Department of Curriculum and Instruction News
A&M-Commerce Earns Distinguished TEA Designation for Second Year
A&M-Commerce has earned the Vetted Teacher Residency designation from the Texas Education Agency for the second consecutive year.
The vital distinction means that A&M-Commerce is eligible for state and national grant opportunities in conjunction with local school districts. These districts…
TAMUC Curriculum and Instruction Publication Highlights Faculty Achievements
The April/May edition of C&I Research Spotlights, produced by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, highlights several faculty accomplishments and features an in-depth interview with Professor David Brown, Ph.D.
A prolific researcher and author, Brown has been a…
Two A&M-Commerce Students Receive Aspiring Educator Grants
Two A&M-Commerce education students received Aspiring Educator grants from the Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation (ASTEF), an affiliate of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) International.
Amanda Lueb received a $500 grant and Kayla Taylor received a $1,000 grant.
Amanda LuebKayla Taylor…
TAMUC Students Receive Scholarships from Texas Retired Teachers Foundation
A&M-Commerce students Jesseca Flanagan, Britni Sanchez and Gabriel Cunningham (pictured left to right) each received a $750 scholarship from the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) for the 2022-2023 school year. The funds are intended to reimburse students for certification tests…
A&M-Commerce Personnel, Alumni Honored by Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education
The Texas A&M University-Commerce chapter of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) honored several of the university's personnel and alumni at an awards ceremony on April 30 in the Rayburn Student Center on campus.
Awards and…
TAMUC Faculty Members Selected to Edit State Literacy Education Journal
A&M-Commerce curriculum and instruction faculty members Juan Araujo, Ph.D., Kamshia Childs, Ed.D., Tami Morton, Ph.D., and Laura Slay, Ph.D., are the incoming editors of the Texas Journal of Literacy Education (TJLE) beginning May 15.
The peer-reviewed, biannual publication is the…
A&M-Commerce Alum Named Interim President at SFA
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) named A&M-Commerce alum Steve Westbrook, Ed.D., as interim president of the university.
After joining SFA in 1981, Westbrook served as vice president for university affairs from 2007 to 2020 and filled the role of…
TAMUC Faculty Member Selected to Co-Edit Literacy Journal
Literacy Research and Instruction, the official journal of the Association of Literacy Educators & Researchers, selected A&M-Commerce faculty member Juan Araujo, Ph.D., to serve on its four-member team of editors.
Araujo is an assistant dean and associate professor in the…
A&M-Commerce Curriculum and Instruction Professor Elected to National Board
Members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recently elected A&M-Commerce faculty member Toni Sturdivant, Ph.D., to the organization's governing board.
NAEYC is the world's largest organization of early childhood professionals and is considered a thought-leader…
A&M-Commerce to Host Early Childhood Expert at Two Guest Lecture Events
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce is set to host two opportunities to attend a guest lecture by nationally renowned early childhood expert Sandra Duncan, Ed.D.
Duncan will present, “Teaching Playful Learning: The Experience” on April 18 at…
TAMUC Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Member Discusses Teacher Retention on Radio Program
A&M-Commerce Assistant Professor Sarah Guthery, Ph.D., is featured on a recent episode of the “All Sides with Ann Fisher” talk program on 89.7 FM NPR News in Ohio.
The episode discusses frustration and burnout among American teachers. Host Ann Fisher…
TAMUC Faculty Member Co-Authors Article About Teacher Longevity
Sarah Guthery, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, is co-author of a recent website article titled “How teachers enter the profession affects how long they stay on the job.”
The article discusses how…
A&M-Commerce to Establish National Writing Project of Northeast Texas
Texas A&M University-Commerce is partnering with the National Writing Project (NWP) to establish the National Writing Project of Northeast Texas.
A&M-Commerce will join a network of 170 NWP sites spanning all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S.…
A&M-Commerce Set to Co-Sponsor State Literacy Conference
A&M-Commerce and Texas Woman's University (TWU) will serve as co-sponsors for the 2022 Texas Association for Literacy Education (TALE) Annual Conference on March 4-5 at the Plano Event Center in Plano, Texas.
Juan Araujo, Ph.D., serves as an assistant dean…
TAMUC Curriculum and Instruction Professor Selected as Candidate for National Board
Toni Sturdivant, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, has been selected as a candidate for the governing board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
NAEYC is the world's…
TAMUC Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Member Selected for Research Fellowship
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) has selected Dr. Karyn E. Miller, assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, for the fourth cohort of the AERA-Fellowship Program on the Study of Deeper Learning (AERA-SDL).
Supported by…
A&M-Commerce Hosts Successful Conference for Texas Association of Future Educators
The Texas A&M University-Commerce campus bustled with aspiring young educators recently when the university hosted more than 600 high school students for the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Area 11 conference on Nov. 5.
Established in 1984, TAFE is…
A&M-Commerce Offers Multiple Pathways for Aspiring Latino Educators and Leaders
Texas A&M University-Commerce is committed to growing the number of Latino educators in Dallas ISD and school districts throughout the region.
Rene Martinez, community activist and special assistant to A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin, said Latino educators have a measurable impact…
TAMUC Faculty Thompson Co-authors Child Development and Learning Article
Josh Thompson, Ph.D., professor of early childhood education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, is co-author of a newly published article on the Phi Delta Kappan website. Co-author Zlata Stanković-Ramirez, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of early…
TAMUC Faculty Sinclair Co-authors Pandemic-Related Research
Becky Sinclair, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, is co-author of a research article published online in July, titled, “Preservice teachers' perceptions of learning environments before and after pandemic-related course disruption.”
The research explores changes…
A&M-Commerce Will Shine Blue for World Teachers’ Day
Texas A&M University-Commerce will shine blue again this year, joining campuses across The Texas A&M University System in recognition of World Teachers' Day. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5, prominent buildings across the A&M System will be illuminated…
Multiple TAMUC Faculty Members to be Recognized at Virtual Ceremony
Eight faculty members at A&M-Commerce will be awarded the 2021 Dr. Augustine “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Award in a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
Dean Kimberly McLeod in the College of Education and Human Services will serve as keynote…
A&M-Commerce Education Program Recognized in Top 35 List
EducationDegree.com lists A&M-Commerce as one of the top 35 destinations for educator preparation throughout the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Schools were selected based on academic excellence, high-caliber faculty, student teaching opportunities, reputation and unique opportunities provided to…
A&M-Commerce to Benefit from Renewed ACUE Partnership for Student Success and Equity
The Texas A&M University System announced a three-year continuation of its partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to expand the initiative to promote quality instruction and student success.
The ACUE partners with colleges and universities in…
A&M-Commerce Alum Recognized as Top 100 Leaders in Education
Dr. Mary L. Thomas was recognized with the Top 100 Leaders in Education award at the second Global Forum for Education and Learning (GFEL) event, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 23-25.
In her 45 years…
TAMUC Grad Student Morris Named Red Oak ISD Teacher of the Year
Red Oak ISD recently named A&M-Commerce graduate student Taylor Morris as the district's top elementary school teacher. Along with the title, Morris was surprised to receive a $1,000 honorarium from Baylor Scott & White Health in appreciation of her outstanding…
A&M-Commerce Recognized with Vetted Teacher Residency Distinction
The Texas Education Agency recently designated Texas A&M University-Commerce with the Vetted Teacher Residency distinction along with nine other programs in Texas.
Sherri Harwell, director of the Office of Educator Certification and Academic Services at A&M-Commerce, lead efforts to secure…
Multiple A&M-Commerce Professors to Receive Junior Faculty Award
The A&M-Commerce Faculty Senate and the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education have selected eight outstanding faculty members to receive the 2021 Dr. Augustine “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Award.
The award recognizes A&M-Commerce faculty who exhibit professional excellence.…
A&M-Commerce to Host 2021 TAFE Area 11 Conference
A&M-Commerce will host the 2021 Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Area 11 Conference this fall. The event will be held at the Rayburn Student Center on November 5.
The organization encourages students to learn about careers in education and…
TAMUC Doctoral Student Named Director at Austin ISD
Texas A&M University-Commerce doctoral student Statia Paschel is the new director of Social Emotional Learning and Cultural Proficiency and Inclusiveness at Austin ISD, the district recently announced.
Dr. Kimberly McLeod, dean of the College of Education and Human Services at…
A&M-Commerce Faculty Newton, Fields, Receive Funding for Interdepartmental Research
The National Science Foundation recently awarded grant funding to A&M-Commerce faculty members Dr. William Newton, associate professor of physics and astronomy and Dr. Melanie Fields, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction.
William Newton, Ph.D.
Melanie Fields, Ph.D.
The funding will…
A&M-Commerce, Frisco ISD Expand Student Teaching Opportunities
A&M-Commerce and Frisco ISD are partnering to provide more student teaching opportunities for the university's undergraduate education students.
Department of Curriculum and Instruction head Laura Isbell, Ph.D., reports that the university is delighted with the partnership and looks forward to…
TAMUC’s Morton Appointed to State Education Agency Committee
The Texas Education Agency appointed Dr. Tami Morton, associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, to the agency's Reading Specialist Educator Standards Advisory Committee. Limited to 15 members, the committee advises on relevant updates to standards…
TAMUC Virtual Guest Lecturer Duncan Draws International Crowd
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce hosted a guest lecture by Sandra Duncan, Ed.D., via Zoom on April 10. The virtual event drew a large international attendance with 179 registrants from across the United States, United Kingdom and…
Alumna Leaves $1.47 Million to A&M-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce students will benefit from a generous $1.47 million gift from the late Lanelle E. Southerland.
The substantial gift will support A&M-Commerce students by providing two annual scholarships: The Lanelle E. Southerland and Joe E. Phillips Endowed Scholarship,…
TAMUC Faculty Member Revamps Historic Doll Experiment
Toni Sturdivant, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at A&M-Commerce, recently published an article wherein she revisits the famous doll test first demonstrated by psychology researchers Kenneth and Mammie Clark in the 1940s.
The husband and wife team used dolls…
TAMUC College of Education and Human Services Names New Department Heads
The College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce recently announced the appointment of three new department heads.
Laura Isbell, Ph.D.Dimitra Smith, Ph.D.LaVelle Hendricks, Ed.D
Dean Kimberly McLeod named Dr. Laura Isbell as head of the Department of Curriculum and…
TAMUC Professor Co-Authors Innovative Literacy and Bilingual Education Book
A&M-Commerce Assistant Professor Alexandra Babino, Ph.D., recently published a new book, “Radicalizing Literacies and Languaging: A Framework toward Dismantling the Mono-Mainstream Assumption.” Babino co-authored the book with Dr. Mary Amanda Stewart, associate professor of literacy at Texas Woman's University in…
Naizer Receives SSMA Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Gil Naizer, professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University-Commerce, received the George G. Mallinson Distinguished Service Award, presented by the School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA). The award recognizes notable service to the organization,…
A&M-Commerce Alumna Named Rookie Science Teacher of the Year
The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) recently named Cheyenne Hunter as its Rookie Science Teacher of the Year. Hunter earned her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, specializing in mathematics and science.
Hunter teaches sixth-grade science at O. Henry…
A&M-Commerce Named One of Nation’s Top Teacher Prep Programs by NCTQ
The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at A&M-Commerce has been named among the top in the country by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), a nonpartisan, not-for-profit research and policy organization that advocates for teacher training in classroom management…
Mesquite ISD Teacher Awarded One-Year Scholarship Toward Doctorate
Rocio Almanza, a teacher at Mesquite Independent School District, recently received a one-year scholarship from the district toward her doctorate at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Almanza is pursuing a doctorate in curriculum and instruction through the Excellence in Teaching Incentive Program…
A&M-Commerce, Mesquite ISD Partner to Increase Educator Mastery and Retention
Dr. Susan Williams, director of the Mesquite ISD/TAMUC Partnership at Texas A&M University-Commerce, recently shared information about the Excellence in Teaching Incentive Program (ETIP), a collaboration between Texas A&M University-Commerce and Mesquite Independent School District (MISD).
ETIP encourages the district's…
Buildings Lit Up in Blue at All 11 Texas A&M University System Campuses for World Teachers’ Day
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Blue lights will shine bright on Texas A&M University System campuses across Texas on Monday in recognition of World Teachers' Day. The 11 universities in the A&M System will illuminate a total of 27 iconic buildings…
A&M-Commerce Alumna Accepts Newly-Created Position at Cedar Hill ISD
Dr. Kisha McDonald, a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce, took over a newly-created role with Cedar Hill Independent School District in June. As executive director of school leadership for grades six through twelve, McDonald oversees secondary education at five schools…
A&M-Commerce Elevates Status as Leader in Physics Teacher Education
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Physics and Astronomy recently received additional funding from the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) to lead the creation of a PhysTEC regional network for the state of Texas.
A&M-Commerce is the lead institution in…
College of Education and Human Services Names Assistant Deans
Dr. Juan Araujo, associate professor and assistant head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and Dr. DeMarquis Hayes, associate professor and head of the Department of Psychology and Special Education, have been named assistant deans of the College of…
A&M-Commerce, Wylie ISD Join US PREP Educator Training Program
A&M-Commerce, partnering with Wylie ISD, is among nine university-school partnerships accepted into the Cohort III expansion of the University-School Partnerships for the Renewal of Educator Preparation (US PREP) National Center. As part of Texas Tech University's College of Education, the…
A&M-Commerce Alum Named Dean at Chadron State College
Dr. Alaric Williams, former student and staff member at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has been named dean of professional studies and applied sciences at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. He will begin his duties on July 15.
Williams began his…
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee at A&M-Commerce to Host Race Relations Webinar
Amid increased attention on race relations in America, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee will host a one-hour town hall webinar titled “White Panel: What Should White America Do to Improve Race Relations?” on Tuesday, June 23,…