’s important to build everybody up and bring everybody together.” — Kristin Parr, GIS analyst

The Dallas ISD United Way employee giving campaign goal is $80,000. To learn how you can support the goal, contact your campus or department United Way coordinator, or visit the United Way webpage.

Don’t miss the fun and excitement of the 2017 Oncor Mayor’s Race 5K on Saturday, Dec. 9!

Dallas ISD students and staff can participate at no cost. Watch a cool video above from last year’s event, and find information and register here: tiny.cc/mayor5k2017.

Rogelio Garcia, a fifth-grade teacher at Adelfa Botello Callejo Elementary, says he became a teacher by luck.

After volunteering at a school, Garcia developed a passion for education and a motivation to impact students.

“Teaching is not a job, it’s like going to school again,” said Garcia. “I get paid to do what I love the most … helping children.”

After 18 years of teaching, he will get to see some of his first year students graduating from college at the end of this school year! As we conclude our observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, we salute Rogelio Garcia for his dedication to Dallas ISD students!