College of Education Awarded $1.5M Houston Endowment Grant to Prepare And Produce More Qualified Teachers of Color
Houston Endowment has awarded Prairie View A&M University’s Whitlowe R. Green College of Education (WRGCOE) one of the college’s largest grants in its 141-year history. The foundation is investing $1.5 million in the College to support PVAMU’s Educator Preparation Program, increasing the number of qualified teachers of color and preparing the educators for long-term success. The grant is part of $20M in funds the Houston Endowment awarded to several Houston area organizations committed to making racial equity and social justice in Houston a reality.
“I am elated that the Houston Endowment has chosen to support the faculty and staff members’ efforts to raise the academic profile of the WRGCOE and promote an environment that is dedicated to continuous quality improvement and student success. The grant will help enhance the quality and distinctiveness of programs and services to best prepare students for careers as accomplished educational professionals,” said Dean Michael L. McFrazier, Ed.D.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, America is becoming more diverse each year and is expected to be “majority-minority” by 2044.
“Minority teacher representation is at a critical low nationally and is not keeping up with the changing racial makeup of America’s children,” said Dean McFrazier. “We specialize in developing resilient educators who are committed to improving outcomes in communities that are historically underserved.”
The Houston Endowment grant will support the College’s established priorities, including recruiting and producing teachers of color in high need/critical shortage areas, providing instruction that is evidence-based and grounded in culturally responsive practices, employing and developing faculty that are knowledgeable and skilled, and fostering strong K-12 and community partnerships. These priorities are focused on enhancing educator preparation effectiveness in the College and supporting PVAMU’s proven record of producing certified teachers of color in classrooms across the region, state, and nation.
Tags: diversity, equity, workforce development
