Announcements
TCU's College of Education will host the 2nd Annual MAESTRO Conference on Friday, May 17, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center.
This year’s theme, "Juntos Somos Más: Educators Building Community," celebrates the power of connection and collective impact in education. The event is free and open to current high school and college students interested in teaching, as well as current teachers, counselors and administrators.
The conference will feature keynote speaker Andy Canales, founder of Latinos for Education,
along with breakout sessions covering topics such as education, AI, mental health
and community leadership. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is required as seating is limited.
Deans’ Award for Research and Creativity 2025
Michael Faggella-Luby
Professor of Special Education
College of Education
“I am dedicated to advancing access, services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities,
with a focus on literacy interventions, postsecondary education and technology applications.
My research is grounded in multi-university and interdisciplinary collaborations bridging
theory to practice, ensuring that it not only contributes to academic discourse but
also drives meaningful change in classrooms and professional settings.”
Deans’ Award for Teaching 2025
Kathleen Kyzar
Associate Professor of Early Childhood and Special Education
College of Education
“I dedicate myself to becoming a better educator by continuously practicing my teaching
skills, seeking feedback, reflecting on my methods, and striving for improvement.”
Students describe her as “extremely passionate and knowledgeable” and “cheerful and
approachable.” They appreciate the ways in which she structures the course to have
direct application to their future work as classroom teachers.
For more information visit the Faculty Awards website.
TCU has been honored with the Innovation in Outreach Award by the Texas Health Education Service for its collaborative efforts to expand access to healthcare careers.
The award recognizes the collective impact of faculty and students from the Pre-Health Professions Institute, the Andrews Institute for Research in Mathematics & Science Education, the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU and the College of Education. Initiatives such as middle and high school mentoring programs and the Mini-Medical School Summer Camp were noted for creating meaningful pathways for students from underrepresented communities.
The Innovation in Outreach Award highlights TCU’s commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare and STEM professionals and strengthening community engagement across North Texas.
Congratulations to TCU College of Education alumna Jennifer Medina ('16, M.Ed. '18) for being named a finalist in the national Sunshine for Teachers contest hosted by Tropical Smoothie Café! Medina, a beloved Fort Worth ISD teacher, was recognized for her outstanding dedication to her students and innovative approach to learning.
Support Jennifer by casting your vote through May 9 to help her earn a well-deserved
tropical vacation and national recognition!
The College of Education proudly recognizes the outstanding scholarship and innovation showcased at the 2025 Research & Pedagogy Festival. Congratulations to this year’s award winners:
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Undergraduate Division: Benjamin Messina (Advisor: Dr. Kelcia Righton)
Bridging the Gap: Disparities in Secondary Demographics and Advanced Class Enrollment -
Graduate Division: Elle McCartt (Advisor: Dr. Audrey Sorrells)
Enhancing Oral Reading Fluency: The Impact of Cold and Hot Reads on Student Progress -
Doctoral Division: Stephanie Wallace (Advisor: Dr. Hayat Hokayem)
The Role of Gestures in an Anatomy and Physiology Course -
People’s Choice Award: Camila Padilla, Master’s Candidate (Advisor: Dr. Sarah Quebec-Fuentes)
Building Early Algebra Skills Through Number Talks: Enhancing Algebraic Thinking in Fifth-Grade Students
We are proud to celebrate the research excellence, creativity and dedication of our students. Thank you to all who participated and supported this year's festival.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees—you inspire us with your leadership, resilience and heart.
- Excellence in Education: Stephanie Plotner, M.Ed.
- Excellence in Education Early Career: Elizabeth Duncan Atwood, M.Ed.
- Excellence in Educational Leadership Early Career: Holly Henning, M.Ed.
- Excellence in Educational Leadership: Lizdelia Piñón, Ed.D.
- Excellence in Higher Education Leadership: Mariana Isabel Gonzalez Berrocal, M.Ed.
- Viktor Frankl Counseling Award: Hayley Waring, M.Ed.
- Excellence in Youth Advocacy & Educational Studies: Kellton Hollins, M.Ed.
View event photos on Facebook.
Taryn Allen and Christine Hall, faculty members in TCU’s College of Education, co-authored a chapter in Latin Students in Engineering: An Intentional Focus on a Growing Population, which received the Edited Volume Book of the Year Award from the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education.
Their contribution highlights key strategies for supporting Latin students in STEM fields, emphasizing inclusive practices and academic success.
Kathleen Cluchey, a student in TCU’s M.Ed. in science education program, was featured on Good Day alongside her students for their award-winning project in the Young Women's Preparatory STEM competition. The project focused on developing innovative solutions to global natural disasters, showcasing the power of STEM education in real-world problem-solving.
AACTE congratulates Nicole Masole-Rose, a TCU doctoral candidate in higher educational leadership, as February Holmes Scholar of the Month for her commitment to equity and excellence.
Rocco Williams, a Ph.D. student in science education at TCU, has been honored with two prestigious leadership awards from leading science education organizations in Texas. The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) awarded Williams the Distinguished Leadership Award for advancing science teaching and learning in meaningful ways. Additionally, the Texas Science Education Leadership Association (TSELA) recognized Williams with the Outstanding Leadership in Science Education (OLISE) Award, celebrating his contributions to promoting effective science education practices across the state.