Dallas ISD’s top educators and school leaders take center stage as 22 finalists emerge across all trustee districts, highlighting a diverse tapestry of teaching excellence and leadership dedication
Dallas, Texas – In a grand nod to educational excellence, the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has unveiled the finalists for its prestigious Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Principal of the Year (POY) awards. Held during the illustrious third annual “Winner’s Circle Celebration,” this announcement marks a significant moment for the educators and leaders who have shown exceptional dedication and impact across the district.
This year’s lineup features 15 TOY and 7 POY finalists, a group that highlights the diverse talents and backgrounds spanning all nine trustee districts of the DISD. These finalists represent the very best of educational leadership and pedagogical expertise, setting a high standard for their peers and promises for their students.
The selection process brings into the spotlight three categories for both teachers and principals: Elementary, Secondary, and Choice/Magnet schools. For the Elementary Teacher of the Year, the finalists include Smriti Adhikary from Margaret B. Henderson Elementary School, George Hardeman of Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary School, and Netallia Rush from Ronald E. McNair Elementary School. Each has been recognized for their innovative teaching methods and ability to inspire young minds.
In the Secondary category, the finalists are Monica Robinson of Robert T. Hill Middle School, Tracy Scott from W. E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy, and Bernardo Velez Rico at North Dallas High School. These educators have been pivotal in shaping the academic landscape for their students, preparing them for the challenges of higher education and beyond.
The Choice/Magnet schools also boast a trio of remarkable teachers: Patricia Cortez from the School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove, Rachael (Reed) Esquivel of the Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Academy at James W. Fannin, and Yvonne Morgan from the School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. Their specialized programs and dedication to niche educational paths have set a benchmark in specialized education.
On the leadership front, the finalists for Elementary Principal of the Year are Beverly Mullins Ford of Anne Frank Elementary School and James Wallace from K. B. Polk Center for Academically Talented and Gifted. The Secondary Principal of the Year category features Stephanie Amaya of W. H. Adamson High School and Joseph Pouncy from Skyline High School, while the Choice/Magnet POY finalists include Channel Hutchinson from New Tech High School at B. F. Darrell and Olivia Santos at Solar Preparatory School for Girls.
The “State of the District” event, slated for May 6, 2024-2025, will be the stage where the winners of these categories will be announced. Notably, the Dallas Education Foundation has continued its partnership with Reliant, securing them as the title sponsor for the second consecutive year. The event not only aims to spotlight these distinguished finalists but also to provide them with monetary awards ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, underscoring the district’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding educational excellence.
As the DISD community and its supporters look forward to the “State of the District” event, the anticipation builds not just for the announcement of the winners, but for the celebration of the profound impact these educators and leaders have on the young minds they shape.
