TAMIU College of Education, Education Service Center 1 Partner to Offer Parents Free Online Resources and Training

Parents are always their child’s first and most influential teacher.  But with the challenges of today’s COVID-19 pandemic, that role has grown substantially with social distancing and gathering restrictions. 

To help parents retain their role and children to reach their educational potential, Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) College of Education has joined forces with the Education Service 1 Center to provide special, free online camps throughout the month of July.

Dubbed the “Summer of Sanford Parent Camps,” the camps  target parents of elementary school students July 7, 14, and 21.  Middle and high school students’ parent camps will take place July 9, 16, and 23.

Each free camp includes three sessions throughout the day (9:00 a.m., 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.). Sessions cover general teaching tips and Sanford Inspire modules, social emotional learning and mental health resources, physical activity and healthy habit training. The camps provide parents with guidance to make distance learning a fun, successful endeavor.

Dr. Darlene Rogers, Director, Region 1 Education Service Center Laredo Office, said the partnership comes at a time of great challenge for parents, and students.

”During this time of unprecedented disruptions, ESC 1 is partnering with TAMIU to serve parents by providing this opportunity,” Dr. Rogers said.

The Summer of Sanford Parent Camps are taught by TAMIU College of Education and College of Nursing faculty. TAMIU assistant professor Dr. Cody J. Perry will provide teaching tips, Sanford Inspire modules, and ways parents can help their students succeed at home. Assistant professor Dr. Seth A. Sampson will offer Sanford Harmony resources, tackle potential behavioral issues, and share resources and tips for good mental health. Finally, assistant professor Dr. Josiah S. Johnson and clinical assistant professor Jessie M. Mena will provide parents with healthy habits and physical activities done from home, as well as  community health information.

TAMIU College of Education Dean, Dr. James O’Meara, said the free summer camps for parents can help parents to adapt to the new normal.

“Parents and children may find themselves overwhelmed by their new roles and responsibilities in this new normal. The Summer of Sanford Parent camps are designed to help parents overcome their frustration, reduce screen time, and make the home a successful, engaging learning environment. TAMIU applauds the efforts parents have made to adapt and wants to provide free resources and training to make their experiences even more fulfilling and productive,” said Dr. O’Meara.

Those interested in being a part of TAMIU’s Summer of Sanford Parent Camps can visit (https://tamiucoe17.wufoo.com/forms/summer-of-sanford-parent-camps/) to register, call Dr. Perry at 956.326.3143, or email cody.perry@tamiu.edu. For more information about social emotional learning, parents may contact Dr. Sampson at seth.sampson@tamiu.edu. Parents may also contact Dr. Johnson about physical education and health sessions at josiah.johnson@tamiu.edu.

Sanford Inspire and Harmony programs were created by entrepreneur and philanthropist T. Deny Sanford to inspire students to embrace learning and find their path in life. Sanford has said he hopes to foster teaching and learning that changes lives for children in positive ways and transforms communities.

TAMIU’s College of Education is also offering a separate seven week online summer professional development program.It will be available from July 6 to August 21 and  will also use the nationally recognized Sanford Inspire and Harmony Programs. 

Those interested in being a part of  this professional development opportunity can visit https://tamiucoe17.wufoo.com/forms/summer-of-sanford-registration/ to register,  call Dr. Perry at 956.326.1938, or email  cody.perry@tamiu.edu.As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAMIU’s campus is closed only to the general public. Entry to campus continues for students, faculty, staff and those having legitimate reasons to be on campus. Online and virtual services at the University continue, practicing all CDC Guidelines on gathering, masking and social distancing and with most staff working remotely.  Office hours are subject to change and it is recommended that phone or email contact be made first to determine the office’s schedule of operation.   An online directory is here.