A&M-Commerce Offers Multiple Pathways for Aspiring Latino Educators and Leaders

Texas A&M University-Commerce is committed to growing the number of Latino educators in Dallas ISD and school districts throughout the region.

Rene Martinez, community activist and special assistant to A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin, said Latino educators have a measurable impact on Dallas's minority population.

“Students thrive academically when they see teachers and leaders who look like them and understand their language and cultural background,” Martinez said.

Martinez reports that the university provides an array of academic options for candidates interested in teaching and educational leadership.

One of the newest options is an innovative partnership with Dallas College, where students can earn their associate degree from Dallas College and then complete their bachelor’s degree at the new A&M-Commerce at Dallas site, due to open this fall at 8750 North Central Expressway.

Candidates who already have their undergraduate degree can take advantage of multiple certification options for aspiring teachers, special education and bilingual ESL teachers, and principal and superintendent certification.

The university also offers master's degree programs in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, and counseling.

Support staff without a bachelor's degree can also become certified teachers by earning a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Organizational Leadership through the A&M-Commerce College of Innovation and Design.

Designed for working adults, the fully online program is offered in 7-week terms for an affordable price of $750 per term. After earning the BAAS degree, teaching candidates can work toward teacher certification in the field of their choice.

Kimberly McLeod, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Human Services, said A&M-Commerce is ready to help teaching candidates make their dreams a reality.

“With online courses and two 7-week terms per semester, our degree programs work for every adult lifestyle,” McLeod said. “If you've ever dreamed of being a teacher, your road to certification begins at A&M-Commerce.”