Alumni Spotlight: Gabriel Hernandez

Gabriel Hernandez, an Algebra 1 teacher at North Dallas High School, was recently recognized by the Cotton Bowl Foundation and College Football Playoff Foundation for his exceptional work in the classroom. He was honored for earning the Exemplary Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designation from the State of Texas and for continuing to work in the classroom after a pandemic and during a teacher shortage. Having graduated from Stanford University in 2018 and receiving his M.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University in 2020, Gabe is currently pursuing his principal certification and is passionate about erasing opportunity and achievement gaps in education.

Gabe’s experiences growing up as a first-generation Latino led him to the classroom and motivate him to fight against systemic issues that hurt students. It was this passion for educational equity that drew him to Leadership ISD in 2019. “I joined Leadership ISD because it seemed like a good way to expand my understanding of education beyond the classroom," Gabe said. "I was curious to learn about how school boards functioned as well as how the district and state defined school accountability.”

He went on to share how his Fellowship experience affects his work in the classroom. “Leadership ISD was my first exposure to education policy and governance, and it helped contextualize my work as a teacher. I also feel like it has equipped me with skills to advocate for my students at the district and state levels. If I ever were to pursue a position on a school board or a career in education policy, I feel like Leadership ISD has given me a solid foundation upon which to build those endeavors.”

Outside of the classroom, you can catch Gabe writing and playing his own music or competing as a professional frisbee golf player. Thank you for making a positive impact on our students in Dallas ISD, Mr. Hernandez!