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LaDerrington Bradford and Jeffrey Rogers both teach at their alma mater in Cleveland, Texas. See how their shared journey is impacting the next generation.
LaDerrington Bradford is the heart of Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Texas. He knows every student, every family connection, every story. He’s the kind of skilled educator who makes students believe the impossible is within reach.
By working hand-in-hand with 16 institutions, including every campus in the Texas A&M University System, this initiative didn’t just elevate university teacher preparation programs; it directly shaped the experiences of the thousands of students who would one day sit in classrooms led by these better-prepared, better-supported teachers.
As Associate Director for Teacher Development at the Knowles Teacher Initiative, Joyce Lin leads her team to think deeply about how to support Teacher Fellows to inquire into their professional communities, to develop the teacher leadership skills necessary to improve education beyond their classrooms, and to share their stories of the knowledge they acquired with a wider community.
The Texas Tribune hosted two panel discussions on how Texas can best attract, prepare, and retain teachers. The conversation focused on a few urgent questions: How can Texas recruit more highly trained teachers – and keep the ones it already has? What’s contributing to high turnover? How do we define what makes an effective teacher?
No two journeys into the classroom are the same. Each Charles Butt Scholar brings a unique perspective, collection of skills, and purpose to teaching – but they all share one powerful thing: a deep passion for helping students reach their full potential. Hear what Charles Butt Scholars have to say and share your own story!
Dr. Junlei Li, the co-chair of the Human Development and Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, shares a poignant and reflective story that underscores the profound, often unnoticed impact teachers have on their students.
Eric Hale shares about a teacher who went out of his way to be supportive. “He went above and beyond. And so that’s my goal. I’m not trying to be the best teacher, but I am trying to be the most impactful.”
Byron Sanders shares about a 10th grade history teacher that changed the course of his life. “He was a mirror that I needed at the time. He defogged it, wiped away all of the smears, the self doubt, the inadequacy. And I was like, maybe I am smart.”
Warren Hudson is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Venus ISD. He says he wouldn’t be where he is today without the influence of two important teachers in his life.
Melinna Chessher, a Charles Butt Scholar, shares how mentorship has changed her life. “My mentor has helped me in a variety of ways to boost my confidence as a teacher, and as an individual.”
In addition to financial support, the Charles Butt Scholarship network creates opportunities for new and aspiring educators to support one another along their professional journeys. It’s this ongoing support and community that Guadalupe and Monica say sets the scholarship apart from other programs.
As an advocate for the profession, Washington utilizes her platform to share her experiences as a Black educator as well as to speak about her passion for teaching – a career outsiders tend to label as a career without upward mobility and opportunities for growth.
Dr. Victor Rios shares about the teacher who believed in him so much, she tricked him into believing in himself.
Dr. Adam Sáenz shares about what his favorite teachers wrote him in letters that served as a light during a dark time in his young adult life, which serves as a reminder for all of us – you never know how much your kind words will impact someone, so share them often.
How did Urlel and Mark go from casual conversation over chips and salsa to collaborating as colleagues?
Underneath renderings of actual rockets and the word INNOVATE, Chris McLeod shapes the future of Texas from inside the rocketry lab of the Brazosport ISD Career & Technical Education Center.
Vicki Phillips’ heartfelt story about her high school geometry teacher serves as a reminder of the lasting power of teachers who go above and beyond to connect with their students.
The weekend was filled with conversations among bright minds exchanging ideas, experiences, and visions for the future of public education.
An early-career, bilingual teacher demonstrates the power of leading as your authentic self.
We believe every student, in every Texas classroom, must have an effective teacher every year. In 2017, we launched the Raising Texas Teachers initiative in an effort to make that goal a reality.
Crystal Romero-Mueller was elated when Deniss Moreno requested her as a mentor.
One simple act of encouragement from his teacher inspired Dr. Joe Sanfelippo to pursue a career in education and to eventually become the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, Wisconsin and author of Hacking Leadership.
Dr. Lara explains the importance of teachers seeing potential in all their students. He is still grateful for what his teachers did for him.
Twyla’s story highlights just how much a teacher can inspire a student, even after they leave their classroom.
Rewrite the Stars. A Charles Butt Scholar, Star Brown, redefines her legacy through teaching. Read her story.
Her teacher exposed her to accounting and business and took an interest in Erika’s future. It changed her life.
In this story, we highlight the learning journey of Harlingen CISD. They began their blended learning exploration with the goal of supporting Tier 2 & 3 students, those students who need more structured support to reach grade-level proficiency. However, this pursuit evolved into a new district-wide approach to teaching and learning that advances their investment in thoughtful innovation for the benefit of all schoolchildren.
All Charles Butt Scholars are invited to an annual symposium for the opportunity to network and benefit from a shared learning experience.
In a brand new job under unthinkable circumstances. New surprises every week. Trying to support students in ways they never expected. And yet they say they “would not want to be in any other profession.” Ten Charles Butt Scholar alumni, now first and second-year teachers, share their struggles, victories, and learnings a few months into the 2020-21 school year. These new Texas teachers find inspiration in their profession, and in the process, inspire us. Clarissa Rodriguez 1st Grade Teacher | Treasure Hills.
Three theatre teachers demonstrate an indomitable and innovative spirit in their approach to engaging and empowering students in COVID times.
This years symposium theme, This is Where We Shine, offered a message to current and future teachers of daring leadership, leaning into the uncertainty and the vulnerability, and bringing light to students, their communities, and themselves.
I have hope in America’s future. This year has been tumultuous for many students and families, yet they are resilient. Educators and communities have worked together to provide meals, WiFi, technology devices, and the best education possible for all students, no matter if they are learning at home or six feet apart in person. The amount that the school community and community partners have come together to support the students that attend our school has been awe-inspiring. Education continues to.
An aspiring teacher in her first year of college unexpectedly finds a mentor when she reconnects with her own elementary school principal.
Great teachers understand their job is to equip students to become critical thinkers, even if they don’t pursue a career in chemistry or calculus. In our latest Voices on Teaching video, Evin Eitelojore, a chemistry teacher at Klein High in Klein ISD, explains this goal.
When six-year-old Mark Jones sat in his first-grade class at Buda Elementary School 51 years ago, he never imagined that his teacher, Sybil Ellison, would remain a mentor and friend decades later.
Through the Raising Blended Learners initiative, we have developed the RBL Implementation Continuum (RBL-IC) as a resource for teachers and administrators as they design student experiences for socially-distanced schools, at-home remote and hybrid learning scenarios, and plan for teacher support.
Discover the power of blended learning in the ever-changing landscape of education. Explore how technology can enhance instruction.
Integrate technology into instruction with blended learning strategies. Discover how blended learning can impact engagement and instruction.
Our 2020 Charles Butt Scholar Virtual Conference, focused on what makes Texas public schools unique – they are innovative, diverse, and for all.
“You should be a teacher.” Erika Carter vividly remembers whispering this to herself at 16 years old after helping a little girl learn how to read. After that, both lives were impacted forever.
Clarence Washington used to be in law enforcement. But then a friend asked him: “You’re catching people right now, but what if you went and tried to prevent it in the first place?” Now, he’s a teacher.
“Teachers are the single most impactful part of the education system.” — John Friedman, Brown University professor and researcher recognizes that teachers are the biggest determinant of student success.
John B. King Jr. served in President Obama’s cabinet as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education and is now the President and CEO of The Education Trust. And where does he credit his success? His public school teachers.
Khaniya Russell is a Charles Butt Scholar and student at Trinity University. We asked Khaniya to share her perspective with us about what it’s like to be an aspiring teacher during this time, and what we can learn from her cohort’s experiences.
Sometimes teachers can see our potential before anyone else. For Dr. Carly Gilson, an assistant professor of special education at Texas A&M University, it was her fourth-grade teacher calling her “a writer” and giving her a journal that lit the spark.
Confidence in the classroom is contagious. Pamela Powell, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin in the Uteach Program, explains why having a strong leader in the classroom is important.
Mr. Bonner was featured on Ellen, has written and published a book on teaching, and is a sought-after speaker. Check out this Voices on Teaching interview to learn why he believes so much in the power and potential of teaching to create a ripple effect that lasts for generations.
Linda Ascencio, a fourth-grade teacher at Sanchez Elementary School, had a student who challenged her throughout the year. It seemed as if he was always getting in trouble and being sent to the office. However, she made an effort to know this student and his background. Through her efforts, she was able to gain his trust. Now, he is one of the students she misses the most.
Shea Culpepper, a clinical director and professor of teacher education at the University of Houston, believes teachers have the awesome task of preparing students for a future that does not exist yet.
“Good teachers live forever.” Mark Henry, the superintendent of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, is not in the classroom anymore; however, he still appreciates and recognizes a teacher’s lasting impact.
Khiandra Woods had a teacher that made an effort to create a family-like culture in her classroom: she built personal relationships with her students; she knew her students’ families personally, and she even knew what her students like to do on the weekend. In this environment, Khiandra pushed herself to meet her teacher’s high expectations.
Our inaugural Charles Butt Scholars Symposium brought together students from 10 universities around Texas who have been selected to receive the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers.
Raquel is a migrant farm worker who spent nearly every summer of her life working in the fields of Michigan alongside her family.
Explore the story of C’Sherica Shaw, a future teacher who believes in the power of love and purpose in the classroom.
Christie Smith could have chosen any career. But even when she entertained other possibilities, she always returned to her true passion: teaching.
Rick Rodriguez, an assistant superintendent for human resources at Lubbock ISD, explains why, for teachers, fulfillment isn’t about money, a certificate, or an award.
How education, family, and football forged a future in teaching for a small town standout
How a migrant farmworker defied the odds through personal determination and family sacrifice
Dana Boyd, the principal of East Point Elementary School in Ysleta ISD, is a decorated educator. She was named Texas National Distinguished Principal in 2016 and Texas Teacher of the Year in 2007.
How we designed the Raising Blended Learners (RBL) year 1 ecosystem of support and which Technical Assistance (TA) Providers were involved.
One of the most integral elements to implementing personalized blended learning is the ability to use data to inform daily classroom instruction. Data allows teachers to unlock the full potential of student-centered learning; without accurate and actionable data, teachers are unable to deeply personalize instruction because they may lack immediate and comprehensive knowledge about each student.