Azel James

(Dallas, TX) — The Heart of Teaching is about empowering educators to lead students to successful outcomes—by launching and supplementing classroom programs where funding is limited. Dallas ISD teachers know what their students need, and Dallas Education Foundation is proud to help provide the tools they request to do their best work. Bringing Educator-Led Ideas […]

(Dallas, TX) — Joy, energy, and a shared love of reading filled Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School as students, families, and educators gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a brand-new book vending machine—welcomed in true Kiest style with cheerleaders, student ambassadors, and a drumline that brought the whole campus to life. Dallas Education Foundation was

https://youtu.be/7XinxG7xAbg?si=m1eiGsFItlJGqBpk (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

(Dallas, TX) —Students at Trinidad Garza Early College High School are reaching new heights—literally—thanks to a Heart of Teaching grant awarded to educator Yun Liu. With support from the Dallas Education Foundation, Yun Liu used his Heart of Teaching grant to purchase drones, equipment, and essential resources that allowed her students to compete in their

(Dallas, TX) — Joy, excitement, and a love of reading filled the campus at Jesús Moroles Expressive Arts Vanguard as students, families, and educators gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a brand-new book vending machine. The event was especially meaningful as many students chose to stay after school to participate—earning a book of their own

https://youtu.be/wdGddm9l-4E?si=BtWdjnzZwqBfIO7D (Dallas, TX) — Dallas ISD and the Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) unveiled the district’s first Career Exploration Mobile Lab—a mobile classroom designed to bring hands-on career discovery directly to middle school campuses across Dallas ISD. The lab is a cornerstone of Dallas ISD’s Career Connected Learning approach, building career awareness and readiness from elementary

https://youtu.be/j2p6HzSusHg (Dallas, TX) — In 2025, the Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) celebrated a year filled with powerful moments that reminded us why we show up for Dallas ISD students every day: education has the power to transform lives. From early learning investments and classroom innovation to career exploration and literacy milestones, DEF’s community of supporters

(Dallas, TX) — Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins is proud to support Dallas ISD as a Year-Round “Lifetime of Learning” sponsor, calling the Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) “a great investment” for charitable dollars. In a recent message to the community, Judge Jenkins shared why this work matters to him personally—both as a longtime supporter

October 6, 2025 (Dallas, TX) — The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), in partnership with Walmart, kicked off a new community initiative designed to strengthen family engagement and wellness across the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD). The program, called Walmart Soccer Sparks Saturdays, features a series of weekend events at six Dallas ISD elementary schools.

CTE Summer Learn & Earn Highlights This summer, Dallas ISD CTE Learn & Earn Camps wrapped up their second year—bigger and better than before! Building on the success of BizCamp, we expanded opportunities with VitalsCamp and TechCamp, giving students more ways to gain hands-on career experiences and real-world learning. Through the support of USAA, Dallas