Service Above Self Teacher Awards

Service Above Self Teacher Awards

The purpose of these awards is to call attention to the importance of service in our community.
The awards provides an opportunity to publicly applaud our teachers and to reward those who have demonstrated excellence in their profession by "going the extra mile.”

Nominees for the award are solicited from all Dallas ISD schools. 
Winning recipients each receive a customized engraved plaque, and a cash award from The Rotary Club of Dallas. 
The teacher awards are funded by an anonymous endowment established with the Dallas Rotary Club Foundation.
The proceeds from the investment of the endowment are used to fund the annual awards.
 

2026 Winners

Elementary School - Patricia Cortez

Mrs. Patricia Cortez is a proud Dallas ISD alumni and educator at the School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove. She teaches World Cultures, Texas History, and robotics while creating opportunities for students through extracurricular programs, robotics, and drone competitions. She is especially passionate about expanding access to STEM, supporting bilingual learners, and encouraging girls to become confident leaders in technology. Her work reflects her commitment to giving back to the district and community that helped shape her.

Middle School - Sara Gill

Sara Gill, who started her career with Dallas ISD in 2014, is a 6th grade English Language Arts & Reading teacher at Benjamin Franklin International Exploratory Academy. At Franklin, she holds the responsibilities of ELAR department lead teacher, TEI campus expert, Spelling Bee coordinator, and mentor for new and progressing teachers.
A designated Master Teacher under TEA & TEI, Gill is passionate about helping her students not only grow and close the gaps in reading but also gain confidence and realize their potential. Gill is committed to meeting every student where they are academically, socially, and emotionally, empowering them to reach their goals within and beyond the classroom. 
Gill was honored as the DISD Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2022. Her other accomplishments include being selected as a district 7th grade reading curriculum writer and serving as a lead volunteer at Dream Center Dallas, an organization that equips families with resources and services to meet various needs in Oak Cliff.

High School - Dominique Davis

Dominique Davis is a dedicated high school teacher at Moises E. Molina High School in Dallas 
ISD who believes every student should feel seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full 
potential. Guided by her philosophy, “Be who you needed when you were younger,” she creates a 
classroom where students feel valued and empowered to succeed.
As an Advanced Biology teacher, Dominique achieved a 100% pass rate and is the founder of 
Davis Learning Lab, a tutoring and curriculum company dedicated to helping students thrive. 
She is honored to receive the 2026 Rotary Service Above Self Teacher Award and will continue 
her commitment to education, mentorship, and service

"Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops."
      -Henry Brooks Adams
 
 
IMPORTANT DATES
  • Applications Due: June 2027

  • Awards Luncheon: 

     Wednesday, August 4, 2027; 

            Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Lane 17th Floor, Dallas, Tx 75225.  

            Lunch buffet begins at 11:30am and program starts at noon. 

CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS

  • Performance Over and Above Job Description: Performance of duties in an exemplary and extraordinary manner including activities such as curriculum development, tutoring without compensation, and other support activities.
  • Activities that Benefit the Community: Evidence that the nominee participates in activities or organizations that benefit the community in such a way that it positively affects students.  These activities could include volunteer work in public libraries, homeless shelters and community food banks, as well as services such as reading for the blind and work with adult literacy programs.
  • Activities that Benefit the Disadvantaged or At-Risk Student: Relationships with staff, students and the public that create a positive impact on the learning environment for the disadvantaged or at-risk student.  This might involve counseling potential dropouts and gang members, sponsoring drug abuse programs, unwed mothers, and providing services for handicapped and special learning needs students.
  • Actions Exhibiting Selfless Conduct Toward Others: Evidence that the nominee acts upon a genuine concern for the welfare of others.
  • Examples of Innovation and Creativity in the Classroom: Development of innovative and creative exercises/activities/projects in the classroom and promote student success.
  • Statement of Professional Philosophy: What is the philosophy that drives the nominee's attitudes and actions. 
2026 - 2027
 
SASTA Applications Open May 2027
APPLY