First African American man to ever win Texas Teacher of the Year, Eric Hale is a first-grade teacher at Burnet Elementary School in Dallas.
Hale has won numerous accolades and appeared in February on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
He is well known for his innovative teaching methods, which include using music to make studying more fun.
Hale told NBC News, “We use a lot of music in my classroom. “I can teach my kids how to do anything, “If I can keep my kids energized and keep them engaged
One of the most outstanding teachers in the Dallas Independent School District has been Hale.
Hale has been one of the most outstanding teachers in the Dallas Independent School District.
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In fact, Hale has scored an average of 95% passing on all exams in the last five years.
Now, Hale was named Texas Teacher of the Year, the first Black man to do so since the program started honoring excellent teachers since 1969.
He was one of the six finalists for this year’s award, completing their final round of interviews mid-September.
Burnet Principal Sonia Loskot congratulated him in a post on social media, saying the entire school as well as the parents are proud of his achievement.
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In a video, Hale proclaimed, “You can do it to all those people out there that are looking to make a difference, that are thinking about going into education.
“I also want to call attention to children who live in trauma and poverty… Any objective can be achieved with effort. I’m here because I believe in God, so that’s why.
Hale will now represent the entire state of Texas in the National Teacher of the Year competition as the Texas Teacher of the Year.
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FAQs:
Who is Eric Hale, and what historic milestone did he achieve?
A: Eric Hale is a first-grade teacher at David G. Burnet Elementary in Dallas Independent School District. On September 30, 2020, he was named the 2021 Texas Teacher of the Year—making him the first Black male ever to win the state-level award since its inception in 1969.
What makes his teaching style unique and effective?
A: Hale incorporates music, rap, and DJing into classroom instruction to engage students—referring to them as “scholars” and keeping standards high. His methods helped students achieve an average 95% exam passing rate over five years, despite many facing poverty and language barriers.
Why is his recognition in 2020 particularly significant?
A: Not only is the honor a first for a Black man, but Hale has spent years working with students from low-income, often Hispanic households who face challenges like trauma and limited resources. His lived experience of poverty allows him to deeply connect with and support his students emotionally and academically.
What broader impact has Eric Hale had beyond the classroom?
A: Hale founded the Be Your Own Hero mentoring initiative and supports the Black Men Teach campaign, aimed at recruiting more Black male educators in elementary schools. He also creates YouTube videos for summer learning and stays in close contact with families through social media platforms to support students beyond school hours.
What recognition has he received apart from the Texas award?
A: In addition to being named 2021 Texas Teacher of the Year, Hale has received multiple accolades:
Dallas ISD Teacher of the Year (2019–2020)
Momentous Institute Teacher of the Year (2019–2020)
Teach For America DFW Elementary Teacher of the Year (2018–2019)