Southeastern dean selected as fellow for Impact Academy
Monday, June 10, 2019 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
DEAN NAMED FELLOW- Southeastern Louisiana University College of Education Dean Paula Summers Calderon was recently selected for a 2019 Impact Academy fellowship, a yearlong fellowship for leaders of educator-preparation programs. Calderon, the only dean from Louisiana chosen, was one of 19 fellows selected nationwide.
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University College of Education Dean Paula Summers
Calderon was recently selected by Deans for Impact for a 2019 Impact Academy fellowship,
a yearlong program for leaders of educator-preparation programs. A resident of Baton
Rouge, Calderon, the only dean chosen from Louisiana, was one of 19 fellows selected
nationwide.
“The 19 fellows in the cohort hail from 12 states ranging from Alaska down to
New Mexico, Mississippi up to Massachusetts, and collectively prepare more than 7,600
teachers each year,” said Deans for Impact Senior Program Director John Roberts. “We’re
excited to work alongside the fellows this year as they learn from one another and
lead improvements in their own programs.”
Deans for Impact is an organization committed to transforming educator preparation
so all teachers graduate ready for the classroom on day one, Roberts explained. The
Impact Academy combines intensive in-person learning experiences with ongoing coaching
and mentorship from veteran members of Deans for Impact, creating a network of fellows
focused on improving how their programs prepare future teachers.
“Our mission is to improve student-learning outcomes by changing the way this
country prepares teachers,” he said. “Our members are united behind a shared vision
for a transformed educator-preparation system that graduates teachers prepared to
measurably improve student learning.”
Through the academy, Calderon will connect with other educator preparation leaders
who are committed to preparing effective teachers, learn the skills and strategies
to solve complicated problems, and build the foundation to lead transformative change.
Her fellowship begins in July, when the fellows will hold their first meeting in Austin,
Tex.
