Homecoming with the Baylor Ice Girls

Dozens of college students shuffle around tight corners of an overpacked shed, the twelve foot U Haul trailer filling the center of the space. Hockey players stand toward the trucks, heaving hot breaths into bright balloons, almost unrecognizable without jerseys, last names, and numbers. Ice Girls dance around the trailer, securing streamers to bare railings. Photos are snapped, videos flicked, and chats sent to the rest of our crew, informing them of the progress on our Homecoming parade float. The Baylor Ice Girls is a group of female supporters, cheerleaders, and organizers for Baylor Hockey, responsible for things such as filling water bottles between periods, creating care baskets for injured players, and bringing the spirit to every game. As the sun sets on float decorating, we add our final touches, preparing to party at sunrise the following morning. 

We meet bright and early, but there is no light. We are simply there early, contemplating how Baylor’s Homecoming has been historically successful when college students are asked to be up before the sun. Loading our teams into two trucks and a trailer, we trek toward downtown for the celebration of the morning. With the parade flowing on Austin Avenue, local Wacoans line the streets of downtown. Children flock to the curb with buckets and baskets open, begging to be filled with candy. Parents and families sit back in lawn chairs, sipping on mugs of caffeinated fuel. Familiar faces of Baylor students are scattered among the crowd, avoiding the mass of bodies on campus. 

Questions rise from the crowds as we pass, “Baylor has a hockey team? Is it ice hockey? Where do they play?” Yes, Baylor does have an Ice Hockey team! The current team was revived for the 2021-2022 season, successfully attracting players and fans for the last three years. Alongside this group, the Baylor Ice Girls became a social club for female Baylor students interested in hockey, aiming for the sport to thrive on campus. These two clubs run separately, but we deeply depend on one another for functioning.

Turning down 5th Street, the sun is rising higher, the music is louder, and the energy from our Ice Hockey float hits another wind. Bags of candy are tossed between trucks to prepare for the second wave of sugar-seeking children. We pause to rehydrate our fracturing voices and rest our sore limbs, worn out from screaming, waving, and throwing sweets through the procession. Hours of preparation flew by with the parade ending before we knew it. 


Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.

Waco History Scavenger Hunt

The Waco History Scavenger Hunt, hosted by Waco History to kick off the celebration of the city’s 175th anniversary, began with beautiful weather on the weekend of September 7th, enhancing the enjoyment of our historical exploration. The morning started at the Saturday Farmers’ Market, where participants registered for the event, grabbed breakfast, and enjoyed live music.

The first stop in the scavenger hunt highlighted the early settlements on the Brazos, which included the Indigenous Waco tribe. This permanent settlement is believed to have been established as early as the 1700s, with the Waco people building bee-hive-shaped dwellings and cultivating crops such as pumpkins, lima beans, and corn. The Mexican government protected the Waco from a threatened raid involving Stephen F. Austin and his troops, which was ultimately resolved through a peace treaty. Over time, the Waco people were decimated and relocated by disease and white settlers, eventually being pushed to areas in Oklahoma.

This historical marker is placed outside the Taylor Museum of Waco and McLennan County History, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations to function as a research and learning center. The museum’s structure itself holds a rich narrative, as it was originally the first African American school in Waco. With a breeze flowing through the leaves of the massive trees, it feels like hallowed ground—an unexpected surprise in the midst of bustling Waco.

Suspension Bridge Waco

In addition to the Farmers’ Market and the Waco History Scavenger Hunt, the 2.4-mile open-water swim meet, “The Beast of the Brazos,” was taking place in the river that flows through our city. The Brazos River played a vital role in the development of Waco. Its shallow riverbeds allowed cattle drivers traveling along the Chisholm Trail to cross the 800-mile-long waterway. When the suspension bridge was constructed over the Brazos in 1870, the increased traffic brought immediate economic benefits, cementing Waco as the cotton and cattle capital of Texas. By the late 1800s, Waco was already rivaling the size of, offering ample opportunity, entertainment, and connectivity.

Old Main

Soon, Waco became a hub for education. Baylor University moved from Independence in 1886, merging with Waco University. The resulting institution, centered in Old Main, provided classrooms, offices, and laboratories. Old Main was originally referred to as “Main Building” due to its central role in student life. Prior to the integration of Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and Texas State Technical College, the only educational option for Black Wacoans was Paul Quinn College, known as the “Athens on the Brazos.” Each of these institutions has significantly shaped Waco’s educational landscape.

After the Civil War, Black Wacoans pioneered their own spaces for opportunity, entertainment, and connectivity due to persistent racial discrimination. New Hope Baptist Church became a gathering space for African Americans and developed a renowned music program. The church nurtured talents like Jules Bledsoe, an international opera star. The current New Hope building, completed in 1923, stands as a symbol of resilience and optimism, as reflected in its name.

New Hope building
New Hope Historic Marker

The Waco History Scavenger Hunt opened my eyes to many underrepresented and untold narratives of Waco. Gaining a deeper understanding of this city has fostered a greater appreciation for how our community has developed over time. Getting outside and involved in events like this is vital to cultivating community. Without participating in this event, I would not have witnessed the families, college students, and volunteers exploring the town to uncover stories that explain and shape their own experiences today.

Elizabeth Riley

Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is the President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024–2025 season.

Back to School Season: Sylly Week 

By: Elizabeth Riley
Back to school season can be overwhelming while acclimating to new routines and projects. As the weather begins to cool and our lives become packed with responsibilities, it is important to take time outside, surrounding ourselves with all the people, places, and events that Waco has to offer. The start of the semester also brought around 3,000 freshman University students to Waco. The greatest way to get comfortable with the city would be to get involved in the community in many ways.  

Homework 

Saturday, September 7, 2024: Waco History Scavenger Hunt  

The Waco History Scavenger Hunt is a self-paced, online based activity, in which participants travel to historic locations across Waco, take pictures to post on social media, and enter the chance to win prizes. This activity can be started anytime from 8:30 am to 11:00 am by following instructions on the Waco History App.  

Sunday, September 8, 2024: Church Hopping 

There are almost 200 different churches in the greater Waco area. The start of a new semester is the perfect time to travel between establishments, finding a spiritual home that fits your needs. After sampling denominational communities and pastors, taste test breakfast and brunch restaurants around town, such as Harvest on 25th, Our Breakfast Place on Franklin, or The Toasted Yolk on Washington. 

https://spirituallife.web.baylor.edu/campus-ministries-church-connections/local-churches

Monday, September 9, 2024: Genealogy Research Walkthrough 

Does your family have deep ties to Texas or the Southeast? The West Waco Library and Genealogy Center is helping uncover and rediscover family histories from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm on Monday. After searching through records of cemeteries, newspapers, and other archival sources, use the library space to get ahead with academic responsibilities. Study time is vital! 

https://calendar.wacolibrary.org/event/11526027

Tuesday, September 10, 2024: Baylor Women’s Volleyball vs SMU  

Baylor Women’s Volleyball takes on the ACC’s Southern Methodist University at the Ferrell Center at 7 pm. The women’s volleyball team has won all four of their opening games, and they are hoping to extend this winning record against the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge opponents. Volleyball sporting season lasts until November. If you’re unable to catch this week’s match, check out the schedule to find a game for you!   

https://baylorbears.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule/2024

Thursday, September 11, 2024: Outdoor Adventure Club takes on Archery 

The Outdoor Adventure Club is taking on archery for their welcome back activity! Designated for kids ages 6-11, this program will teach general safety for shooting arrows, care and maintenance for owning a bow, and history of the sporting event itself. Safely practice what you learn with the Outdoor Adventure Club from 4:30pm to 5:30pm on Thursday. 

https://calendar.wacolibrary.org/event/12124212

Friday, September 12, 2024: Premier of Waco Civic Theater’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare 

Love. Magic. Forests. Faries. From now until September 22nd, the Waco Civic Theater is performing the classic Shakespearean play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Tickets for the 7:30 pm show cost $22-$25, and they can be purchased online.  

Baylor Family Weekend Begins 

Friday kicks off Baylor’s Family Weekend, for which loved ones of current students are invited back to campus for festivities. This year’s activities include Taste of Waco food sampling, After Dark talent performances, and Vertical family worship. Baylor Football takes on Air Force at 6:30 pm on Saturday. 

https://familyweekend.web.baylor.edu

Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior studying English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season. 

Embracing Black History Month in Waco

A Celebration of Heritage and Diversity

by: Debrah Wright

Black History Month serves as an annual tribute to the remarkable achievements of African Americans, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history. In Waco, Texas, we proudly participate in this celebration, fostering a sense of community and understanding through a diverse array of events throughout the month.

Originating from “Negro History Week,” conceived by historian Carter G. Woodson and other influential African Americans, Black History Month gained official recognition in 1976, with every U.S. president designating February as a time to honor the contributions of African Americans.

Waco’s rich history is deeply intertwined with the presence and influence of African Americans, dating back to the mid-nineteenth century when the first black residents, initially brought as slaves, played pivotal roles in the region’s development. Post-Civil War, they actively worked to rebuild their lives as freedmen and freedwomen, contributing significantly to the growth of Waco and McLennan County.

From the historic HBCU Paul Quinn College to the Farmers Improvement Society advocating for equal treatment post-Civil War, Waco’s Black history is filled with inspiring narratives. All Waco residents and visitors alike can celebrate Black History Month by exploring Black-owned businesses and participating in various events and learning opportunities throughout February.

Highlighted events include a Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the Memorial to Enslaved Persons hosted by Baylor University on February 23 at 1:30 P.M. and a Black History Walking Tour led by experts from Baylor University’s Institute for Oral History on Saturday, February 24th.

Join experts from Baylor University’s Institute for Oral History as they lead you through Downtown Waco for its third annual Black History Walk. Gain insights into historic locations during this educated tour, where guides will highlight influential Black figures like Waco’s first Black mayor, the initial Black female mayor, and the late Commissioner Patricia Miller.

Notably, Waco’s Black history once thrived on Bridge Street, but after the 1953 tornado, business owners relocated to Elm Avenue. The walk commences at the McLennan County Courthouse in downtown on Saturday, February 24th, running from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Be part of this enriching journey uncovering the impactful stories woven into Waco’s historical tapestry.

Waco residents and visitors can also embark on a self-guided tour of Black history throughout the city, curated by Baylor’s Institute for Oral Histories and the Texas Collection. This tour, running from February 1 to 29, explores significant landmarks, churches, bridges, and businesses that contribute to Waco’s diverse heritage.

Additional events include “Black History in the Archives” on February 27th at 4 p.m., hosted by the Black Faculty & Staff Association and The Texas Collection at the Carroll Library, and an Afro-LatinX Cultural Heritage Celebration on February 28th, hosted by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science at Baylor University in the Student Union Building at 5 p.m. There is also the Big XII Conference on Black Student Government, hosted by Iowa State University from February 29 to March 3, promises a series of engaging discussions and activities.

Explore the Mini Black History Museum at the Dewey Community Center before it closes on February 29th. The Dewey team has curated an excellent display, and the exhibit is available during the following hours:

Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (museum closed from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (museum closed after 3 p.m.)
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this enlightening experience celebrating Black history.

Furthermore, Creative Arts Experiences held throughout the month provide opportunities to delve into the works of influential Black authors, musicians, and theatrical performances.

Experience the enchanting melodies of America’s most original genre, jazz, with Baylor’s Concert Jazz Ensemble on February 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall, Glennis McCrary Music Building.

Join us in Waco as we commemorate Black History Month, embracing the past, present, and future of our diverse community.

Free Fit & Well Expo Saturday

Be Awesome Now and the Baylor Department of Wellness are partnering to sponsor the 2023 Fit & Well Expo 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the SUB Barfield Drawing Room on the Baylor campus. The event will feature the following:

– Nutrition tips with Regina Mastin, Baylor Counseling;

– Fitness tips with Kelvin Robinson, HighPower Fitness;

– Pain-free training tips with John Weldon, D.P.T., Well Done Physical Therapy;

– Self-love tips with Emily Field, Refit Waco;

– Understanding “tripledemic” risks with Benjamin Ryan, Ph.D., Baylor Environmental Science;

– Wholeness & balance tips with Jon Singletary, Ph.D., Baylor School of Social Work; and

– Somatic yoga with Bianca Davis, East Meets West Training.  

The Expo is free, and lunch will be included for the first 200 registrants. For more information and to register, click here.

Baylor makes top 25 on two lists

By Baylor staff

The list of schools to make U.S. News‘ top 25 for both undergraduate teaching and undergraduate research is a short and impressive one – Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Duke, Elon, Michigan, and Baylor.

In their latest rankingsU.S. News put Baylor at No. 16 nationally for undergraduate teaching and No. 21 for undergraduate research/creative projects. No other Texas or Big 12 school made the top 25 in both categories; in fact, only Rice (No. 4 for teaching) and Texas (No. 19 for research) cracked the top 25 in either listing.

The teaching honor is nothing new for Baylor; undergraduate education has long been a hallmark of the university. Baylor’s growing research effort – as seen in the university’s recent R1 status – is making that undergraduate education even better, as professors bring cutting-edge knowledge gained in their research into the classroom, and undergrads get hands-on opportunities in labs across campus.

“It’s rewarding to have our peer institutions and others recognize Baylor’s high-quality undergraduate programs and how much we deeply value the undergraduate student experience,” said President Linda Livingstone. “Baylor is a Christian Research 1 university with a distinct and compelling mission, including providing our students with a transformational academic education and co-curricular experience that prepares the whole person for worldwide leadership and service.”

Cooper recognized for state and national math education leadership 

By Gracie Ozburn

Sandi Cooper, professor in the Baylor School of Education’s Department of Curriculum & Instruction, was selected as the 2022 recipient of the E. Glenadine Gibb Achievement Award. The award honors a member of the Texas Council for Teachers of Mathematics for contributions to the improvement of math education at the state and national levels. Cooper, Ph.D., received the award at the Conference for the Advancement of Math Teaching in San Antonio in the summer.

Dr. Sandi Cooper

She was nominated by two Baylor colleagues — Trena Wilkerson, professor of mathematics education, and Ryann Shelton, lecturer in Baylor’s online Doctor of Education program in learning and organizational change.

“She is an outstanding colleague and offers significant leadership for the entire mathematics education community,” the nomination said. “She is an exemplary scholar, teacher, and leader.”

“It is an honor to work with [Cooper] in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, and her vision and leadership continue to move our department and the University forward,” said Wilkerson, Ph.D. and interim chair of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction.

In 2016, Wilkerson received the award, which is named after E. Glenadine Gibb, former president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and a leader in math education in Texas. Wilkerson said Gibb was known as a visionary. “I think that captures Dr. Cooper perfectly. She is a visionary!”

Cooper has been a longtime member of both the national and state math teachers organizations and served as president of Texas body 2017-2019. She was also president of the Central Texas affiliate 2012-2014.

She earned her Ph.D. in math education at Texas A&M University in 1994 and is professor of mathematics education, coordinator of mathematics education, and coordinator of the SOE’s minor in informal education. She was the founding program director of the online Ed.D. in learning and organizational change, Baylor’s largest doctoral program.

Cooper’s main research focus is related to early number development of children in PreK to second grade and the effectiveness of teachers who teach these early learners. She has applied her research to founding and leading the Math for Early Learners Academy, a summer intervention program launched in 2016 to provide positive learning experiences while developing early number concepts for children entering kindergarten and first grade. The MELA research team is developing a curriculum and assessments customized for early interventions.

In her acceptance speech at TCTM, Cooper spoke about how thankful she is for the recognition and for the hope and promise she saw in the roomful of math educators.

“I am honored,” Cooper said. “I became a math teacher in 1985, and I have loved every minute of it. We all know we are facing a crisis in education right now. When I look out and see you, I have hope. You are here spending your time learning, and you’re going to go back and take this information to help your school grow. Thank you for what you are doing in your classrooms and schools. You are really the true champions, and I am honored to be a part of this profession.”

A longer version of this story can be read on the Baylor School of Education’s Instant Impact page.

Innovative treatment for children with autism available in Waco

By Julie Ivey

As a faculty member at Baylor, I have worked extensively helping children with autism, and I’m really excited about a current project that is innovative and free to children in the area. Our team is working one-on-one with children to improve balance, gait, behavior, and language. It’s a fun experience for the children because they do this while riding a mechanical horse.

The Baylor School of Education autism team is measuring the behavioral and language effects of riding on the MiraColt mechanical horse.

You might have heard about the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding for children with autism; these experiences are believed to stimulate neurological connections because of the motion of the horse that the child must respond to. But not every family has access to live horses. If the mechanical horse can be effective in a clinical setting staffed by trained professionals, it can offer an excellent intervention to help children.

Through a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, our Baylor autism team is measuring the behavioral and language effects of riding on the MiraColt mechanical horse. Because of this funding, the experience is free to children, whose parents sign up to attend two sessions per week for 15 weeks. In fact, families who complete the study will receive $150. The project is taking place at the Baylor BRIC. Be assured that the members of our interdisciplinary team have extensive experience working with children with autism and will help the children feel comfortable in a new setting.

We are recruiting children ages 6-12 who have a diagnosis of autism and may experience motor delays. To participate, children should be able to follow simple verbal instructions and have an IQ above 80. We are accepting participants on a rolling basis this fall and spring. While the study is in its early stages, our preliminary observations are promising, and parents have said they see improvements in their children.

For a little bit more information, you can read this story from the School of Education: School of Education Autism Research Team Studies Mechanical Horse Intervention

If you think your child would be interested and would qualify, we will begin with a meet-and-greet session to show you what it is all about, meet your child, and let you explore the space.

For more information, please mail me at Julie_Ivey@baylor.edu! We are excited to work with children and the community on this exciting, innovative project!

Julie Ivey, Ph.D., is a clinical professor in the Baylor University School of Education.

The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email Ferrell Foster at ferrell@prosperwaco.org.

Education prof Lakia Scott named ‘Champion of Change’

By Baylor School of Education

Baylor University has named Lakia Scott the school’s “Champion of Change” this year. Dr. Scott is an associate professor in Baylor’s School of Education.

Dr. Lakia Scott

Baylor launched “Champions of Change” awards to recognize and acknowledge the accomplishments of faculty, staff, and alumni (one of each annually) who have demonstrated efforts to “foster greater appreciation and advancement of diversity, inclusiveness, and equity for communities of color at Baylor and in Waco.” A diverse and representative volunteer advisory committee sought nominations and made the final selections for the inaugural honorees.

Scott’s efforts in equity enhancement have included promoting the recruitment and retention of first-generation college students and students of color through advising student organizations; establishing a reputation for being empathetic and supportive of students from traditionally marginalized backgrounds; and focusing her research on multicultural awareness, diversity practices, and urban education and literacy.

“I am humbled by this recognition, and I do not take this honor lightly,” Scott said. “This notion of being a champion of change truly challenges us to continue in our efforts to call into question and/or critique the structural and systemic barriers that limit human flourishing. While I am grateful that my efforts have been noticed, there is still so much to do, especially in thinking about equitable education as a right, not a privilege, for all students in our country. I am thankful to do my part in Waco — the strides made here can provide a national model for evoking true change in education.”

For three years, Scott served as the Chair of the Campus Diversity Committee and currently serves on the President’s Diversity Council. Scott also won Baylor’s Diversity Enhancement Award in 2018 and this year is the recipient of Baylor’s Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award (tenure-track) She is the founding director of Baylor’s Freedom Schools, a summer literacy enrichment program for elementary and middle school youth which focuses on culturally relevant teaching practices and the utilization of multicultural literature in order to bridge summer learning loss.

Teaching in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and serving as the department’s graduate program director, Scott is a recognized scholar in the field of Urban Education. Her credits include a host of research publications, co-authored and co-edited books, book chapters, and educational evaluation reports.

When the awards were presented at the end of the spring semester, Baylor President Dr. Linda Livingstone said, “The impact of this year’s Champions of Change echoes far beyond the halls of Baylor University, reverberating well into the greater Waco community. Each of these amazing leaders embodies the character and commitment to equity we seek in reflecting Baylor’s Christian mission.”

The impact of Scott’s work has indeed reverberated beyond campus, as she also received recognition from the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, receiving their “Waco Under 40” Award honoring “dynamic young leaders under the age of 40” who are making an impact in the greater Waco community.

Scott said, “I believe strongly that through service, love, and intentionality, we can transform our community spaces in ways that translate to human flourishing. I am honored to be among my esteemed peers and colleagues who also consider themselves servants of the greater Waco community.”

The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email Ferrell Foster at ferrell@prosperwaco.org.

First-year teachers — How did 2020 Baylor Education grads do?

By Baylor School of Education

Baylor University’s teacher-education graduates of 2020 experienced a career launch like no other class. Their classroom internships were cut short by the global COVID pandemic, and then they entered their first year of independent teaching still in the midst of a pandemic that lasted the entire school year. 

It’s a good thing the Baylor School of Education teacher-education program is designed to prepare graduates thoroughly through rigorous coursework, as well as intense faculty-guided field experiences. Baylor’s preparation is so rigorous, in fact, that 2020 teacher education majors had completed their state-required classroom experiences and already taken their certification exams when the pandemic hit.

But were they really ready? Could anything have prepared them for a first year of teaching in a pandemic? Read the reflections of four of our 2020 graduates after their first year in the classroom and find out. Spoiler alert — our graduates are amazing! Congratulations (and thank you) to them and to all teachers who are leading during these challenging times.


Emily Holland, BSEd ’20, All-Level Special Education

Emily Holland

Robinson Elementary School, Robinson ISD

Functional Academics (first-third graders)

“One thing that I was not prepared for was teaching students with disabilities through a computer screen. It is already challenging enough to differentiate instruction for your kiddos in person let alone online with that barrier. . . . Most of my students ended up in my classroom, but I did have two that chose to stay home for the entire school year. I could handle the challenging behaviors, disengaged learners, or the unpredictability of each day. But that added layer of asynchronous/synchronous instruction is the main reason that I finished each day completely drained. However, this year gave educators the opportunity to learn and try so many amazing online resources that I hope we will all continue to use in the future.”

READ EMILY‘S COMPLETE REFLECTION


Augie Strauch, BSEd ’20, Secondary Social Studies

Augie Strauch

Vandergriff High School, Leander ISD

Eleventh Grade U.S. History

“I knew engagement and relationships were going to be the biggest hurdles this year, and I really felt like my time at Baylor helped prepare me to make the adjustments necessary to have a great year. . . . To keep students’ attention, I knew they needed to be a part of the lesson, not just an observer. . . . I ended up finding a collection of tools that allowed me to embed questions into my presentations that would prompt questions to the entire class while I was teaching.”

READ AUGIE’S COMPLETE REFLECTION


Sahira Kodra, BSEd ’20, Elementary Education

Sahira Kodra

Akin Elementary, Leander ISD

Fourth Grade 

“All my Baylor classes and time in the classroom prepared me for teaching, but I think nothing prepared me for teaching virtually all of my first year. Baylor also instilled a love of learning in me that I was able to pass down to my students. . . . My favorite memory was when my students and I participated in an escape room I created — thanks to Dr. Neil Shanks. We had done an in-person escape room in his methods class, I reached out and asked him a few questions. I then created a math escape room that allowed my students to go through it in teams while being virtual.”

READ SAHIRA’S COMPLETE REFLECTION


Cami Cox, BSEd ’20, Elementary Education

Cami Cox

Cypress Elementary, Leander ISD

First Grade

“Going from virtual to in-person to being quarantined to the constant revolving door of students, change was the name of the game! I grew so much this year, and I will carry the lessons I learned throughout my teaching career. . . . All the different experiences I had through Baylor definitely prepared me. . . . One of my students told me, ‘Ms. Cox, I know you’re a new teacher, but I like that you change stuff up. It makes it fun!’ I’m really glad she thought so because this year was full of change!”

READ CAMI’S COMPLETE REFLECTION


For more than 100 years, Baylor educators have carried the mission and practices of the School of Education to classrooms and beyond as teachers, leaders in K12 and higher education, psychologists, academics/scholars, and more. With more than 50 full-time faculty members, the school’s growing research portfolio complements its long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. Visit www.baylor.edu/SOE to learn more.

The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email Ferrell Foster at ferrell@prosperwaco.org.