A Dallas school security officer is transforming father involvement through a national mentorship program that is spreading across the district.
Joseph Thomas launched an All Pro Dad chapter at Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School, providing a model for engaging fathers in their children’s education. The initiative addresses a critical need in communities where father figures are often absent. By providing practical parenting tools and regular support, Thomas aims to strengthen family bonds throughout Dallas ISD.
All Pro Dad, launched nationally in 1997, uses a sports draft model to encourage father engagement. The program sends daily one-minute parenting emails and hosts monthly breakfast meetings before school.
“I was inspired by my college classmate, a former NFL player who also started an All Pro Dad chapter,” Thomas said. “I felt like this was the platform we needed in Dallas ISD.”
Thomas’s personal experience drives his mission. Growing up without a father shaped his determination to be present for others.
His son Jayvon exemplifies the program’s impact. The 2023 South Oak Cliff High School graduate won two state football championships before securing a Name, Image, and Likeness deal with Texas A&M University.
“We decided to collaborate. My son understands that I grew up without a father,” said Thomas. “Jayvon gives back by using portions of his NIL money to fund breakfast for the program, and I do all of the groundwork.”
The father-son partnership earned national recognition in April. All Pro Dad honored them at a Texas A&M home game for their community impact.
Still, Thomas sees beyond traditional mentorship. He’s addressing men’s health through wellness clinics led by the school nurse, recognizing that longevity matters as much as presence.
“I realized that I can’t be an all-pro dad if I am not healthy,” he said. The program now includes discussions about heart health and silent symptoms that fathers might ignore.
Thomas’s 23-year career in Dallas ISD spans multiple schools. His influence has sparked a district-wide collaboration with Partnership and Volunteer Engagement Services and the Dallas ISD Police and Security Services Department.
Although the Notre Dame graduate’s athletic dreams didn’t materialize professionally, his university experience prepared him for community service through education.
“I am preparing my son to take on the mantle and continue the work that I have already started,” Thomas said.
The succession plan ensures the program’s sustainability beyond one person’s efforts.
Monthly meetings serve dual purposes: practical parenting guidance and celebration of fathers’ contributions. These gatherings create community among men who might otherwise feel isolated in their parenting journey.
“I hope that the students learn the skills they need in life,” Thomas said. “I want to give them a good foundation so when they are faced with hard times, they know that they will be okay and that they are equipped to continue their education and make the world a better place.”
That vision extends throughout Dallas ISD as more schools adopt the model. What started at one elementary school now represents a broader movement to redefine father involvement in education.