The Dallas Education Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026–2027 Heart of Teaching Grants, awarding 30 innovative classroom grants to educators across Dallas ISD.
This year’s program marked a historic milestone for the Heart of Teaching initiative, receiving a record number of applications from educators throughout the district. Selected projects represent every Dallas ISD trustee district, ensuring students across the city will benefit from creative learning experiences designed to inspire academic achievement, engagement, and opportunity.
The Heart of Teaching Grants support educators who are developing innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of their students and school communities. Grants fund projects that expand access to enriching educational opportunities, enhance classroom learning, and create meaningful experiences that help students thrive.
“Dallas ISD educators continue to demonstrate extraordinary creativity, passion, and commitment to student success,” said Mita Havlick, Executive Director of the Dallas Education Foundation. “This year’s record number of applications reflects the incredible innovation happening across our district every day. We are honored to support these educators as they bring transformative ideas directly into their classrooms and communities.”
The 2026–2027 Heart of Teaching Grant recipients include:
- Danelle Adeniji — Early College High School at Skyline — The Legacy of Leaders Symposium
- Emma Arett — Solar Preparatory School for Girls — 2026 Solar Filmmaking Society
- Jesse Bartlett — J.L. Long Middle School — 2026 JL Long Sewing Pathways
- Christine Bickers — Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School — Play & Connect Board Game Club
- Mirshish Boyd — W.H. Adamson High School — 2026 W.H. Adamson: Bricks to Brilliance LEGO Club
- AnaVictoria Braun — Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker — Growing Together: A Family Garden Club
- Brandon Carter — Barbara Jordan Elementary School — 2026 Barbara Jordan Elementary: Little Leaders Enrichment & Leadership
- Jose Cena — Mount Auburn STEAM Academy — Mount Auburn VEX IQ Robotics Program
- Kathy Clark — Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III Global Preparatory Academy — Global Bites
- Aaron Crawford — Young Men’s Leadership Academy at Fred F. Florence Middle School — 2026 YMLA Florence MS Drumline
- Denise De La Cruz — Leila P. Cowart Elementary School — Life Skills Café Club
- Devlin DeCutler — Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center – School of Business and Management — Music Production Course
- Katrina Espinal — Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School — Love Folklorico Club
- Carlos Estrada — Julián T. Saldivar Elementary School — 2026 J.T. Saldivar Elementary: Little Scholars Wellness Club
- Robin Fall — W.H. Adamson High School — 2026 Unified Champions: Inclusive Golf & Simulation Lab Excellence through Extracurriculars
- John Fore — Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs Middle School — Beyond the Classroom: The Jaguar Den Student Enterprise Program
- Amber Holmes-Turner — Hillcrest High School — Panther Leadership Lab: Igniting School Spirit & Student Engagement
- Rebekah Ickes — Lida Hooe Elementary School — 2026 Lida Hooe Elementary School Music Explorers Club
- Allen LaPoint — Celestino Mauricio Soto Jr. Elementary School — 2026 Celestino Mauricio Jr. Elementary School Music Makers
- Maria Malagon — PK Partnerships — 2026 PK Partnerships Little Cheerleaders
- Minerva Morales — Maria Moreno STEAM Academy — Yoga Kids
- Martha Mouret — Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School — 2026 Kiest Performing Arts & Design Club
- Pamela Murtuza — Arturo Salazar Elementary School — 2026 Salazar Green Team
- Julie Nicotra — Moisés E. Molina High School — 2026–2027 Moises E. Molina High School Student Led News Station
- Ramicia Paul — Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy — 2026 Johnson ES Pages to Podcast Club
- Alejandro Rodriguez — Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School — 2026 Edwin J. Kiest Modern Band Project
- Leesonia Rutledge — William Brown Miller Elementary School — 2026 Miller Mic-Drop Literacy: Digital Storytelling
- Debora Vazquez — Thomas L. Marsalis STEM Academy — Roots & Wings: A Sustainable Garden & Hydroponic Co-op
- George Wilcox — South Oak Cliff High School — SOC BBQ Team
- Shinea Wright — Buckner Terrace Montessori — BTM STEM LAB is STEAMING UP!!
Through the Heart of Teaching program, the Dallas Education Foundation continues its mission of accelerating student success by investing directly in Dallas ISD educators and classrooms. Since its inception, the program has empowered teachers to implement impactful projects that foster creativity and student engagement throughout the district.
The Dallas Education Foundation congratulates all 2026–2027 Heart of Teaching Grant recipients and thanks the educators who applied for their dedication to creating innovative learning opportunities for Dallas ISD students.
About the Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, DEF focuses on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving postsecondary success, and championing educators. Learn more at dallasedfound.org and follow @dallasedfound on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Threads, and YouTube.
About Dallas Independent School District
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs, and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
