Island University Professor Inducted into Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Dr. Jana Sanders, professor in the Department of Teacher Education in the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, was recently inducted into the 2018 Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators. The Academy, sponsored by Texas A&M University System, inducted 10 members this cycle, with Sanders as the sole professor representing the Island University.
“We are proud to have elite professors such as Dr. Jana Sanders being recognized by her students, colleagues and field of discipline,” said Dr. Carmen Tejada-Delgado, Interim Chair of the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Learning Science. “Dr. Sanders exemplifies what it means to be wholeheartedly dedicated to the success of her students. Her work and dedication help to ensure A&M-Corpus Christi graduates the most highly qualified and prepared students possible to meet the needs of a diverse and global learning society.”
Sanders has more than 37 years of dedication to teaching and significant contributions educating K-12 teachers for the state of Texas.
“Teaching is not always valued in today's society and for the Texas A&M University System to recognize my efforts to educate current and future teachers is remarkable and gratifying,” shared Sanders. “This award signifies that all the times I've pushed that grocery cart across campus, filled with materials students will use in my classes, were valued and recognized as being meaningful.”
At a banquet held Feb. 16 in College Station, the Chancellor’s Century Council awarded each inductee a $1,000 stipend, a commemorative medallion and a certificate.
“This prestigious award is a significant highlight in my professional life, as well as the less public highlights which are also important to me,” said Sanders. “These include the times when former students, who are now teachers, thank me for helping them become teachers or tell me they use certain strategies or activities in their classroom that I taught them.”
Before to become a prominent scholar, Sanders received a bachelor’s degree in 1979 and a master’s degree in 1981 from Northeastern State University. In 1985, she earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education, and in 1990, earned a Doctorate of Education from Oklahoma State University.
During the 23 years Sanders has worked at A&M-Corpus Christi, she has expanded her area of expertise in early childhood education, elementary education, appropriate playgrounds for young children, language arts and elementary social studies. In 2004, Sanders was selected as the Texas Early Childhood Teacher Educator of the Year and has been awarded twice as the Northeastern State University Faculty Member of the Year.
“One of the best decisions I ever made was accepting an appointment at A&M-Corpus Christi,” concluded Sanders. “The University has provided me with opportunities I would have never had if I hadn't accepted the appointment.”
Sanders’ research in early childhood and elementary education has allowed her to become a member of several professional associations, as well as hold leadership positions at the international, state and local level. In addition, Sanders has published 12 articles in educational research journals and has made multiple professional presentations around the country.
“The College of Education and Human Development is indeed fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and dedicated faculty member as Dr. Sanders,” said Dr. David Scott, COEHD Dean. “The individual attention and caring the she offers to students as well as her focus on the quality of their learning experience provide evidence of her ongoing commitment to student success.”
Additional inductees for 2018 are:
- Dr. Julie Harlin, Texas A&M University
- Dr. Vicky Johnson, Tarleton State University
- Dr. Cleveland Lane, Prairie View A&M University
- Dr. Marie Lassmann, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
- Dr. Runchang Lin, Texas A&M International University
- Dr. Mienie Roberts, Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Dr. Pamela Webster, Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Dr. Edward Westermann, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
- Dr. Kevin Williams, West Texas A&M University
