Preparing educators to transform schools and communities
At Trinity University, education is about creating opportunities for every learner to thrive. Through innovative teaching, meaningful partnerships, research, and hands-on experiences, the Department of Education prepares graduates to lead with purpose and improve educational outcomes for each and every child in schools and communities.
Mission and Vision
Mission
We envision a world that provides equitable educational access so that every learner flourishes, leads a purposeful life, and contributes to their communities. As scholar-practitioners, we will collaborate to transform educational outcomes, foster generational impact and serve as a local and national leader via our scholarship, practices, and networks.
Vision
To develop educational leaders and learners who collaboratively transform schools and communities into
spaces that promote equity and excellence.
What Guides Our Work
Everything we do is grounded in four core values.
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We foster meaningful and respectful relationships through reciprocal partnerships that bring together diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. By creating a sense of belonging, building on individual and community strengths, and developing shared values, we work collaboratively toward common goals. Together, we create lasting partnerships that strengthen schools, communities, and educational outcomes.
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We engage in the continual process of transformation to foster individual and collective growth. By questioning assumptions about teaching and learning, rethinking our roles as educators, and engaging in experiential learning and purposeful research, we strengthen educational practice. Together, these efforts lead to informed action that creates meaningful change and disrupts systemic inequities.
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We recognize, challenge, and respond to systemic inequities, biases, and discrimination to help every learner succeed. By fostering intentional inclusion and honoring the diverse identities, experiences, and beliefs of every individual, we create learning environments where all students can thrive. Through personal reflection and collective action, we work to eliminate longstanding opportunity gaps in schools and society.
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We persist in the betterment of schools and society to improve the lives of children and their families. By keeping students and families at the center of our work, continuously refining our thinking and practices, and upholding the highest ethical standards, we foster a culture of excellence. Through ongoing reflection, inquiry, and innovation, we prepare educators to meet today’s challenges and shape the future of education.
Strategic Priorities
Foster a Thriving Learning Community
We cultivate a collaborative environment where faculty and staff are supported through open communication, shared responsibility, and continuous feedback that drives improvement.
Recruit, Support, and Empower Talent
We attract, develop, and retain talented students, faculty, and staff by investing in professional growth, well-being, and an inclusive community where everyone can succeed.
Advance Culturally Responsive Education
We strengthen culturally responsive practices by deepening our understanding of learning, human development, diversity, and equity to better serve all learners and communities.
Deliver Exceptional Educator Preparation
We provide rigorous, practice-based programs that integrate coursework, clinical experiences, and continuous innovation to prepare educators for meaningful impact.
Lead Through Research and Scholarship
We generate and share research that informs educational practice by integrating teaching, scholarship, and service while partnering with schools and communities to improve outcomes.
Department Leadership
EPP Performance and Program Accountability
The Teacher & Principal Educator Preparation Program at Trinity is currently accredited through the Texas Education Agency. Information about our accredited status is provided here: https://tea4avcastro.tea.state.tx.us/ELQ/educatorprepdatadashboard/Dashboards.html
The pass rates as reported in the ASEP Report for the last five academic years:
2025-2026: 100%
2024-2025: 91%
2023-2024: 100%
2022-2023: 100%
2021-2022: 94%
Per §227.1(c)(3), the Texas Education Agency requires Educator Preparation Programs to provide current information regarding the teacher shortage areas at the state level. Visit the following website to learn more about the effects of supply and demand on the educator workforce in Texas. https://tea.texas.gov/data-reports/educator-data/educator-reports-and-data#teacher-employment
Grievances Regarding Education Programs at Trinity University
While the Education Department at Trinity University strives to maintain the highest integrity possible in all decisions it makes regarding its programs, its students and its faculty, there may be an instance in which a disagreement with policy or action will necessitate a procedure to ensure effective communication and problem solving. The university maintains written policies for employee complaints, as referenced in the Faculty / Staff Handbook. It also maintains specific grade appeals policies listed for both undergraduate and graduate students in the Course of Study Bulletin. This grievance process is designed for issues arising from application of policy or disciplinary actions that fall outside of the two aforementioned complaint/appeal processes.