This November marks ten years since City Teaching Alliance planted its roots in Dallas. Ten years since we began the journey of preparing, supporting, and sustaining educators deeply committed to serving the students and communities of this region. As we celebrate this milestone, I find myself reflecting on the transformation that has taken place—not just within our organization, but within classrooms, schools, and communities across Dallas–Fort Worth.
When City Teaching Alliance launched in Dallas in 2015, we were guided by a simple but powerful belief: that every child deserves an excellent, culturally responsive educator who sees, hears, and values them. Over the past decade, we’ve worked to make that belief a reality—one Fellow, one classroom, one partnership at a time. Today, more than 70,000 students have been taught by educators prepared through our program. We’ve partnered with over 50 schools across the region and supported more than 370 alumni who are leading from the classroom, serving as instructional coaches, deans, assistant principals, and system leaders. Together, we’ve proven what’s possible when we invest in people; when we build a community of educators who are not just skilled, but deeply grounded in equity, responsiveness, and community.
Honoring the Educators Who Made It Possible
At the heart of this work are the educators themselves—the Fellows, Host Teachers, and Instructional Coaches who bring courage, creativity, and care to every classroom. Their dedication reminds us daily that teaching is more than a profession; it’s a calling. Every coaching session, lesson plan, and classroom observation has helped build a community of educators who are skilled, equity-centered, and deeply connected to their students and neighborhoods.
To our Clinical Faculty, Instructional Coaches, and Regional Team: thank you. Your dedication to this mission has shaped the DNA of our Dallas site. Every campus visit, classroom observation, coaching cycle, coursework session, and late-night planning session has been a brick in the foundation of what we’ve built together.
The Power of Partnership
None of this work happens in isolation. Our impact has been magnified by the power of partnership—districts, charter networks, funders, universities, and community organizations who believe, as we do, that preparing and retaining high-quality educators is the most powerful lever for equity in education.
Since 2016, Dallas ISD, Uplift Education, and other partners have opened their doors to CTA Fellows, helping them translate theory into practice in real classrooms. Our funders—like the Hirsch Family Foundation, Texas Instruments, Harold Simmons Foundation, and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas—have sustained this work with unwavering belief in our mission. And our advisors and partners–like the Dallas Consortium for Teacher Excellence and Center for Transformative Alternative Preparation Pathways (CTAPP) have helped deepen our regional impact, expand our network, and ensure our efforts are responsive to the unique needs of the communities we serve. Together, we’ve built more than a program—we’ve built an Alliance, a community dedicated to transformation in education.
What We’ve Learned Along the Way
If the past ten years have taught us anything, it’s that real change takes time, courage, and community. We’ve learned that the best preparation happens when teachers are not only trained in instructional and pedagogical best practices but also invited to reflect deeply on their identity, their biases, and their relationship to the communities they serve. We’ve learned that culturally responsive teaching is not an “add-on”—it is the foundation of effective teaching.
In the words of Gloria Ladson-Billings, it is “good teaching!” And we’ve seen how quality mentorship and belonging communities can transform not only the Fellow experience but the mentors and communities themselves, creating a ripple effect of growth across schools and systems. We’ve also learned that wellness, belonging, and self-efficacy matter just as much as curriculum and pedagogy. Educators who feel valued and supported are the ones who stay and thrive. As a researcher and advocate for holistic educator development, I am proud that City Teaching Alliance–Dallas continues to lead in this work.
Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years
As we look to the future, our vision is bold. The next decade will be defined by sustainability, innovation, and impact. We will continue to deepen our partnerships with districts and universities, expand our Local Advisory Board, and strengthen our community engagement efforts. We are also committed to growing our alumni network, ensuring that the more than 370 Dallas-trained educators continue to shape the educational landscape as teachers, coaches, and leaders. We will continue to support teachers holistically through mentorship, professional development, and leadership pathways— cultivating a new generation of educators who reflect the brilliance, diversity, and resilience of Dallas itself.
A Heart Full of Gratitude
To every educator who has been part of this journey—thank you for your commitment to our students and communities. To our partners and supporters, thank you for believing in the power of this work. To our team, thank you for your consistency, courage, and compassion. As I reflect on this ten-year milestone, I am filled with deep gratitude and an even deeper sense of purpose. The work ahead is not easy, but it is necessary, and it is sacred. Together, we will continue to prepare, support, and sustain educators who teach lessons and change lives.
Whether you’re a teacher ready to join our fellowship, a school looking to partner with us, or a donor who wants to invest in equitable education, there’s a place for you in this next chapter. Get involved and help shape the future of Dallas classrooms.
Contact us here: alexes.terry@cityteachingalliance.org
Here’s to the next ten years of impact, innovation, and transformation—in action.
With gratitude and hope,
Dr. Alexes M. Terry
Executive Director, Dallas
City Teaching Alliance
