The Musers Science Lab at Mount Auburn STEAM Academy. Photo by Renee Umsted.
Four educators from schools in our East Dallas neighborhoods received Dallas Education Foundation’s Heart of Teaching Grants.
The grants were given to 34 Dallas ISD faculty members in total, including:
- Jose Cena from Mount Auburn STEAM Academy Elementary School (adjacent to Samuell-Grand Park)
- Saraid Driskell from Solar Preparatory School for Boys at John F. Kennedy Learning Center (off Henderson Avenue)
- Raven LeDay from Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy (between Ferguson and Peavy Roads)
- Maria Melian from Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School (between Ferguson and Shiloh Roads)
The Heart of Teaching program is in its third year and “supports innovative, educator-led initiatives that reflect the passion and commitment of teachers who go above and beyond to inspire students beyond the classroom,” according to a press release. Grant projects are meant to enhance extracurricular activities and include building chicken coops, coding robots, launching drone teams, producing musicals, promoting school spirit and expanding student media.
“Extracurricular activities are where students often discover their voice, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging,” Dallas Education Foundation grants and programs manager Emily Davis said in the press release. “We are honored to support these educators who are creating meaningful opportunities for students to thrive.”
