University's College of Education Offers Career Choices Through Graduate Program
The time is right for teachers and educators to apply for graduate studies in the College of Education at Texas A&M International University.
Dr. Rosa Maria Vida, Dean of the College of Education, said the deadline to apply for Spring admittance to the College's graduate program is Thursday, Nov. 30.
"The College of Education is the catalyst for teachers and educators to expand their professional opportunities and fulfill career dreams. We urge educators to take advantage of our array of graduate offerings," said Dr. Vida.
She noted that providing comprehensive, coherent professional development for educators has been an integral part of the University's curriculum since the institution was established in 1970.
"The University's first president, Dr. Billy Cowart, was himself a professor of education. He valued the opportunity to serve the higher education needs of the Laredo area community," she said.
A&M International prepares the majority of Laredo and the region's teachers through its baccalaureate, alternative certification, endorsement and masters programs. In this past year, 60% of United Independent School District new hires were graduates of the University's College of Education programs. At Laredo Independent School District, almost 80% of teachers hired were graduates of the University's program.
Persons who wish to enroll in the College of Education's graduate programs must first apply to the University for graduate admission and then to the department under which their particular program or degree resides--Professional Programs, Curriculum and Instruction, or Special Populations.
The Department of Professional Programs offers graduate studies in educational administration and school counseling. The Master of Science Degree (MS-Ed) in Educational Administration and Master of Science Degree in Education (MS-Ed) with a major in education and school counseling are offered through this department. Graduate studies for school counseling, school supervision, principalship, and superintendent certification are also offered through the department.
Dr. Humberto Gonzalez chairs the Department. He received his doctorate from Texas A&M University and has held various administrative positions including superintendent of schools for Mirando City Independent School District and principal of United High School and Hebbronville High School.
The Department of Special Populations offers graduate studies for Master of Science in Education Degrees (MS-Ed) with majors in Bilingual Education, Early Childhood, Educational Diagnostician, or Special Education. Certification is also available for Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), Educational Diagnostics, and Special Education.
Department chair Dr. Linda Medearis received her doctorate degree in Early Childhood from the University of North Texas at Denton and has extensive experience in Early Childhood including kindergarten and elementary teaching and serving as a principal. She was a member of the education faculty of East Central University in Oklahoma prior to joining A&M International.
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers graduate studies for a Master of Science in Education degree (MS-Ed) in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Science degree (MS-Ed) in Education with a major in Reading. Through collaboration with Texas A&M University, the Department also offers a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.
Dr. Idalia Rodriguez-Perez chairs the Department. She received her doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Prior to joining A&M International, she taught at West Texas State University at Canyon, Sul Ross State University at Alpine, University of Texas at El Paso and Incarnate Word College in San Antonio.
For more information, contact the University's College of Education at 326-2420 or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 328. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu