Dina Baalbaki
Dina Baalbaki is the French teacher at Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas.
Each year, she organizes and leads educational trips that connect directly to what they learn in class, preparing ahead of time by learning culture, key places and useful language for the destination.
This includes a recent trip to Greece, visiting places like Nafplio, Athens and Tolo. “What really stood out was how students adapted to daily life, trying new foods, interacting with locals, and just learning how to navigate a new place together,” Baalbaki said. “You could really see their confidence grow day by day. No matter what is taught in class, nothing can truly replace the exposure to the real-world, and what comes with it.”
What qualities make you deserving of this award?
The level of intention and care I bring to both my teaching and the travel experiences I create for my students. I don’t see these trips as just opportunities to visit new places, but as meaningful extensions of the classroom where students can truly grow.
Even though I teach French, my classroom has become for 17 years now, a space where students from all backgrounds, and even those who are not in French class, feel safe, welcomed, and a true sense of belonging. It’s not unusual to see students helping each other, whether it’s reviewing for a French exam or even supporting each other in other classes. That sense of community naturally carries over into our travel experiences, where students continue to support one another while navigating new environments.
What matters most to me is the impact on my students. I’ve seen them come back more confident, more open-minded, and more engaged, not just in language learning, but in how they see the world. Watching them step out of their comfort zones and succeed in new environments is what drives me to keep creating these experiences for them.
What is a major highlight from your student travel experiences?
As a French educator, I’ve seen students gain confidence, independence, and curiosity in ways that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom. I’ve watched them take risks, communicate in real situations with locals, people on the bus they just met, on a flight, at the airport, and connect emotionally to what they’ve learned.
Because I speak five languages, my students also see me interact with people around the world during our trips. What stands out to them isn’t just the language; it’s the way we connect: the gestures, the tone, the effort, even when it’s not perfect. They begin to understand that communication goes beyond words, and it bring people together!
What I’m most passionate about is the transformation. Students return not just with memories, but with a broader worldview, a deeper sense of empathy, and a stronger belief in themselves.
Do you have any memorable moments from your travels?
On my very first educational tour, I had two girls who were extremely shy. By the end of the trip, they were confidently ordering food for themselves, and one of them, who is gluten-allergic, began advocating for herself when speaking to restaurant staff. It was incredible to witness their transformation and how exposure and support helped them bloom.
On my most recent trip to Greece, I had a student who was naturally introverted. By the end of the trip, he proposed singing in front of the group and even helped students from other groups who were on the same bus, supporting them and making connections across our larger traveling community. Seeing this kind of personal growth, students stepping out of their comfort zones and thriving is truly unforgettable and what drives me to continue creating these experiences.
Photo courtesy of Dina Baalbaki.