Angelo State University's Dean of Education Receives Prestigious Award

SAN ANGELO, TX – Dr. Scarlet Clouse, the distinguished dean of Angelo State University's College of Education, was honored with the prestigious 2023 Ted Booker Memorial Award during the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) Annual Conference, which took place earlier this month in San Marcos.

The esteemed Booker Award was presented to Dr. Clouse by the Texas Association of Teacher Educators (TxATE), one of the ten constituent organizations forming CSOTTE. Established in 1972, this award pays tribute to educators who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to the field of education.

Dr. Clouse expressed her gratitude, stating, "This honor represents the culmination of relentless effort from numerous individuals who share our vision of elevating the quality of teacher preparation at Angelo State. The College of Education remains steadfast in its commitment to creating and sustaining innovative pathways that equip teacher candidates with the skills and knowledge required for success in the classroom upon graduation and throughout their careers. I am deeply indebted to the department chairs, faculty, and staff who have dedicated themselves to this mission."

Since joining Angelo State in 2019, Dr. Clouse has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at improving the teacher education program and its facilities. Notable achievements include the establishment of a cutting-edge Student Resource Room tailored to the needs of teacher candidates and the creation of an Innovative Teaching Center, designed to replicate real classroom environments that teacher candidates will encounter in the field. She consistently engages with students to identify innovative methods of providing support.

In 2022, Dr. Clouse introduced the Texas 2-Step Teacher Certification Program, which has opened up a pathway for paraprofessionals in school districts to attain teaching certificates. Earlier this year, she played a key role in Angelo State University's partnership with the University-School Partnerships for the Renewal of Educator Preparation (US PREP) National Center to launch an innovative teacher preparation program in collaboration with the San Angelo Independent School District.

Dr. Tia Agan, Chair of ASU's Department of Teacher Education, commended Dr. Clouse's unwavering commitment to restoring the prestige of teacher education, saying, "Dr. Clouse deserves recognition for her remarkable determination and the significant impact she has made on educators across the state."

Furthermore, Dr. Clouse was instrumental in initiating Angelo State University's adult education transfer agreement with Goodfellow Air Force Base. She was also pivotal in the introduction of ASU's most recent doctoral degree, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in transformative leadership. Additionally, she leads numerous community cybersecurity education and awareness initiatives at ASU.

Before her tenure at ASU, Dr. Clouse served as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at the University of the Southwest in New Mexico for two years, following nine years as a professor, department chair, and program director at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. Her background includes teaching and coaching roles in public schools in Alpine and Schleicher County. Dr. Clouse holds bachelor's and master's degrees from SRSU and a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.