From Learning to Leading: Inside Irvin SOE’s Dream-Maker’s Professional Development Program

Hardin-Simmons University’s Irvin School of Education recently hosted its second annual Dream-Makers Professional Development workshop, a four-day event designed to support and equip early-career teachers with practical skills and strategies for success in today’s classrooms.

The workshop brought together new teachers from across the region for collaborative learning, hands-on sessions, and expert-led instruction. The program was made possible through a $13,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Abilene, which helped fund materials, resources, and presenter support.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural workshop, this year’s event expanded its impact and continued to strengthen HSU’s partnership with area school districts, particularly Abilene ISD. The workshop was again developed with input from local educators to ensure sessions addressed the real needs of teachers entering the profession.

“We feel that it’s important to equip teachers with strategies for reaching diverse learners,” said Dr. Renee Collins, associate dean of the Irvin School of Education. “We want to provide as much support with practical, hands-on resources to help them succeed in a very challenging classroom environment with kids who come from all walks of life. This workshop better prepares teachers to be more confident in recognizing how to help all students.”

The Dream-Makers workshop specifically targets new teachers, with a focus on strengthening instructional practices, supporting diverse learners, and building confidence in the classroom. District partners, including Abilene ISD, played an active role in sharing the opportunity with first-year educators and helping shape the program’s content.

Participants engaged in sessions led by a group of experienced educators and HSU alumni, including:

• Mrs. Hillary Brown ’10, Gifted/Talented Specialist at Midlothian ISD
• Mrs. Shannon Maynard ’05, Instructional Designer at TSTC
• Dr. Amber Prentice ’24, Assistant Professor of Education at HSU
• Dr. Renee Collins ’98, Associate Dean of the Irvin School of Education

These presenters shared expertise in curriculum design, instructional strategies, and meeting the needs of diverse learners, offering participants practical tools they can immediately implement in their classrooms.

Reflecting on her own experience as an HSU graduate, Mrs. Hillary Brown emphasized the importance of strong preparation for teachers entering the field.

“I felt incredibly prepared when I finally got a teaching job and went into my own classroom,” Brown said. “I had a lot of great professors and in-class experiences at HSU before I even student-taught. By the time I went into student teaching, I felt really prepared with lots of knowledge of various grade levels and schools. And when I went into my own classroom, I had a lot of knowledge from all my different experiences here. I felt like I really got off to a great start, even in year one, which can be the hardest year.”

Throughout the four days, attendees had opportunities to collaborate with peers, explore evidence-based teaching approaches, and gain resources to support student learning. Organizers and presenters focused on ensuring participants left with practical strategies they could immediately apply in their own classrooms.

“I hope they leave with some very practical tips and tricks that they can take into their classroom next year and use to help their students be successful,” Mrs. Brown said. “We’ve put together a good amount of thought into what teachers can use and easily implement to increase the engagement of their classroom and the success of their students.”

The Dream-Makers Professional Development program reflects a shared dedication between Hardin-Simmons University and its educational partners to invest in teachers and, ultimately, the students they serve. As the program continues to grow, organizers hope to expand its reach and further strengthen support for new educators across the region.