Baylor School of Education Dean Dr. Jon Engelhardt has received the Robert B. Howsam Award, a lifetime achievement award given by the Texas Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE).

The Howsam Award is presented only on occasion and recognizes individuals who have exhibited exceptional leadership at state and national levels, have made significant contributions to educational spheres and have a long and enduring history with teaching.

“The Howsam Award, given its history and meaning, is such an honor — and was a real surprise,” Engelhardt said. “With this award given rather rarely and with TACTE representing over 70 sister universities, the honor nearly left me speechless.”

Engelhardt received the award at the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) Conference on Oct. 20 in Austin, Texas. Dr. Michael Rosato, Dean and Professor at the School of Education at Howard Payne University, presented the award to Engelhardt on behalf of TACTE.

Engelhardt said, “Many of us labor in the garden of education — just doing our work, neither seeking or expecting recognition; so when someone does take notice, it is indeed a very special and personally meaningful moment.”

Dr. Krystal Goree, Director of the Office of Professional Practice and Clinical Faculty in the School of Education, said Engelhardt was truly surprised at the presentation, which was in a large banquet hall with hundred of educators in attendance.

“Dr. Engelhardt was sitting at the back of the room,” Goree said, “When they announced his name, he had to walk all the way through the crowd to come to the podium, and everyone along the way wanted to shake his hand. Everyone there knew what an honor it was to receive this award. It is obvious that he is well respected and that many look to him for leadership in the field of teacher education. I was so proud to be associated with Dr. Engelhardt and with Baylor School of Education.

Engelhardt has been the Dean for the School of Education at Baylor and a professor of Curriculum and Instruction since 2007 and will be retiring at the end of the 2014-2015 academic year.

Early in his career, Engelhardt served as a middle school mathematics teacher and then went on to serve as the dean of education for the University of Texas, El Paso, Northern Arizona State University, Wichita State University and Baylor University.

While at Baylor, Engelhardt founded the Dean’s Advisory Council for the School of Education and organized expansions of PDS campuses through the School of Education’s Professional Development Schools network.

Since his time here, the School of Education has increased in faculty, enrollment, academic programs and endowment.

Engelhardt has served on national boards for teacher preparation (AACTE and CPED) as well as Educational School accreditation (NCATE, now CAEP) and has chaired on ACSR for state associations of Education Schools.

For more information on Dr. Engelhardt and his retirement announcement please visit the School of Education new blog story, Instant Impact.

By Kate McGuire, Communications Intern, Baylor School of Education