News

Lisa Fuentes, BSEd ’96, is owner and CEO of Focus Behavioral Associates, a family business supporting the behavioral needs of children and adults with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral disorders.

Helping school leaders rise to to today's unique challenges is the passion for two faculty additions in the Department of Educational Leadership, who have enhanced the department's research profile in K-12 leadership studies.

SOE faculty, staff, and graduate students have received awards and honors, and several have also achieved significant professional milestones.

Baylor SOE has new degree offerings in all three departments, with a new School Psychology program in Dallas, a new dual-track master's degree in schools leadership, and an 18-hour undergraduate minor in informal education.

Ryan and Karen Liles believe that the Baylor experience is so valuable that all aspiring education students should have the chance to gain their degree at the university.

Even before Texas was a state, the leaders who became Baylor University’s founders were among a group of citizen scholars concerned with how the growing Republic should educate its children.

The University’s early leaders helped lay the groundwork for public education in Texas, shaping the state’s academic future along with the Baylor professionals who set early standards for educator training.

Baylor President Samuel Palmer Brooks, popular and active in educational circles, led a push that radically changed not only the University’s academic offerings but also how Baylor would approach teaching future educators.

It was 1950, and the starting annual salary for a college graduate with no previous teaching experience was $2,403. . . . By 1972, Baylor was educating more teachers than any other private school in Texas.

While the 1960s saw efforts to make education equal for all, the 1970s continued that movement along with a national push for accountability for both students and teachers.

Fourteen men and women have served the School of Education as dean or interim dean since 1919. Dr. Lorena Stretch, who served from 1935-1957, was the longest serving.

Several individuals have very long histories with the SOE, and our Centennial was a great chance to ask for their reflections and memories. There's so much to explore!

"I am proud of our School’s heritage, but I am inspired by the way our faculty are leaning into the future and the direction of change — much of it uncertain." — Dr. Terrill Saxon

Education courses have been offered on the Waco campus in six different locations over the years, starting in buildings that existed before the School of Education's founding in 1919.

"The Department of Curriculum & Instruction remains highly committed to our undergraduate teacher education program. C&I is also charting a path for stronger graduate education both at the master’s and doctoral levels." — Dr. Brooke Blevins

"For nearly a decade, the Department of Educational Psychology has ranked among the top departments at Baylor for doctoral student publication and graduate student presentations at professional meetings." — Dr. Grant Morgan

"The Department of Educational Leadership remains committed to its historical roots in the preparation of future leaders as we seek to expand our impact ranging from the local to the global level." — Dr. Jeffrey Petersen

The School of Education added nine new faculty members for the fall of 2019, including an endowed position in Education Leadership four new faculty in the EdD Online program in Curriculum & Instruction.

The School of Education employs 55 permanent, full-time faculty members in three academic departments, and they have earned 170 degrees from 21 states and two foreign countries.

Give Light is a $1.1 billion comprehensive campaign for the future of Baylor University. The campaign undergirds Illuminate, the University's Academic Strategic Plan, and will impact every aspect of campus life, from academics and athletics to student life and global engagement.

In honor of our Centennial, the Baylor School of Education recognized graduates and mentors whose work makes significant, observable changes in the lives of others while exemplifying the Christian mission and ideals of the Baylor School of Education.

"Each country has very different classroom structures and teaching pedagogies, and I believe that it is important to be globally and culturally aware in our increasingly diverse society.” — Jordan Ng, junior

“The kids in public school — sometimes they don’t want to be there. So, you have to find something to motivate them and get them to really get passionate about what they are doing.” — Augie Strauch

“I chose Baylor because of the faith-based environment, high regard for academic excellence and the sports! Being the oldest of four, financial aid is a huge blessing for my parents.” — Chloe Marshall

“Scholarships have been very important for me, as I would not have chosen to attend Baylor without them. Scholarships have given me peace of mind so I can focus on what I love most, which is teaching.” — Coleman Crosby

“Earning a scholarship was a trifecta of feelings. Honor to have been deemed worthy, pride in what I had accomplished, and the relief in knowing financially it would be a bit easier to make ends meet.” — Emily Draper

The SOE has benefitted from several significant gifts, some made decades ago and others as recently as 2018. This school year, the School of Education will award more than $500,000 in merit-based and need-based undergraduate scholarships. Nearly 100 endowed scholarships are awarded solely by the SOE to students studying education.

A public exhibit outlining the history of the Baylor School Education has been extended through March 2020, continuing as part of the SOE’s year-long Centennial celebration in 2019. The exhibit is located at Baylor’s Mayborn Museum, 1300 S. University Parks Drive, in Waco, immediately to the right inside the Mayborn’s front door.

The School of Education is currently commemorating our Centennial, and we have been looking back at the details of our history. Like those before us, we focus our thoughts on fostering transformational education in a Christian context, seeking out empirical evidence confronting educational problems, and preparing leaders for impact.

Nationally recognized bilingual scholar Dr. Maria Franquiz delivered the School of Education’s Centennial Lecture on Feb. 19. Franquiz chose a topic, “Illuminating the World Through the Gift of Bilingualism,” that highlights Baylor’s academic strategic plan, Illuminate.

In his new book, "Developing Creativity in the Classroom," Dr. Todd Kettler offers practical teaching advice, backed by years of academic research into creativity.

Two Baylor doctoral students in the EdD K-12 Leadership Program are among an elite group of Texas K-12 leaders participating in a prestigious statewide leadership development program for public schools.

Kari Rood earned a master's degree in the HESA (Higher Education and Student Affairs) program and is now assistant dean of students for disability services and academic success at Claremont McKenna College in California.

March 22 marked the actual date in 1919 when Baylor's Board of Trustees voted to create a separate academic unit, the School of Education. But we are celebrating the impact of education all year long!

When it comes to preparing teachers for the classroom, Baylor seeks to provide something deeper. Faculty members in the School of Education are preparing future teachers by also exploring the "why" behind social studies.

Several Baylor SOE faculty members have been elected by their professional peers to the top leadership role for national or significant regional organizations. Congratulations to these faculty who are leading the way in their disciplines.

Learn about faculty, graduate, student and program news, including publications, awards, grants, scholarships, new professional development opportunities, and more

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is modeled on Baylor's award-winning teacher-education program and offers faculty-guided classroom teaching experiences that exceed those offered in most alternative certification programs.

Sharon Daly Mansfield, BA ’53, was a legendary teacher, described by former students as both the “hardest” and “best” teacher they ever had. Appropriately, the largest undergraduate student scholarship fund at the Baylor School of Education is named in her honor.

After a 48-year career as a high school teacher, the late Sharon Daly Mansfield, BA '53, had earned her designation as a legendary teacher. The outpouring of respect and affection from her former students and colleagues was overwhelming. Below, we are sharing more about Mrs. Mansfield and her amazing career — the eulogy, the full obituary, and some photos from her past.

Last fall I became aware of a documentary film entitled Backpack Full of Cash. It raises hotly debated issues of school vouchers, high-stakes accountability testing, and church-state separation.

The documentary movie Backpack Full of Cash touches on every aspect and challenge of public education that's in the daily news — from under budgeting to overcrowding. That's why Dr. Terrill Saxon, Baylor School of Education Interim Dean, saw the film as a launching point for important conversations.

In August of 2018, Savanah Landerholm became the first graduate of the School of Education's PhD in Higher Education Studies & Leadership (HESL). Landerholm was part of the initial cohort of three PhD students in the Department of Educational Leadership, starting in August of 2014.

The response to the new Online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change was overwhelmingly positive, and the inaugural cohort that started in August numbers 51 students. More than 4,500 prospects submitted an online inquiry into the program, representing 47 states.

She's fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin, skilled at teaching English to those who struggle with it, and recently received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award that has taken her to Taiwan's National Taitung University. Dr. Agnes Tang is willing to follow her motivation to encourage positive literacy wherever it leads.

Here's a glance at where School of Education programs stood for the 2017-18 academic year. The SOE's 2017-18 total of 189 graduate students compares to a population of about 400 in the teacher-education undergraduate program.

The SOE uses endowment funds to supplement financial aid that students receive from the University, outside sources, loans and student work-study. But many students still have unmet needs.

The School of Education welcomed four new faculty members in the fall of 2018, and a new librarian for the Learning Resources Center joined the faculty in the spring. The SOE is currently searching to fill five faculty positions for the Fall 2019 academic term.

Students are both outstanding and satisfied in the School of Education's graduate programs, according to the 2017 report from the Baylor Graduate School. Read about our doctoral, specialist, and master's graduates for 2017-18.

Dr. Matt Thomas joined the Baylor School of Education (SOE) on Aug. 1 as executive director of the SOE's Center for Christian Education. Founded in 1985, the CCE is dedicated to advancing evidence-based approaches to educational improvement and values-driven leadership through a range of programming and resources.

Through a $278,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Baylor School of Education will bring services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to rural families who might otherwise be unable to obtain help.

SOE graduates have a pass rate of 100 percent — again. Plus a new department chair, a new degree program, and enhancements to the Learning Resources Center. Check out the news at a glance.

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith, Dr. Sandi Cooper, and Dr. Susan Johnsen were among several faculty members who won awards at the national level, while several others won university-wide awards.

Now in its second year, the Baylor Freedom School program aims to prevent summer learning loss by exposing the students — called "scholars" — to three reading texts daily and encouraging the discussion of civic issues. It runs for seven weeks in the summer.

Bob and Barbara Stepp Johnston have spent their professional lives dedicated to education. They say they are giving to the School of Education because "if we can have a Baylor graduate in a classroom, we know the caliber of that person is going to be what we want to see."

Watch for the launch of the Centennial website for historical features and ways for alumni to share memories! That's also where to find info on upcoming events, including a special Dr Pepper Hour in the SUB, students; SOE birthday party, SOE historical exhibit at the Mayborn Museum, the Centennial Scholarship Banquet, special lectures and the Centennial Homecoming Tailgate.

Interim Dean Terrill Saxon shares insights on the impact of the significant gift of the Copple family to the SOE's efforts around Christian education and how the gift will empower Christian leaders to excel.

The 1312 class is the first education course taken by School of Education undergraduates, and it provides both an opportunity for students to confirm their calling to be an educator and also an experience where they begin fulfilling that calling through direct teaching twice a week.

See more photos of Baylor SOE first-year students teaching in schools. In their first education course, 1312, students have the opportunity to work in local schools.

For the second year in a row, the Baylor School of Education (SOE) has won a prestigious national honor in recognition of its Professional Development School (PDS) partnerships with local schools — this year with partner Waco Independent School District.

When Dr. Susan Johnsen reflects on her career in education, it’s all about the students. From children she taught in vacation Bible school, who inspired her interest in education, to Baylor PhD graduates who are now blazing trails across the nation, it’s been those students — and her quest to meet their unique educational needs — that has driven her.

Jennifer Jolly, MSEd ’94, PhD ’04, an Associate Professor in the University of Alabama's Department of Special Education and Multiple Abilities, is an expert in gifted education.

In June 2017, Dr. Marcus Nelson took the reins of Waco ISD, the largest school district in the area and an important partner for Baylor School of Education. Impact caught up with Dr. Nelson for an update on his innovative plans for the district and how Baylor plays a part.

A gift of $2.5 million from Lynda and Robert Copple of Frisco will create the Lynda and Robert Copple Endowed Chair in Christian School Leadership within the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership.

Faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership have released two books — one recognized by Christianity Today, the other a go-to resource for student affairs professionals.

A busy spring brought opportunities for faculty research, honors to a 50-year employee, an Outstanding Staff Award, accolades for graduate students, and more.

The School of Education’s Impact Living-Learning Center (LLC) will enter its fourth year this fall, and new statistics reveal its value to the SOE and Baylor. Freshman education majors who live in the LLC are more likely to remain as sophomore education majors at Baylor than those who do not.

Michele Tigelaar has served in development roles for several different educational institutions — small and large, public
and private — but when she got to know
Baylor University, she was certain she
wanted to serve here.

Get to know the new interim dean and read about his goals for the School of Education. He says that, after learning more about different aspects of the school's work on campus and in the community, he is proud and honored to serve.

With the appointment of Dr. Michael McLendon, dean of the School since 2015, as Baylor University’s interim provost, the SOE welcomed Dr. Terrill Saxon, associate dean for research and graduate education, as the School’s interim dean.

A collaborative project between Baylor School of Education and Waco ISD is bringing a positive behavior model to a local elementary, with Educational Psychology faculty and graduate students on site.

The Department of Educational Leadership welcomed a distinguished group of 12 scholars in June as Cohort One in the new Doctor of Education (EdD) in K-12 Educational Leadership.

Tim Jackson, general manager of the Triple-A Round Rock Express baseball franchise and graduate of Baylor’s sport management program, gives the inside scoop on the world of minor-league baseball.

For the second year in a row, a Baylor School of Education student teacher has been named Clinical Teacher of the Year for the State of Texas by the Texas Directors of Field Experience.

Get to know Rachel Vaughn, BSEd ’17, named the Clinical Teacher of the Year for the State of Texas for her year as a student teaching intern in the School of Education.

Hundreds of teachers from across the country are benefitting from the Summer Literacy Institute, a three-day conference hosted by the School of Education, after its second year.

Generous donors have made a difference in the lives of Baylor students during the past year. But still there is great need, especially in providing scholarships for future teachers.

Take a look at faculty by the numbers — the ranks and degree origins of the 46 permanent full-time faculty members of the School of Education, as of August 2017.

Four faculty members take on new leadership roles for the School, Dr. Rachelle Rogers is elected to a national office, and Dr. Tamara Hodges receives a prestigious teaching award.

School of Education teacher-ed graduates are highly employable; SOE program finishers once again achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the Texas certification exams, and our Living-Learning Center has a new name with "impact."

SOE launches the Waco CDF Freedom School program, takes on the administration of a Higher Education Seminar, and celebrates the continuation of secured funding for Project Promise, a component of the UYP summer camp for gifted students.

The School of Education’s graduate program admits some of the most qualified applicants of all Baylor programs and is one of the most prolific producers of graduate student research. Read about the work of recent PhD and EdD grads.

The first thing you notice about Rebekah Tate is her smile; it’s likely the brightest one in any sea of student faces. Then you might observe a certain bounce in her step. Through the cloud of cheerfulness that surrounds her, it takes a minute before you see that one of her legs is brightly patterned and has a metal hinge at the knee.

It might be hard to believe that food insecurity is a problem at a private university like Baylor, but research by a School of Education professor and doctoral student has shown that hunger exists at Baylor. And they are doing something about it.

Collaboration is at the heart of Baylor School of Education's mission. Meaningful partnerships — working together in community — deepen our impact by opening new doors to discovery and multiplying our capabilities.

The partnership between Baylor School of Education and Midway Independent School District to prepare future teachers has earned a national award.

The superintendent of Belton ISD, Susan Kincannon, EdD ’10, shares her insights about leadership in a quickly growing district. In this story, also find EXTRA web content.

AT&T Aspire Foundation, Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, and Independent Bank provided grants to School of Education programs, and a new joint degree with Truett has launched.

Undergraduate students studied in Mexico during Spring Break on the inaugural Carpenter Embedded Classroom, possible through an endowment gift.

School of Education faculty members and graduate students have reaped significant awards, from campus recognition to national accolades for a doctoral dissertation in science education.

School of Education student Stephanie Wright of Plano was named “Student Teacher of the Year” for the State of Texas by the Texas Directors of Field Experience (TDFE).

Research on veterans education led Dr. Janet Bagby, senior lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology, to establish an extensive support network for veteran students at Baylor.

The School of Education is expanding its reach to alumni through the Baylor Alumni Network’s new Educators Network, which will allow the SOE to connect on a more routine basis Baylor educators. The Educators Network welcomes all teachers and school and university leaders.

A love story born in the School of Education has grown into a scholarship fund to support undergraduates. It’s best to hear the story in Bill Ballou’s own words.

Prolific faculty publication has included articles in significant journals as well as books published. These are just a few highlights from the year.

On any given day in the City of Waco, you’ll find faculty and students from the Department of Curriculum & Instruction impacting the community in myriad ways. Learn about a few key projects in the department.

At a time when Baylor has pledged itself to strengthen the bonds of community, the School of Education is embarking on exciting new initiatives and redoubling its commitment to existing ones, aiming to deepen our impact on the local community from which we benefit so tangibly.

Scholarship (publications and presentations) is not solely the domain of the School’s faculty. School of Education graduate students maintain an impressive agenda of scholarly activity, in close collaboration with faculty mentors.

Undergraduate seniors in the School of Education conduct Action Research in the classrooms where they are serving as teaching interns. Watch the video to see what they learned.

Generous donors have made a difference in the lives of Baylor students during the past year. But still there is great need, especially in providing scholarships for future teachers.