Department of Curriculum and Instruction
LeoTeach: Where Teachers Come to Learn
Whether you are just starting out, or looking to advance your career in education, you will develop the tools you need to feel confident in the classroom.
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate teacher certification programs. Our undergraduate programs encompass elementary grades EC-6, middle school grades 4-8, and special education. Secondary education (grades 7-12) is a collaboration between our department and the department of your chosen content area. Our online or hybrid MED/MS programs in curriculum and instruction, with areas of emphases in early childhood education, reading, or secondary education, help to prepare you to teach in your content area. We also offer a doctorate in supervision, curriculum and instruction with a multitude of concentrations to help focus your passion.
Explore Our Programs
Education (BA/BS) Elementary Emphasis (Grade EC-6)
Choose from ECE-6 Generalist, ECE-6 Bilingual Generalist, or ECE-6 Special Education
Education (BA/BS) Elementary Special Education Emphasis (Grade EC-6)
Education (BA/BS) Middle School Emphasis (Grade 4-8)
Our bachelor's degree with middle school certification offers a number of specialties, allowing you to concentrate on specific interests. Learn to design engaging lessons, develop curriculum for all students and foster a welcoming learning environment.
Middle and High School Teacher, Grades 7-12 and All-Level
Curriculum and Instruction (MED/MS)
This degree involves 18 hours of study in the major and 18 hours of electives which allows students to take additional courses in the major, focus on an area of interest, or qualify to teach high school dual credit classes or at the community college level.
Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)
This degree prepares graduate students for careers in K-12 public and private schools, regional educational training facilities, college and university settings, and research and development centers. A graduate with the Doctor of Education degree should possess competencies in research methods, statistics, curriculum, instructional design, learning, instructional strategies and effective teaching.
Reading Specialist Certification
Reading specialists work alongside K-12 educators and often provide one-on-one instruction for students struggling with reading and writing comprehension. You'll develop individualized plans for addressing students’ reading difficulties. Offered as part of the master's in reading program, you can earn your certification in no time.
Instructional Coach Graduate Certificate
This certificate will prepare professionals to train and empower educator leaders to support and guide their colleagues in effective instruction within the classroom.
Welcome from the Department head
I am pleased to serve as the Interim Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction. In Curriculum & Instruction we strive to empower new teachers, inspire current teachers, and promote teacher leadership through our variety of wonderful programs. From field-based preservice teacher preparation to obtaining your EdD in education, we can help you achieve your dreams for your chosen path in education.
Our faculty is comprised of outstanding educators who have earned their credentials from universities all throughout the US and have an abundance of practical experience teaching in K-12 classrooms. We invite you to explore our exceptional education and research opportunities.
We’re Here For You
Our faculty and staff are honored and excited to invest in your success as a future educator. We’re here for you each step of the way and encourage you to let us know how we can help you grow as a peer in education. Our advisors are available to help with any questions you have on your academic journey.
Community
We strive to create a community where you feel empowered to learn and grow. Explore personal development opportunities outside of the classroom.
Student Organizations
Our faculty are actively involved in several organizations you can participate in as a curriculum and instruction student.
Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) strives to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. This includes informing future educators of current economic, social, political and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society.
The Beta Lambda Commerce Collegiate Chapter is part of Beta Lambda, the local chapter of DKG. Our collegiate chapter is made up of college students who are in their junior or senior year and are working toward an education degree. The chapter participates in the activities of Beta Lambda and holds special collegiate events. Members are eligible for scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Membership enables students to network and receive mentoring from local educators who are currently working in local schools or who are retired.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
As a member of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), you will learn the importance of service, leadership, and strong character, which will assist you in becoming an effective future educator.
Please contact [email protected] for more information about TAFE.
SCHOLARSHIPS
As a curriculum and instruction studies student, you have access to a wide range of scholarships specific to your degree.
News Spotlights
Preparing Bilingual Teachers for Texas Classrooms: A&M-Commerce Receives $2.7 Million Multilingualism Grant
The university will use the funding to launch the LeoTeach BEACON project.
A&M-Commerce Alum Selected as Region 11 Principal of the Year
Dr. Winston McCowan (’01, ’08) will now represent ESC Region 11, vying for Texas Principal of the Year.
TAMUC Students Present at International Educator Convention
The students shared their experience establishing the first DKG student organization.
A&M-Commerce Education Students Compete Successfully at National Conference
Three A&M-Commerce students recently competed with future teachers from across the nation at the Educators Rising 2024 National Conference in Washington, DC.
Alternative Certification Empowers Career Changers and Retirees to Become Skilled Teachers
These online programs create pathways for professionals with non-education bachelor's degrees to shift to a teaching career.
A&M-Commerce Faculty's Research on Texas Districts of Innovation Posted on Brown University's EdWorkingPapers Website
Dr. Kathryn Dixon, associate professor and assistant dean for the College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M-Commerce, and Dr. Sarah Guthery with the University of Oklahoma have researched the first iteration of Texas Districts of Innovation (DOI). DOIs allow school districts to hire uncertified or under-certified teachers in certain high-need areas. Their manuscript, […]
TAMUC Faculty Publishes Book for Children with Unique Names
A&M-Commerce faculty member Dr. Kamshia Childs recently authored the children’s book, “I Am More Than My Name.” Aimed at children from ages six to 10, the book celebrates the beauty of having a unique name through poetic storytelling. Illustrated by Brionya James, it encourages young readers to embrace their individuality and confidently pursue their dreams […]
TAMUC Bilingual Education Info Session Draws Potential Teachers
An information session on May 20 at Texas A&M University-Commerce at Dallas extended an action call to end the statewide teacher shortage in bilingual education. Almost 80 participants packed a meeting room at the university’s Dallas site to learn about bilingual education certification in Texas. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction hosted the event which […]
A&M-Commerce Aspiring Educators Compete at State Conference, Advance to Nationals
A&M-Commerce students representing Texas Educators Affiliate, the university’s chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), attended the TAFE Teach Tomorrow Summit in Round Rock, Texas, Feb. 8 through March 1. Student members participated in several competitive events at the conference. Layla Welch and Haley Hill competed in the Educators Rising Moment category. Jasmin […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Receives Human Rights Award
The Texas Counseling Association recently honored A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Staussa Ervin (’98, ’05) as the recipient of its 2023 Molly Gerold Human Rights Award, which recognizes contributions in one or more areas of human rights. Ervin’s background advocating for human rights includes her role as president of the North Central Texas Counseling Association and three […]
Meet our Department
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Becky Adams, M.Ed. Instructor
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Michele Anderson, M.A. Clinical Instructor
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David Brown, Ph.D. Professor
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Ana Castillo, M.Ed. Clinical Instructor
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Kamshia Childs, Ed.D. Assistant Professor
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Sherri Colby, Ph.D. Professor
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Amy Corp, Ed.D. Associate Professor
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Kathryn Dixon, Ph.D. Associate Professor
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Tomas Espinosa, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
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Kay Hong-Nam, Ph.D. Professor
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Janet Kimbriel, Ed.D Clinical Instructor
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Melanie Loewenstein, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
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Shannon Manley, Ed.D. Clinical Instructor
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Karyn Miller, Ph.D. Associate Professor
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Julie Mills, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
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Lindsay Morgan, Ed.D. Clinical Instructor
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Julia Persky, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
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Carol Revelle, Ph.D. Associate Professor
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Becky Sinclair, Ph.D. Professor
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Laura Slay, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
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Clay Stanfield, M.A.T., M.S. Program Specialist
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Bonnie Pearce, Ed.D. Assistant Professional Track
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Josh Thompson, Ph.D. Professor
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Karen Walker, Ed.D. Assistant Professor
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Susan Williams, Ed.D. Assistant Professional Track
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Rhonda Clark, M.Ed. Clinical Instructor and Educator Preparation Program Coordinator
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Kristan Nicole Pearce, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
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Amber Woodard Clinical Instructor
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Elizabeth Joslin Clinical Instructor
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Terelan Snowden Clinical Instructor
Contact Us
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction
- 903.886.5537
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011