Dallas College’s School of Education has once again secured praise for its dedication to shaping the future of the education workforce. Recognized as an "innovator" by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), Dallas College stands out as the sole community college to earn this distinction.
Dr. Robert DeHaas, vice provost of Dallas College School of Education, expressed gratitude for the commendation, highlighting the collective effort of administrators, faculty, and staff. He emphasized, "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."
The SBEC's innovator category acknowledges educator preparation programs (EPPs) that go beyond the norm in preparing candidates for teaching careers. Dallas College's commitment to innovation became evident with the launch of its bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education and subsequent graduation of its first class in Spring 2023.
Dallas College’s School of Education aims to equip future educators to foster thriving learning environments for all children. Key initiatives include forging strong partnerships with school systems, integrating high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) into coursework and clinical settings, and supporting faculty in adopting practice-based teaching methodologies centered around HQIM, observation, coaching, and feedback.
The program's emphasis on HQIM aligns with statewide efforts to ensure equitable outcomes for all students and alleviate the workload of teachers. Furthermore, faculty members have undergone training with TeachingWorks to enhance their ability to facilitate effective teaching rehearsals within the classroom.
Sara DeLano, Dallas College's dean for educator pathways and teacher preparation, emphasized the institution's commitment to meeting local educational needs. She stated, "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."
The program's success is underscored by positive feedback from graduates like Pricila Cano Padron, who described her experience as transformative. "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," she shared.
In addition to SBEC recognition, Dallas College recently received a 2024 Innovation Award from D CEO and Dallas Innovates for its pioneering education program.
