TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Texas A&M University

College of Education & Human Development

Transforming Lives - November 2007


An Aggie Goes To Washington

Mr. Smith may have already gone to Washington, but now it's an Aggie's turn.

As the son of immigrant parents and a former school psychology doctoral student at Texas A&M, Alfred J. Amado has always had a passion for education, and now he's bringing that passion to Capitol Hill.

"Being the son of immigrants, I was always taught that education was the greatest equalizer," Amado said. "I hope to make a free and quality education available to every child."

Amado, an Aggie grad who serves as an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, has taken a one-year leave of absence from his position to serve under Congressman George Miller and the U.S. House of Representatives' Majority Committee on Education and Labor as a congressional fellow.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Learning Isn't Second Notch in Second Life

"A long time ago, in a land far, far away..." We've all heard it before. The start to many bedtime stories that signaled us to let our imaginations run wild--places where our imaginations were in charge of the charming prince, evil giant, grand castle and the happy ending. Only that far, far away land is now not so far away. In fact, it's now at the touch of a keyboard--in Second Life.

A 3-D virtual world entirely created by its residents, Second Life is similar to a massive multiplayer online role-playing game, only it is not a game--it is an online virtual environment. Since opening to the public in 2003, it is now inhabited by millions of residents from around the globe.

But B. Stephen Carpenter, II, associate professor of art education and visual culture in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture, is finding Second Life to be a perfect visual medium to educate himself and his students.

"Second Life is similar to the kinds of online communication and social networking technologies we're using now to educate our students. It offers both synchronous and asynchronous communication possibilities, streaming video, voice communication and image display. It's just a different package that offers a different way of teaching," Carpenter said.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Peterson Remembered through Endowed Scholarship

Hannah Beth Ann Peterson was finishing her master's degree in education in the College of Education and Human Development when her life unexpectedly and tragically ended after a car accident on May 11. To honor her memory and her dedication to becoming a teacher, a memorial scholarship has been set up in her name and is now open to receive contributions.

"Hannah was an excellent teacher and one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure to know," said Jim McCain, co-founder of the Hannah Beth Ann Peterson '05 Memorial Scholarship. McCain met Hannah seven years ago through a mutual friend; a teacher himself, he quickly became Hannah's mentor and friend.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Two Honored at 25th Annual Administrative Leadership Institute

The 25th Annual Administrative Leadership Institute (ALI), held Nov. 14-15, 2007, honored two individuals who have greatly contributed to Texas public schools while participants explore "The Extraordinary High School-Leaping Over the Achievement Gap."

Fred Brent, superintendent of Anderson-Shiro ISD, was selected to receive the first-ever Hoyle Award in Educational Leadership while Leonard Merrell, retired superintendent of Katy ISD, will be awarded the coveted Golden Deeds Award for his service to public education.

"I love the way Dr. Brent is so kid-oriented. I can always stand and fight beside a leader who has that major objective," wrote an Anderson-Shiro teacher in Brent's nomination letter.

For the rest of the story, click here.
To read additional coverage of the Administrative Leadership Institute, click here.

Ron McBride Recognized with the "2007 TAHPERD Scholar" Award

Ron McBride, a professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology, has been recognized by the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (TAHPERD) for excellence and leadership in the HPERD profession and will be awarded the 2007 TAHPERD Scholar Award during the 84th Annual TAHPERD Convention on Nov. 30 in Galveston.

"One does not earn such an award without the contributions and support of significant others," says McBride. "I consider my life truly blessed to have had the honor of working at A&M with valued colleagues, current, and former graduate students all of who he acknowledges and considers friends.  I will accept this Scholar Award with both gratitude and humility."

For the rest of the story, click here.

Ash Receives School Psychology Service Award

Mike Ash, professor of school psychology, has received the 2007 Service to the Profession Award from the Texas Association of School Psychologists. The field-initiated award is given in recognition of distinguished contributions to the profession of school psychology in the state of Texas. 

Ash was recognized for his 35 years of service in training and mentoring school psychologists and for his long-time involvement in various community efforts, including his work with Head Start.

"He has exemplified faculty commitment to service, obtaining funded projects and service grants that have helped to establish Head Start and alternative high school completion programs in local communities," said Mike Benz, head of the Department of Educational Psychology. 

For the rest of the story, click here.

Professor Norvella Carter To Receive W.E.B. DuBois Higher Education Award

Norvella Carter, professor of education and endowed chair in urban education in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture within the College of Education and Human Development, will receive the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) W.E.B. DuBois Higher Education Award on Nov. 17.

Each year the NABSE recognizes distinguished individuals who have made national and international contributions to the education of African-American educators and learners.

"This award is encouraging, energizing and very motivational for me," says Carter. "This award helps me to reflect on the transformative work our leaders are doing and the great impact they are making in the lives of our people.  I am a great supporter of the NABSE.  I believe it is the most effective national organization for Black children, educators of our children and leaders who need to network and stay on the cutting edge of innovations in education."

For the rest of the story, click here.

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Transforming Lives - Online is a monthly publication for current students, former students, faculty, staff and friends of the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University.

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