Dallas Teachers Speak
Too many of our finest teachers are leaving the profession, resulting in a void for young people who need adults in their lives who love and care for them. We wanted to do something about this.
In 2018, 29 Pieces launched Dallas Teachers Speak, a citywide art exhibit that strove to change the narrative about teachers.
The project was a joint initiative of 29 Pieces, the University of North Texas at Dallas School of Education, and the Washington, D.C.-based organization Ashoka.
The project asks people in Dallas and beyond to see teachers for who they are: noble change agents on the front lines of positive change and heroes worthy of being celebrated. The project team captured photographic portraits of 165 Dallas ISD teachers for a poster series that asks, “Why do you teach?” and “What do you need?”.
Instead of depicting these individuals as stressed, frustrated and struggling to make ends meet, Dallas Teachers Speak portraits aimed to cast classroom leaders in a new light—literally.
Karen Blessen, co-founder and executive artistic director of 29 Pieces and a Pulitzer Prize winning graphic artist, knows a thing or two about curating artwork that speaks to others. Blessen and the 29 Pieces team had spent the last 14 years bringing arts programs—like The Dallas Love Project, a citywide art exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination—to the Dallas community.
The Dallas Love Project introduced her to Dr. John Gasko, founder of the Emerging Teacher Institute and the dean of the School of Education at the University of North Texas at Dallas. The two formed a dream team: Gasko, whose expertise on teacher education is coveted across the globe, was passionate about meeting the needs of Dallas’ urban public schools. Blessen shared his passion for igniting positive change in Dallas and was eager to promote a conversation about the profession of teaching.
“Dr. Gasko and I had this dream that we work together on something about teachers ... We both wanted to change the narrative.”
In half-hour photo sessions, Blessen, Joe Stokes, a veteran Dallas ISD teacher, and a team of four Dallas ISD graduates, including Maria Patiño, Dolores Mendoza, Elmer Rivas and Hope Trevino, asked selected teachers about their work, their profession, and the challenges they face and overcome, then took a photo of each teacher for the portrait series. Teachers were asked to either wear or bring something that reveals who they are.
“The teachers we talk to are blown away and uplifted by the process,” Blessen noted. “It’s nothing like anything anyone else is doing with teachers. Our goal is to depict the best of each person.”
The project was geographically diverse, with 165 participating teachers and representation from all Dallas ISD trustee districts.
The poster shows a woman with long dark hair who is looking reflectively at the camera. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "I know that I will make an impact on the lives of children. I teach math to help students have better problem-solving skills." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "Support from parents, colleagues and my family". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Jaine Tran. Algebra. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas.", along with logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.'
The poster shows a woman with long dark hair wearing a maroon cardigan and holding a world globe. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "To empower agents of change, helping my students reimagine and redesign the world that they live in." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "Education should be used as a tool of empowerment for students and teachers, rather than a dehumanizing mechanism". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Dhara Lad. World Geography. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a woman wearing hoop earrings and a t-shirt that says, “Teacher Strong.” Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "It’s my purpose, my calling, and I love serving children." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "Creative freedom, support, trust, and fewer required tests to teach my students in a nurturing atmosphere". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Brittany Powell. Pre-AP and AP biology. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a woman with blue-tipped hair, glasses, and pink lipstick wearing a sweater with a bear on it and holding her head in her hand. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "I see myself in my students: economically, socially, emotionally. I want to be who I needed at that age." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "Recognition of art as a valuable life skill. Art teaches us to think, question, & understand our society and ourselves". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Beauty Thibodeau. Art. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a woman smiling and flexing her bicep while wearing a Rosie the Riveter T-Shirt that says, "We Can Do It!" Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "So students see themselves in me - someone who speaks two languages, looks like them and had to break cultural barriers to get to happiness." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "More time, good health (mentally and physically) and gratitude". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Esmerelda Martinez. Spanish & Leadership. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a smiling man with a beard and a checkered shirt holding a slinky so it stretches out to form a U-shape. Near him are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "To make a difference by being the positive black role model that my students need." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "I need parents to spend at least 10 minutes a day talking and/or doing academics with their child". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Jordan Williams. Math & Science. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a smiling woman wearing a red North Face top and holding a what appears to be a sculpture or model of a penguin. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "Because education liberates and promotes equal opportunity. Every student has potential, and this gives me hope." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "People to recognize that all students are individuals, and that their diversity is a benefit". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Autumn Slosser. ESL English One. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a serene-looking woman wearing a large, brightly colored striped scarf. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "To equip young people with critical thinking and communication skills to explore their identities, find their voice, and break down systems of oppression." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "Trust and support to prepare students for the world beyond test scores. Students will face critical questions that aren't multiple choice". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Yuri Lopez. English. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a bearded man wearing a checkered shirt and holding a model of a human skull on top of a thick red book. Next to him are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "Because Theatre encourages students to be thoughtful annd have empathy." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "In order to strengthen our after school programs I need parental involvement". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Joe Borunda. Theatre. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a woman wearing a turquoise, red and green sari and holding a Newton's cradle, which uses swinging metal spheres to demonstrate the conservation of momentum and energy. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "I love lightbulb moments." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "Students. They are my inspiration". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Monalisa Chadha. Physics & Environmental Science. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a woman wearing red lipstick, a gray sweater, and looking down reflectively. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "I teach special education so I can be an advocate for students to show how much a difference they make." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "For my fellow educators to understand that special education is still education and that my students can and do succeed". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Amber Brown. Special Education. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a smiling man wearing a blue polo T-shirt. To his right are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "Because I feel like if I don't, someone will not make their way to success." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "Time for planning, parents who are supportive, and administrators with a teacher's heart". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Willard Pomare. Bilingual Reading. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a woman wearing a knitted red scarf and holding multicolored pens. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "I'm addicted to seeing those 'ah-ha' moments when mathematics changes from mystery to marvel." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "For my students to believe in themselves like I believe in them". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Jill Emery. Algebra. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a woman with gray bangs wearing a checkered shirt, scarf and earrings. Near her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "Teaching is the most honest exchange you can have with another human. The journey to discovery is hope for our future." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "I need working technical theatre equipment (lighting, sound, etc.) that is well maintained so my students can continue to train". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Elizabeth Garrett. Theatre. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a woman wearing a baseball cap, pendant earrings, and an olive T-shirt with a tattoo of a woman's face with flowers on her arm. Next to her are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "I teach US History because you must know our past in order to change the future." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "Parents to be just as involved with their children, or even more, in high school as they were in middle school". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Daisy Rivera. US History. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a man wearing an army uniform with ribbons and medals smiling and pointing. Next to him are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "Hopefully I can make a difference and have some impact on the lives of our youth of today." and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "To continue encouraging students to do all they can with all that they have to make a difference also". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Gerald Prudhomme. JROTC. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
The poster shows a man with glasses wearing a gray shirt and black tie. Next to him are two large quotes that read, "Why do I teach?" followed by the response, "To help students learn to think for themselves and to become life-long learners.", and "What Do I Need?" followed by the response, "More time to plan and collaborate.". At the bottom of the poster is the text "Phoumy Keonine. Chemistry. Go to teach.UNTdallas.edu to respond to your call to teach in Dallas," and logos for the Emerging Teacher Institute of UNT Dallas, 29 Pieces, and Ashoka.
Blessen hoped Dallas Teachers Speak could show Dallas how much we need talented teachers, how the community can support them, and will encourage future talented young people to enter the profession.
“What can we learn from the rock stars, and how can we make and nurture future rock stars?” she asks.
