Dr. Sara Lawrence of Texas AM University-Texarkana is one of 10 faculty members in The Texas AM 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 AM System in producing K-12 teachers for the state of Texas.
Dr. Lawrence, assistant professor of Educational Psychology at AM-Texarkana, joins Dr. Jane Schielack, Texas AM University; Dr. David Brown, Texas AM University-Commerce; Dr. Anita Castaneda, Tarleton State University; Dr. Elsa Diego-Medrano, West Texas AM University; Dr. Randall Williams, Texas AM University-Kingsville; Dr. Frank Lucido, Texas AM University-Corpus Christi; Dr. Sumalai Maroonroge, Texas AM International University; Dr. Deborah Davis, Texas AM University-Central Texas; and Dr. Amy Porter, Texas AM University-San Antonio.
Photo Identification
Dr. Sara Lawrence, assistant professor of Educational Psychology at Texas AM 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 AM System is known throughout the country for producing some of the best teachers,” said Chancellor John Sharp of the Texas AM 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 AM-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 AM 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 AM-Texarkana. “Our faculty members continue to lead us in providing high-quality education for the citizens of east Texas and the four-state region.”