Media Contact: Cherie Yurco;
CMYurco@DallasCollege.edu
For immediate release — March 18, 2024
(DALLAS) — Dallas College continues to lead the way when it comes to preparing the future education workforce.
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has commended Dallas College’s School of Education as an “innovator” for its educator preparation program (EPP). Dallas College is the only community college to receive this recognition.
“This commendation from the SBEC is a tremendous honor. It’s a testament to our entire team — administrators, faculty and staff — for helping establish a high-quality education program from day one,” said Dr. Robert DeHaas, vice provost, Dallas College School of Education. “We also thank our students who trusted a new program to position them for successful careers in the teaching industry.”
The SBEC described its innovator category for EPPs that “go above and beyond seeking new pathways in preparing candidates for educator preparation.” Dallas College has fit the bill since implementing its bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education with its first graduating class in Spring 2023.
Dallas College’s School of Education has a mission to equip future educators so all children can thrive. In doing so, the education program prepares future educators to be classroom-ready on day one.
This initiative has included developing deep partnerships with school systems; embedding high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) throughout the coursework and clinical settings; and supporting faculty in changing roles from the traditional faculty member to one that supports future teachers through practice-based teaching centered around HQIM, observation, coaching and feedback.
School systems across the state are embedding HQIM to support equitable outcomes for all students and to make the work of a teacher more manageable.
Additionally, a core group of Dallas College faculty members have participated in TeachingWorks’ practice-based teaching workshops and coaching institutes. They learned how to incorporate rehearsals to provide teacher candidates with opportunities in class to practice key teaching skills.
“Dallas College has a rich history of innovating and adapting our educational offerings to meet employer needs and to equip our students with the in-demand skills they need to thrive in their local communities,” said Sara DeLano, Dallas College dean for educator pathways and teacher preparation. “The School of Education is building on this rich history by centering the training of our aspiring educators to the needs of local school systems.”
The program has been well received by students. One graduate from the inaugural class, Pricila Cano Padron, described her experience in the program: “It’s helped me so much and provided me with my first big, real job. The professors, staff, everyone has been amazing. It’s been a wonderful ride.”
Dallas College recently received a 2024 Innovation Award from D CEO and Dallas Innovates for its education program.
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