HSU Receives $15,000 Grant to Support AISD Teacher Development

Hardin-Simmons University has received a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Abilene to support the Dream-Makers Professional Development workshop for Abilene Independent School District teachers.

The workshop, scheduled for June 9–12, 2025, on the HSU campus, is designed to provide professional development opportunities for early career AISD teachers, those who wish to enhance their knowledge in meeting the needs of diverse learners.

This marks the first time the Dream-Makers workshop will be offered at HSU. Discussions are already underway to expand the program to other school districts in the future.

“The Dream-Makers Professional Development program grew from a need we identified within the Abilene ISD community to support teachers, particularly those who are new to the profession,” said Dr. Renee Collins, associate dean of the Irvin School of Education at HSU. “I had the privilege of serving on a strategic planning committee for AISD in fall 2024, and through our conversations with staff and community members, it became clear that there was a significant need to help our new teachers develop the skills necessary to meet the needs of all learners.”

To meet that need, Collins applied for and was awarded the $15,000 grant to cover the cost of workshop materials, presenters, and books.

“This partnership between HSU and AISD is a tremendous opportunity for us to work together in developing teachers who are well-equipped to provide high-quality education,” Collins said.

The workshop was developed in collaboration with Patti Blue, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction at AISD. Together, Collins and Blue designed a program focused on two key areas: curriculum and instruction, and special education.

The four-day event will feature five presenters who are either HSU alumni, current faculty, or doctoral students—many of whom are current leaders in school districts across Texas. Presenters include Hillary Brown (Class of 2010), Denise Carter (Class of 2025), Shannon Maynard (Class of 2005), Dr. Amber Prentice (Class of 2024), and Collins (Class of 1998).

The workshop will allow teachers to strengthen instructional strategies, collaborate with colleagues, and apply new resources in their classrooms. The initiative is expected to impact about 14,000 AISD students.

“Abilene ISD is grateful for partners like HSU and the Irvin School of Education,” Blue said. “As a growing number of educators enter our profession through non-traditional pathways, it is invaluable to have HSU working alongside us to support new teachers and ensure their success in the classroom. We look forward with anticipation to this inaugural Dream-Makers offering and the benefits it will provide to our students and future teachers.”

The Dream-Makers Professional Development program highlights the shared commitment of Hardin-Simmons University and Abilene ISD to foster educational excellence and support teachers as they prepare the next generation of learners.