The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025–2026 Heart of Teaching Grant: Elevating Extracurricular Excellence. This year, 34 educators across Dallas ISD have been awarded grants totaling $75,000, directly impacting more than 2,500 students.
Now in its third year, the DEF’s Heart of Teaching grant program supports innovative, educator-led initiatives across Dallas ISD that reflect the passion and commitment of teachers who go above and beyond to inspire students beyond the classroom. From building chicken coops, coding robots, and launching drone teams to producing musicals, promoting school spirit, and expanding student media, the 2025–2026 Heart of Teaching Grant projects will transform extracurricular activities across Dallas ISD. These innovative projects span everything from STEM exploration and cultural clubs to gardening, literacy, arts, and leadership, strengthening connections and opportunities for students in every corner of the district.
“Extracurricular activities are where 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.”
The Dallas Education Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to the 2025–2026 Heart of Teaching Grant recipients and celebrates their commitment to cultivating vibrant, student-centered learning beyond the bell!
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
