The moment you step into fifth-grade math teacher Dominique Donald’s classroom at Hempstead Elementary School, you immediately feel her energy and excitement. From the moment her students come into her classroom to the last few minutes of the school day, Donald’s students are engaged, challenged, and inspired. Beyond math lessons, something more powerful is happening. Confidence is being built, curiosity is being ignited, and the need to learn something new is taking place. For Donald, being bold in the classroom isn’t just a motto.
“Being bold means pushing students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges,” Donald explained. “As educators, we have a responsibility to encourage, motivate, and inspire our students to be their best each day. We must stand firm and bold for them.”
One of the best parts of education is witnessing unforgettable “aha” moments, and Donald lives for them. Whether it’s a student finally mastering a difficult math concept or building the confidence to try again after a setback, she enjoys watching her students grow.
“I empower my students to be fearless in their pursuit of knowledge,” she said. “Seeing their lightbulb go off is everything, but even more special is watching their confidence and love for learning mature. That’s the greatest joy I get from teaching.”
Earlier this year, Donald was awarded a 2026 Be Bold Award for her work during the 2024-2025 school year. 85% of Donad’s 5th-grade students met their STAAR Math growth target.
Her impact reaches beyond a singular school year. Donald has high expectations for her students. She builds strong relationships with her students by fostering courage, resilience, and curiosity, encouraging students to take risks and embrace challenges.
“I want my students to take away my fearlessness, my boldness, and my genuine love for math. But more importantly, I want them to believe in themselves.”
While her teaching style is grounded in traditional strategies, leading instruction at the board from bell to bell with a clear purpose, it’s the relationships she builds that truly set her apart. After nine years, her message to students remains the same, yet powerful.
“Be bold. Dream bigger. Be better than you were yesterday. Have the courage to take risks and stand up for what you believe in.”
Donald hopes to see continued growth across the district through strong leadership, dedicated educators, and support for both students and staff. She notes that the time is now to be bold, continue to rise to break barriers, and defy the odds.
In Donald’s classroom, learning is more than academics. It’s an experience filled with learning, challenge, and transformation. It’s a place where students don’t just learn math strategies; they learn to believe in themselves.
Being Bold - Dominique Donald's Classroom