The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and that means educators across the globe are still finding inventive and innovative ways to support and teach students in classrooms, during hybrid instruction, and in virtual settings.
The eSchool Media K-12 Hero Awards program, sponsored by Trox, recognizes the determined and dedicated efforts of educators throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Never before have educators been challenged and tested as they were, beginning in March 2020 and up until today, and never before has their resilience been more apparent. Administrators, technology leaders, classroom teachers, and educators in all roles have persevered as they taught each and every one of their students during a global pandemic.
Here, eSchool News highlights Fort Worth Independent School District–one of its K-12 Hero Awards finalists. Keep reading to discover how this district keeps learning going in the middle of a global pandemic.
Nominee: Fort Worth Independent School District
Nominated by: Xello
What makes this nominee a hero?
Dr. Tonni Grant is a Postsecondary Success Coordinator within the Collegiate Programming and Advisement Department for the Fort Worth Independent School District. She has more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and coordinator at the campus and district levels.
In her role as a postsecondary success coordinator, Dr. Grant works directly with counselors and postsecondary success specialists, who in turn work one-on-one with students on advanced academics, Texas’ College, Career, and Military Readiness requirements, college and program applications, and more.
Reaching every student in a large urban district with 87,000 students is a formidable assignment, but the district achieves it using Go Centers staffed by college and career readiness coaches.
Over the past year, when the district hasn’t been able to rely on Go Centers, Dr. Grant and her team have exhausted all forms of communication to keep students future-focused. As the whole world went virtual, she found unique ways to continue engaging with students and achieved amazing work on creating post-secondary plans. This includes putting in extra hours, focusing on 1:1 interactions, and in some cases, home visits.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties faced over the past year, Dr. Grant has helped students in her district continue to chart their path toward the future.
Dr. Grant shines as a leader among the many districts we work with and is making an incredible difference in the lives of her students. She is a tireless advocate for the best possible tools and resources to help in her district, and we very much value her input as we strive to make Xello the best possible college and career readiness platform. What we love most about Dr. Grant is that her work doesn’t end in her district. She is committed to helping other district leaders implement similar programs, and is always very willing to share her insights, knowledge and expertise through guest speaking opportunities, presentations, roundtables and more. She is a true collaborator and a humble leader who is shaping the lives of students in her own school district and far beyond.
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