PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Summer 2021 Educational Administration Graduate Simone Jarmon traveled a long way from her hometown of Buffalo, New York, to pursue her Master of Education degree. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Canisius College in Buffalo, she decided to explore graduate programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) fit the bill.
Simone Jarmon
“When looking for a school that reflected my goals as a learner as well as a person, I have always wanted to attend an HBCU,” Jarmon said. “I love the community at PVAMU. Both my professors and classmates are approachable and collaborative. I always felt as if my voice was heard and respected. Even when faced with the quarantine restrictions, I never felt alone on my journey.”
Jarmon started her journey with the goal of becoming an elementary school principal. However, the ongoing pandemic and an internship with Worsham ACE Elementary in Aldine Independent School District (Aldine ISD) expanded her vision for her career.
“After living through a pandemic, I realized that there are so many ways to positively impact the field of education. Currently, my goal is to make a difference in our educational system by serving and advocating for students who historically lack a voice,” she said.
That goal is already well underway with her current role as a district literacy coach, serving at Worsham ACE. In her role, Jarmon works with teachers, administrators, and literacy leaders by providing coaching, mentorship, and support with all aspects of literacy education.
The guidance Jarmon provides is rooted in the educational research and best practices she learned as a member of The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) We Teach Texas Leadership Program. Jarmon was the first PVAMU student to be named a Leadership Fellow in the program and will be the first to graduate with this distinction.
“Simone has been a stellar representative,” said Michael L. McFrazier, Ed.D., Dean of Whitlowe R. Green College of Education. “[Furthermore,] she is a school leader in the Aldine Independent School District.”
The We Teach Texas Program uses the latest education data and research to prepare students at TAMUS universities to thrive in the classroom. This rigorous program provides training in best practices for both clinical and field environments, ensuring students are prepared for success when starting their careers. Jarmon’s participation in the We Teach Texas Leadership Fellows Program gave her a solid foundation for her career in education.
“I feel honored to be selected as the first recipient of the We Teach Texas Leadership Fellowship. It was my goal to proudly represent PVAMU by performing to the best of my abilities and accepting all challenges with a positive mindset,” Jarmon said.
When reflecting on her time at PVAMU, Jarmon said access to mentorship and personalized feedback from professors were two keys to her success.
“Being a fellow in the We Teach Texas Leadership Program made my experience at PVAMU and allowed me to grow my professional learning network. I was able to work with different educators across the Texas A&M system,” she said.
She also credits mentors at Aldine ISD for providing a strong foundation for her future.
“Working for Aldine ISD has expanded my knowledge as an educator. My work as a Literacy Coach has allowed me to collaborate with a variety of students, teachers, and leaders. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that Aldine has provided,” Jarmon said.
To current and future PVAMU students, Jarmon recommends taking risks and going for big goals, including things like fellowships and internships.
“It is easy to stay in your comfort zone, but challenges and adversity are catalysts for growth. Say yes to things that scare you,” she said.
By Jocelyn Kerr
-PVAMU-