PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (October 5, 2020) – On April 19, 1879, the Sixteenth Texas Legislature established Prairie View State Normal School in Waller County for the Training of Colored Teachers. It was the second name given to what is now Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), which was founded on August 14, 1876, as the Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth. Since its inception, PVAMU has prioritized producing teachers, who have facilitated the acquisition of knowledge and skills to improve lives throughout the Gulf Coast region, state, and nation.
Wilhelmina R.F. Delco Building
That being said, this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebration on October 5 could not come at a better time. The theme is “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future.” Whitlowe R. Green College of Education (WRGCOE) Dean Michael L. McFrazier, Ed.D., says the college will celebrate PVAMU educators all week for their dedication to being overcomers.
“As we pause to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, I salute all PVAMU Whitlowe R. Green College of Education alumni who are on the frontline making a difference in the lives of students,” said McFrazier. “I have no doubt that you are leading in crisis and reimagining the future because you have been equipped and trained to do so. Stay committed and be reminded that Prairie View Produces Productive People!”
WRGCOE offers three undergraduate degrees, 14 concentrations for a master’s degree, and a doctorate in educational leadership. PVAMU graduates more than 300 education graduates annually.
According to WRGCOE’s mission statement, teachers are trained to be “resilient, culturally responsive educators who are problem solvers, critical thinkers, and decision-makers.” The statement has been personified through many WRCOE alumni who are working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to celebrate World Teachers’ Day in a big way all across Texas this year. 2020 has taught us all to better appreciate the importance of those who choose to spend their lives teaching others,” said Elaine Mendoza, chairman of the Texas A&M System (TAMUS) Board of Regents. “We teach Texas, and we are proud of it. The Texas A&M University System is proud to graduate more fully-certified teachers than any public university system in Texas.”
To further celebrate World Teachers’ Day and educators everywhere, PVAMU and ten other universities in the Texas A&M University System will shine blue lights on 26 iconic buildings and landmarks. At PVAMU, the Wilhelmina Delco Building, which houses the WRGCOE, and the Agriculture/Business Building will light up blue, beginning at 5 p.m. In academic regalia, light blue represents degrees and disciplines in the field of education. In ribbon form, it also means a proud teacher or teacher supporter is nearby.
“From day one, our teacher candidates are working with students and getting the tools they need so they are ready for the classroom,” TAMUS Chancellor John Sharp said. “We give them the tools they need to make the world a better place, one child at a time.”
You can join the World Teachers’ Day celebration all week long by using the hashtags #TeachersCan, #WorldTeachersDay, and #WeTeachTexas.
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