The Department of Teaching, Learning & Culture


Teaching, Learning and Culture (TLAC) encompasses students, faculty and staff whose efforts and interests center on the many different aspects of academics, teaching and classroom education. TLAC’s mission is to create experiences that advance teaching, research and service through the application of knowledge in the preparation and development of quality educators; placing high value on collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, democratic governance and global leadership.

Having two highly-ranked graduate programs within one department serves as an index of the world-class academic programs and faculty who are committed to a culture of excellence in research and discovery, and the scholarship of teaching.

-Dr. Michael de Miranda, Dean of The School of Education and Human Development 

From Our Former Students


“One of the things that set this program apart is that it is located within the Teaching, Learning & Culture Department at Texas A&M. There’s more to teaching than just delivering a curriculum or instructional strategy; we have to consider the influence that culture has one what we do.”

Dr. Byron William

Online Ed.D in Curriculum & Instruction

TLAC PROGRAMS

Former TLAC student teaching middlegrades

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

TLAC offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education, with one of three focuses.

Former TLAC student teaching middlegrades

Graduate Programs

The Culture and Curriculum program offers students the opportunity to learn and grow in many areas.

students studying on computer for teacher certification

GLOBAL ONLINE EDUCATION

Providing greater opportunities and flexibility for students, TLAC offers online degree programs, in addition to many individual Web-based classes.

kid working online

Certificates

TLAC offers several types of certificates for students as well as Texas Teacher Certifications

Undergraduate Peer Mentors

Undergraduate Peer Mentors


Undergraduate Peer Mentors (UPMs) are pre-service teachers hand-selected by their writing-intensive course professors for their extraordinary writing and interpersonal skills. The mentors work to support their fellow undergraduates by offering feedback on the writing process, modeling good writing habits and providing a supportive and encouraging voice to students’ writing concerns.

Hours of Availability


Our campus office is closed until further notice.

Howdy, TLAC Preservice Teachers! Your UPM is working remotely to support your writing-intensive course. If you need assistance, please reach out via email and your UPM will respond. UPMs are continuing to monitor MWL completion and will provide a certificate when completion is verified.

Peer Mentors


Resources


 

Scholastic Orders

Every semester the UPM program offers you the option to order books from Scholastic at amazing prices. These books are great for personal use or as additions to your future classroom library. This is also a great opportunity to get books for classes. As a bonus, your purchases will give the UPMs points to buy books for the UPM library. Books in the UPM library are available for all students in TLAC writing-intensive courses to check out and borrow for class assignments free of charge.

Ordering from Scholastic online is easier than ever. You can browse regular  catalogs, specialty catalogs, or use the search engine to locate specific books, genres, or other categories such as Caldecott and Newbery winners.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, follow these easy steps:

1.     Visit Scholastic Reading Club online

2.     Click “First Time Here? Parents”

3.     Enter course code PXR7Y

4.     Click “Yes” for the teacher name, Mrs. Matthews, that appears

5.     Create an Account

6.     Enter your information as the “Child’s Information”

7.     Reenter course code and confirm teacher information

8.     Add books to cart and proceed to checkout

9.     Ensure that your name is listed as the child’s name

10.   Complete the checkout process

When the books come in, you will receive an email. At that point, you can pick up your books at the UPM office in Harrington Tower (EDCT), room 210.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Tiffany Gambrel.

Frequently Asked Questions


UPM

  • I am not in a writing-intensive course. Can I still visit with a UPM or use the library?

    All TLAC students are encouraged to meet with UPMs and utilize the library. We especially look forward to meeting freshmen and transfer students.

  • I am not confident in my writing. Can UPMs help me get started?

    The writing process does not actually start with writing. It starts with planning and drafting. The prewriting stage is crucial your writing journey. The UPMs are here to help you with the beginning stages of your writing too.

    If it is a research paper, we recommend creating a matrix, a tool for organizing sources. Some elements you should include are the author, dates, and publishing information, which will make for quick and easy citations. Other elements, such as quotes, summary, or connections to other articles help you transfer information directly to your paper, rather than having to pull up each article again as you begin to draft your paper. We can help you create one.

    The prewriting process can also be as simple as a list of ideas or a brainstorming talk. UPMs are excited sit down with you and help you organize your thoughts.

    Bring by any piece of writing and we’ll be happy to provide feedback on every piece of the writing process to help you move forward.

  • How do I contact my UPM?

    Your UPM will stop by your class and give you their information. You are free to email them or stop by their office hours.

  • Do I have to make an appointment? Can I only see my UPM?

    No, you may stop by at any time during their office hours. If you would like to ensure they are not in a meeting with another student, you are welcome to email and schedule a conference during their office hours. If you need help outside of your specific UPM’s office hours, you can always stop by the office. Any available UPM can assist you.

  • Are there any resources to help me with APA formatting?

    The Purdue OWL website is a great resource for proper APA formatting.

    https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html

    If you are enrolled in a writing-intensive course, your UPM has provided a helpful folder on your eCampus page that is full of resources.

     

  • What resources are available in the UPM library?

    Our library has decodable texts, picture books, and chapter books. There are materials for the Reading Clinic, literature for writing-intensive courses, and books to include in lesson plans for methods classes. Come browse our library!

Can't find what you are looking for?

Contact TLAC