PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (April 9, 2024) — In a triumphant celebration of academic excellence and dedication to shaping the future of education, the Panther Teaching Academy team at Prairie View A&M University enjoyed recognition for receiving the prestigious 2023-2024 Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators award at The Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Century Council banquet.
“I am humbled and excited to be recognized for our work at Prairie View A&M University,” said Dr. Beverly Sande, associate professor of special education and director of Panther Teaching Academy. “Our Team works tirelessly to implement multiple continuous improvement initiatives, and recognition for some of the work is an honor.”
Induction into CATE serves as a distinguished recognition bestowed upon individuals and university teams by The Texas A&M University System demonstrating exceptional dedication to advancing quality, innovation and continuous enhancement in teacher preparation.
Members of the PVAMU PTA team inducted into CATE include Dr. Sande, who is also director of Panther Educator Residency Consortium; Doris A. Barnes-Green, director of the PVAMU Office of Student Services and Certification; Dr. Beverly A. Miller, assistant professor of science education; Elizabeth Stoerkel, lecturer I; and Dr. Britine Perkins, assistant professor.
Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Stoerkel; Beverly Sande, Ph.D.; Doris A. Barnes-Green; Britine Perkins, Ed.D.; Beverly A. Miller, Ph.D.
“I am truly honored to be recognized by The Texas A&M University System,” said Dr. Miller. “So much of our work with students goes unrecognized. It was a surprise to find that what we have been doing these past years was found worthy of recognition by the Chancellor and the award committee. I am humbled to be acknowledged with such hardworking and dedicated PTA faculty team members.”
Each year, TAMUS chooses up to three individuals and up to three teams from its statewide network of 11 universities for induction into CATE. For the 2023-2024 academic year, one individual and three teams, including the PVAMU PTA team, were chosen. Inductees receive a stipend, commemorative seal and certificate.
History of the Panther Teaching Academy
The PTA team has been pivotal in driving initiatives aimed at elevating teacher certification standards and support systems.
In 2019, amid a strategic imperative to bolster student performance in teacher certification exams, the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education Department of Curriculum and Instruction established the Panther Teaching Academy. PTA’s core mission revolves around facilitating access, guidance and opportunities for aspiring educators to fulfill certification prerequisites effectively.
The cooperative ethos between the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education and the Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences underscores PTA’s inclusive approach. This joint effort leverages collective resources and expertise to foster high-level improvements, particularly in preparing teachers for content-deficient areas, educators from diverse backgrounds, and those serving in rural educational settings.
“Collaborative initiatives involve all stakeholders pulling resources and collective expertise to engage in a much-needed institutional or organizational change,” said Dr. Sande. “Minority teacher representation is at a critical low nationally—thus, the need for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to prepare more teachers.”
Increasing Diversity in Education
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the racial and ethnic diversity among America’s public school teachers significantly lags behind that of their students. Nearly 80% of all K-12 educators identify as non-Hispanic white.
“As an Education Preparation Program whose foundation has always been graduating teachers of color, it is reaffirming to see the system recognize the efforts to train teachers who mirror the state’s K-12 student population, especially in such a challenging time when our work is more meaningful than ever,” said Dr. Perkins.
As the educational landscape evolves, institutions like PVAMU recognize the critical importance of preparing a diverse cadre of educators who can effectively engage with and inspire the increasingly diverse student population.
Dr. Sande shared her vision for the future of the program, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of teachers who are not only equipped with the necessary skills but also reflect the rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences present in today’s classrooms. Top of Form
“We look forward to growing our Bachelor of Science teacher education program and preparing more minority teachers,” she said. “We want to uphold our legacy of preparing day-one-ready teachers who remain in the teaching profession long-term.”
By Kerry Laird
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