Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Tracey Flores • Associate Professor
Tracey Flores, an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Mercedes Bonner Leadership Award (MBLA) from the Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA). The award recognizes university-based scholars of diverse backgrounds who most effectively inform educational policy and practice, and for their significant contributions to advancing awareness of multicultural issues and commitment to literacy.
Flores teaches Language Arts Methods and Community Literacies in the K-5 teacher education program. Her research focuses on language and literacy practices of Latina girls, families and multilingual communities as well as the teaching of young writers in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms.
Angela Ward • Assistant Professor of Instruction
Angela Ward, an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is part of the newest cohort (Essential 47-2026) of Leadership Austin, a dynamic group of community leaders made up of diverse voices and perspectives. Over nine months, the cohort will explore complex issues, build meaningful relationships and strengthen their capacity to lead with purpose.
Ward worked in the Austin Independent School District for over 17 years, and in K-12 education for 25 years. She is a graduate of COE and the founder and CEO of 2Ward Equity.
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy
Michael Goodman • Assistant Professor of Practice
Michael Goodman, an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, has been named an Emerging Scholar by ACPA–College Student Educators International, the leading student affairs association preparing and engaging students for a lifetime of learning.
Goodman’s award-winning research focuses on student life, governance and involvement.
COE Faculty Named 2026 RHSU EDU-Scholars
The 2026 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings recognized College of Education faculty among the 200 most influential university-based scholars in the United States impacting educational practice and policy last year.
David DeMatthews • Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy (#36)
Jeffrey Denning • Associate Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy (#198)
Liliana Garces • Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy (#166)
Angela Valenzuela • Professor (#144)
Rachel White • Associate Professor (#122)
