Spotlight: Dallas DeWeese (MO '24)

Dallas DeWeese (MO ‘24) was a Hollister Middle School social studies teacher when he received Missouri’s 2024-25 Milken Educator Award on December 19, 2024. Below, Dallas reflects on his work at the school, where he integrated social studies with English, science, and math, creating a rich, interdisciplinary environment that inspired student engagement and fosters essential real-world skills. He brings this same spirit to his new role as assistant principal at Hollister Early Childhood Center within the same district.

Milken Family Foundation: How did you feel at your Milken Educator Award notification?

At first, I was nervous because no one had any idea what the assembly was about. We knew Commissioner Eslinger was coming to our school, but that was the only detail we had. The gym was set up beautifully. Dignitaries from the community, Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning (ATLL) members from Missouri State—I knew this assembly was going to be important. What I didn’t know was that it would be a life-changing moment in both my professional and personal life. I was in disbelief, shock, and was honored to be selected as a Milken Educator. I will never forget that day and the people I was able to celebrate with.

MFF: How did students respond to your Milken Award?

At first, they joked about whether I’d spare them a couple of dollars. After a while, several current and former students told me I was deserving of the Award. What touched me most were the students interviewed by our local newspaper who shared why they thought I deserved it. I was brought to tears reading their comments.

MFF: What made you want to pursue a career in education?

I knew in high school that I wanted to be a coach. I had many coaches who made a difference in my life, and I wanted to do the same for future generations. My mom is the one who nudged me to become an educator. She told me I had a natural talent for connecting with kids. I saw the impact she made in the lives of her students as a business teacher and counselor. She still has people come up to her to this day thanking her for what she did for their lives. I want every student to feel supported and valued. Education allows me to fulfill my professional and personal mission statement: “Building Others. Serving Others. Loving Others.”

MFF: Your holistic approach integrates social studies with English language arts, science, and math to create a multifaceted learning experience. Can you share a specific example of how this teaching method has impacted student engagement and understanding?

In the classroom, my goal is to make learning fun, engaging, and meaningful. For example, in one of my units, students create travel brochures about a country of their choice. They research its geography, climate, landforms, waterways, culture, religion, government, and more. Instead of me being the direct instructor, I provide students with the rubric and resources they need. It gives them the opportunity to become experts on the country they’ve selected. I love hearing, “Coach, did you know … ?” because I learn something new every time. While they’re researching, they’re also using ELA skills such as reading, identifying key vocabulary and finding supporting details. It might seem simple, but I’ve had students who previously disliked social studies become eager to learn more.

MFF: Under your leadership, student council enrollment nearly quadrupled, and students developed real-world skills through projects like the Tiger Coffee Shop. What do you think are the key factors that motivate students to participate so actively, and how do you foster that enthusiasm?

It’s taken time, learning from my mistakes, and the support of my colleagues to get the student council to where it is today. Students want to join because of the activities and opportunities we’ve created. Our goal is to develop leaders within our school and community—whether it’s through school events, school spirit or providing services for our peers. The enthusiasm is a collective effort. The people in our building—teachers, administrators, administrative assistants, lunch staff, and more—support the initiatives created by the student council. That creates a trickle-down effect where students want to participate. We’ve achieved so much this year, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

MFF: What does “success” look like for you and your students in life?

Success, to me, is knowing that students feel welcomed and excited to come to school. When students are present, they’re receiving the content and care they need to be successful. Students may be a small fraction of our population, but they are 100% of our future.

MFF: Who are your role models in teaching?

My mom. She has a heart for students and has inspired me to do the same. Rhonda Snowden has been in education for over 25 years. She loves her students and treats them like her own children. I’ve also been blessed to work with so many wonderful teachers and administrators throughout my career.

MFF: How do you hope to be remembered by your students?

I want students to remember how much I cared for, loved and supported them. After they graduate, I hope they know they’ll always have someone they can contact if they need help.

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

Currently, I am transitioning into a new role as assistant principal at the Early Childhood Center under the direction of Mrs. [Amy Jo] Kilgore. I’m looking forward to this wonderful opportunity and learning from her leadership. I’m also excited to work with the incredible teachers and staff who serve our youngest learners at the foundational level of our district. Lastly, I’m working on my dissertation for my educational leadership degree at Evangel University and hope to defend it this fall!