Creating Calm, Comfort, and Focus in the Classroom at Jerry R. Junkins Elementary

(Dallas, TX) — In Stashawn Swist’s special education classroom at Dallas ISD’s Jerry R. Junkins Elementary School, the learning environment itself plays a powerful role in helping students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

With support from a Heart of Teaching grant from the Dallas Education Foundation, Ms. Swist was able to replace aging, worn-down classroom furniture with new desks, flexible seating options, and sensory supports designed to meet the unique needs of her students. The updated space offers students more comfort, stability, and choice—key elements for fostering focus and emotional regulation in a special education setting.

Flexible seating allows students to engage in ways that work best for them, while calming sensory strips provide tactile input that can help students self-regulate throughout the school day. Just as importantly, the grant helped replace seating that was no longer functional, ensuring students have a safe and reliable learning environment that reflects their worth and potential.

“This grant has made a meaningful difference in our classroom,” Stashawn shared. “It’s created a space where students feel more comfortable, supported, and ready to learn.”

Heart of Teaching grants empower Dallas ISD educators to identify real needs in their classrooms and bring thoughtful, student-centered solutions to life. By investing directly in teachers like Ms. Swist, the Dallas Education Foundation helps ensure that every student—especially those with specialized learning needs—has access to an environment where they can thrive.

Learn more about how Heart of Teaching grants are transforming classrooms across Dallas ISD and support innovative educators at dallasedfound.org/donate.