KINGSVILLE (October 30, 2024) — Future teachers will be receiving enhanced support and services through the College of Education and Human Performance at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) thanks to a $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen the Educator Preparation Program (EPP). The grant, Empowering Educators: A Comprehensive Approach to Educator Preparation Program Enhancement, was funded under the Hawkins Program, a unique initiative that aims to bolster comprehensive, high quality, state-accredited teacher preparation programs. It achieves this by establishing centers of excellence, particularly in Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) and others.
The grant leads are Sandra I. Burgos, coordinator of special programs; Dr. Linda Villarreal, interim dean of the College of Education and Human Performance; Dr. Sonia A. Perez, director of Educator Preparation Program Services; Dr. Rolando Garza, director of the Center for Academic Technology; and Dr. Agnes Flores, executive director of Title V Programs and Initiatives.
Part of the funding brings the development of the Javelina Virtual Student Success Hub, Burgos said. “We have the opportunity to empower students with essential resources, such as tutoring, webinars, videos, practice exams and invaluable test-taking skills, all conveniently accessible through an online platform.
“These tools will effectively prepare them to excel in their state certification exam and set them on the path to success,” Burgos added.
“In our EPP, students will gain exclusive access to valuable resources and insightful course reviews prior to their exams,” she added. “They will have the flexibility to study at their own pace, ensuring thorough preparation for their certification exams. Additionally, they will enjoy full access to all test areas, guaranteeing comprehensive readiness.”
“Our primary focus is on equipping our undergraduate EPP students with the necessary tools for success. However, we are committed to providing comprehensive professional development opportunities for all mentors and student teachers, including cooperating teachers for student teachers,” Burgos said.
“We are honored to receive the Augustus Hawkins Federal Grant,” said Villarreal. “This award will empower us to elevate our education preparation program, ensuring that our future teachers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and passion to make a lasting impact on the lives of students.”
“With this support, we will invest in innovative approaches that foster a more effective teaching profession. This funding will enable us to strengthen our partnerships with schools and communities, providing our teacher candidates with real-world experiences that prepare them to meet the needs of today’s learners,” she added.
The grant is focused on three main goals, including
- To elevate the quality of the EPP, strengthen the curriculum and assessment, provide an instructional framework and redesign clinical experiences with the latest educational research and best practices;
- To provide professional development for all participants, both teacher candidates and their cooperating teachers; and
- To develop the Javelina Virtual Student Success Center as a pivotal component of our commitment to providing comprehensive support.
The $2,856,477 grant will be distributed to TAMUK over a five-year period that begins this month.
About the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Programs
This distinctive program is designed to increase and retain well-prepared teachers, thereby cultivating a more varied teacher workforce. This workforce will be equipped to educate in our nation’s most underserved elementary and secondary schools, bridging student opportunity and achievement gaps.
The program’s focus spans the entire teaching preparation pipeline, encompassing recruitment, preparation, support, placement, retention and retraining of teachers for and in under-resourced schools to support underserved students.
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