While most kids are enjoying summer break, 25 elementary students from Dallas-Fort Worth traded playgrounds for a college campus. Thanks to a unique class taught by Dr. Jessica C. Salazar at Texas Wesleyan, these young learners are getting a head start on their education — many of whom could become first-generation college students. 

Salazar’s hands-on approach paired university students with the children to gain experience implementing curriculum they designed for math, science and social studies to students on various academic levels.  

“Bringing elementary students to our campus is a win-win,” Salazar explained. “Not only do young kids get a taste of college life, but our students gain invaluable experience teaching a wide range of learners. Imagine having four kindergarteners in one group – two can't write yet and two who can. It’s a real eye-opener for our future educators.” 

Beyond the classroom, the program fosters a sense of community and cultural understanding. Students and young learners celebrated the Fourth of July together, an experience many of the children had never encountered. This shared celebration not only created lasting memories but also highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in education. 

Salazar's commitment to language development and cultural competency is another hallmark of her classes. A bilingual literacy course immerses students in the Spanish language, preparing them for the growing demand for dual language educators. "We're immersing our students in the Spanish language through reading, writing and lesson planning, along with read-alouds that bring children's literature to life," Salazar said. 

Salazar guides her students to discover award-winning books originally written in Spanish. These authentic texts provide a richer language experience than translated versions. Students then create unique boxes that represent their chosen books to house their teaching materials, building a practical tool kit for their future classrooms. 

This focus on language acquisition is critical as many school districts are implementing dual language programs. “We believe that using authentic Spanish literature is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and providing students with a genuine connection to the Spanish-speaking world,” Salazar added. 

By combining rigorous academic coursework with real-world experience, Salazar's program is equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as educators. "Superintendents and principals rave about our Texas Wesleyan graduates. They’re constantly asking if we have new teachers ready to hire,” Salazar said. 

Texas Wesleyan School of Education's commitment to preparing future educators for the challenges of the modern classroom is evident in this innovative program. Through a combination of hands-on experience, language development and cultural competency, the University is producing graduates who are well-prepared to make a positive impact on their students’ lives.