Each year, schools in the Dallas Independent School District select one teacher for the Teacher of Promise honor—an award that recognizes educators within their first three years of teaching who excel in the classroom and impact their school community.
This year, we’re proud to celebrate two of our own: Skylar Gitlin (Cohort 2021) and Andrea Romero Rodriguez (Cohort 2023), who were each named Teacher of Promise at their respective schools. This honor is a reflection of the meaningful contributions they have already made and the strong foundation they’re building for long, meaningful careers in education.
Meet Skylar Gitlin, Teacher of Promise at Peeler Elementary
When Skylar found out she had been named Teacher of Promise, she felt a deep sense of affirmation. “It is such an honor,” she shared. “It’s nice to know that others see potential in me and value the work I’m doing.”
Skylar’s path to teaching was inspired by the educators who believed in and supported her. Their care stuck with her and she knew she wanted to be that kind of person for others. Now, as an educator herself, she is exactly that for her students.
Inside the classroom, Skylar brings intentional, differentiated instruction that meets students where they are and is tailored to their individual needs—an approach she credits to her experience in the City Teaching Alliance pathway.
“I’ve learned to use data and student work to drive instruction, plan purposeful scaffolds, and ensure all students have access to rigorous content. These skills have made me a more reflective and responsive educator. This has been an incredibly important skill to have, as I have transitioned from being a first grade teacher, to being an inclusion teacher.”
Through the program’s structure, coaching, and hands-on training Skylar has grown into a dynamic, student-centered educator with the tools to confidently lead a classroom, advocate for students, and meaningfully contribute to school culture.
“City Teaching Alliance has helped me learn how to use my voice to speak up, ask questions, and push for the support and resources my students need to thrive,” she says.
But Skylar’s leadership extends beyond academics. She serves as co-chair of her school’s Sunshine Committee, leading creative initiatives to boost staff morale. She also co-founded a run club at her school in memory of a beloved gym teacher who passed away from pancreatic cancer. Through the club, she leads the school in raising awareness for pancreatic cancer and promotes wellness among the students and staff.
Whether supporting students, lifting up fellow educators, or bringing her school community together, Skylar embodies what it means to transform communities.
Meet Andrea Romero Rodriguez, Teacher of Promise at Hogg New Tech Center
Before becoming a teacher, Andrea worked at a government job in Mexico where she witnessed the harsh reality of systemic violence. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for education and led her to reflect on the role that education plays in resisting oppression.
“Over time, I realized that there’s nothing more powerful than fostering critical thinking and encouraging others to question their surroundings. Teaching became my way of empowering others and creating change.”
When Andrea decided to become a teacher and join City Teaching Alliance, she was reassured to find a program that believed in and welcomed her.
As a new migrant to the U.S., gaining credibility can be incredibly difficult. People don’t always give you the chance to prove yourself,” she shares.
“City Teaching Alliance believed in me from the beginning. They welcomed me into a diverse, mission-driven community and exposed me to perspectives, cultures, and people I might not have encountered otherwise. That support and opportunity have played a huge role in my development as an educator.”
Andrea is deeply committed to building relationships with students and families, creating a classroom rooted in trust. She approaches teaching as a shared journey, where every relationship is an opportunity for partnership.
“I make it a point to reach out—not just when there’s a concern, but when students meet goals or make thoughtful decisions. When families see that level of care and investment, they respond with trust. That trust becomes the foundation for real accountability and partnership.”
Inspired by her own educational journey, Andrea is already looking beyond the classroom as she hopes to create after-school programs for both students and parents, focused on topics like building non-violent households, feminist perspectives, and cultural visibility.
Congratulations again to Skylar and Andrea on this incredible achievement. Your stories reflect our mission to develop educators who are not only excellent instructors but also changemakers within their communities. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!