Creating Compassionate Leaders: A Humane Education Graduate Course at Stephen F. Austin State University
By: Dr. Sarah Straub
Associate Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University
At Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX, Dr. Sarah M. Straub, the Montgomery Professor for Humane Education, is leading an innovative graduate course designed to foster a new generation of compassionate and socially responsible educators. This course is unique in its comprehensive approach, integrating various certifications, immersive field experiences, and thought-provoking literature, with all course materials funded by the generous GW Willingham Scholarship.
A Comprehensive Curriculum for Humane Education
Dr. Straub's course equips students with several key certifications: ProjectWILD, RedRover Readers, and hands-on practice with the Teach HEART curriculum titled "Justice for All: Educating Youth for Social Responsibility: Grades K-5." These certifications empower future educators to incorporate humane education principles into their teaching, focusing on fostering empathy, respect, and social responsibility among young learners.
The course also features an engaging book club centered on The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries by Zoe Weil. This transformative text inspires educators to envision and cultivate a future where students are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about creating solutions to the world's pressing issues.
Field-Based Experiences: Learning Beyond the Classroom
A cornerstone of this course is the field-based experiences, each aligned with a branch of humane education: Human Rights & Social Justice Issues, Animal Protection Issues, and Environmental Issues. These experiences are more than just service-learning opportunities; they are pivotal moments that shape the perspectives and professional practices of the graduate students.
These graduate students volunteered at animal shelters, participated in school board meetings, and contributed to community-enhancing activities such as planting trees and maintaining community gardens. These experiences not only enriched the students' understanding, but also allowed them to bring these lessons back to their classrooms.
Impactful Experiences: Stories from Graduate Students
The impact of these field experiences is best illustrated by the reflections of the graduate students. Maria Almendarez shared her profound experience with environmental stewardship during a local creek clean-up organized by Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful. She noted the hope she felt seeing children participate, stating, "The participation of some children volunteers at the creek clean-up had a profound impact on me. I felt hopeful for the future of our natural world. These children will one day grow up and teach their children to respect and honor the environment." This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of instilling environmental values in the younger generation.
Shelly Pugh reflected on how these experiences transformed her students. Her student council, who visited an animal shelter, now advocates for making community service a regular part of their program. Meanwhile, her classroom students who engaged in environmental stewardship activities, continue to pick up trash and educate others about the importance of proper waste disposal. Shelly highlighted the lasting impact, saying, "To see them grasp the concepts of humane education and apply them daily is amazing. It is evident that they cared about what they learned and want to continue making a difference."
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Straub's course exemplifies the power of humane education in shaping not only compassionate educators but also socially responsible citizens. By integrating certifications, literature, and hands-on experiences, this course provides a holistic approach to teaching that prepares educators to make a lasting impact on their students and communities. The GW Willingham Scholarship, funded by the Montgomery Professorship, ensures that these transformative experiences are accessible, fostering a future where education is a force for positive change.
As these graduate students carry forward the lessons learned, they are not just teaching curriculum—they are nurturing a generation of solutionaries who are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to justice.
Any questions about this article or the Humane Education graduate course can be directed to Dr. Sarah Straub at straubsm@sfasu.edu