Monday, May 3, 2021, kicked off National Teacher’s Appreciation Week and Dallas PD began with the recognition of the 2021 Texas Teacher of the Year, Mr. Eric J. Hale. He teaches first and second grades at David G. Burnet Elementary School in Dallas, where 98% of the students live below the national poverty line. Mr. Hale is the first teacher in Dallas ISD to receive this honor and the first African American male in the state! His personal quote reads, “Speak what you seek until you see what you say.”

Mr. Hale has more than ten years of teaching experience and believes his mission is “to make sure that children that are going through poverty and traumatic experiences get the hope they need.” 

On behalf of the Dallas Police Department, Congratulations Mr. Hale; thank you for your dedication to teaching.