Academic Feature: Irvin School of Education

(ABILENE, Texas)–The Irvin School of Education (ISOE) is dedicated to fostering the preparation and development of the teachers of tomorrow. The various hands-on learning experiences that the program provides helps education majors “develop a personal and professional philosophy of teaching that targets the whole child – socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.”

Each spring, Education majors become certified with Texas Parks and Wildlife by participating in training sessions led by Dr. Brown and a few other faculty members. Also in the spring, education majors help host Exploration Station, which is a six-week long learning experience for about 25 children ages 4 and 5 from the surrounding community. The Program is offered by HSU’s Irvin School of Education early childhood students in conjunction with Texas Parks and Wildlife The curriculum is “Growing Up Wild” which was designed to encourage exploring nature with young children. This year, Exploration Station will take place on Thursdays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM from late March to early May.

Caitlin Dunnells, an Elementary Education major, recently presented for Exploration Station. She will be student teaching in the spring of 2020 and when she graduates she will be certified to teach EC-6 (Early Childhood through 6th grade). Although she was nervous for the experience, she soon relaxed and enjoyed teaching the kids and going through the activities she prepared. “Exploration Station taught me how to be prepared when teaching, how many hours go into a lesson, and how to keep the kids engaged,” said Dunnells.

The annual induction reception took place on February 18, where faculty of the School of Education and members of the HSU Teacher Education Council celebrated 46 education majors who had completed the ISOE Teacher Preparation Program admission process. The process involves multiple Texas Education Agency proficiencies involving overall GPA, math, reading, and writing test scores and grades. There is also oral proficiency required, as well as completion of required content hours and an interview. At the reception 3 HSU education alumni shared about their experiences in the education program, tips for student teaching, and advice about the first year of teaching. Each of the alumni represented a different certification program: EC-6, 4-8 ELAR, and 7-12 Science. “We are proud of our education majors as well as alumni who are making a difference in our community and state,” said Dr. Renee Collins, Professor of Educational Studies and Associate Dean of the Irvin School of Education.

ISOE sponsors a reading station at HSU’s yearly Western Heritage Day, where education majors read books about cowboys, west Texas, or just animals to the children who attend. Education students will also participate in a partnership activity with the Richardson Library for Children’s Book Day, by preparing activities for about 60 local preschool and elementary age children to enjoy.

A scholarship reception is yet another event every spring, for all students in the College of Human Sciences and Educational Studies (CHSES). Last year, $378,870 worth of scholarships were awarded to 120 students.

A new graduate program, Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs, was recently approved by an accrediting agency and will begin this summer. Dr. Renee Collins serves as the director of this 30-hour program, which will “prepare students to become scholar-practitioners in higher education through a concise and innovative program” as well as “foster nationally recognized competencies and strengthen leadership qualities for aspiring student affairs professionals,” said Collins. Students will begin the program in Summer I and complete the program’s requirements by the end of the following spring semester.

“I love the way the education program has many hands-on experiences for us before going out into the real world. I think the professors are equipping us with the knowledge we need to be successful,” said Dunnells.