A&M-Texarkana professor is named to Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators

Sponsor

Dr. Sara Lawrence of Texas A&M University-Texarkana is one of 10 faculty members in The Texas A&M University System named as a 2015 recipient of the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators. The Academy recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of teacher education and highlights the role of the A&M System in producing K-12 teachers for the state of Texas.

Dr. Lawrence, assistant professor of Educational Psychology at A&M-Texarkana, joins Dr. Jane Schielack, Texas A&M University; Dr. David Brown, Texas A&M University-Commerce; Dr. Anita Castaneda, Tarleton State University; Dr. Elsa Diego-Medrano, West Texas A&M University; Dr. Randall Williams, Texas A&M University-Kingsville; Dr. Frank Lucido, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; Dr. Sumalai Maroonroge, Texas A&M International University; Dr. Deborah Davis, Texas A&M University-Central Texas; and Dr. Amy Porter, Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

drtech

Photo Identification
Dr. Sara Lawrence, assistant professor of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Past Academy members help select the latest inductees. University faculty, staff and students are able to nominate any full-time faculty member who has had a significant impact in the preparation of teachers.

Academy members each receive a $1,000 stipend, a commemorative medallion and a certificate. The 10 new inductees will be officially recognized at the Chancellor’s Century Council annual meeting in Austin in March 2016.

“Because of the hard work our faculty put into preparing teachers for the classroom, the Texas A&M System is known throughout the country for producing some of the best teachers,” said Chancellor John Sharp of the Texas A&M System. “Through the Academy, we recognize those who have worked tirelessly to ensure that students are equipped with the experience and knowledge necessary to become top-quality teachers themselves. I am proud to honor and welcome the latest inductees.”

Dr. Lawrence joined the A&M-Texarkana Department of Education in August 2006. At the undergraduate level, she teaches courses for teacher preparation, psychology and the arts. She teaches her Foundations of Education and Growth and Development EC-12 courses in partnership with local schools, called lab classes.

“I’m proud of our partnerships with local districts in preparing future teachers for our schools,” Dr. Lawrence said. “Working with teachers and principals has been so fulfilling.”

At the graduate level, Dr. Lawrence teaches Educational Research, Learner-Centered Teaching Strategies, and Human Growth and Development.

She received a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Master of Teaching in Special Education and Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a minor in Studio Arts from the University of Virginia.

Her research interests include creativity in psychology and education, game theory for education, inductive reasoning in young children, and innovative teaching strategies. She has received a number of grants and been published in an array of academic journals.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Lawrence join the Academy’s distinguished ranks of outstanding teacher educators,” said Dr. Emily Cutrer, president of A&M-Texarkana. “Our faculty members continue to lead us in providing high-quality education for the citizens of east Texas and the four-state region.”

Previous articleThe Difference Between a Freestanding Emergency Center & an Urgent Care Clinic
Next article2 arrested after leading police on high speed chase