Music Engages Dallas ISD’s Students to Learn About Their Roots

By Allana J. Barefield 
Staff Writer 

Thanks to a teacher with a love of music, students at L.V. Stockard Middle School are having the chance to immerse themselves into the craft and learn about their roots. 

Beth Poquette Drews has taught in the Dallas Independent School District for 19 years and says she thought music was a way to engage students. About 10 years ago, she started teaching Modern Band and Mariachi because students wanted to learn more about their culture. 

“I make space in my lessons for my students to compose music, to ensure that their voices are heard and so they see themselves as someone to be celebrated,” Poquette Drews said.

Poquette Drews’ husband, Chris Drews, also teaches Mariachi in his classroom at Stemmons Elementary school. 

“Music is what brought us together, it is being together that strengthens our music and our teaching,” Poquette Drews said. “I am his biggest fan and he is mine.”

Poquette Drews has been honored for her accomplishments in the classroom, receiving the 2020 Paul Bartlett Ré Peace Prize in Career Achievement and the DISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year.