Joan Pedro appointed College of Education dean
University of Houston-Clear Lake has appointed College of Education Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Joan Pedro as dean of the college. Pedro has been serving as interim dean since March 2019.
While serving as interim dean, Pedro created the college’s first Board of Advisors to assist in generating support for the college’s initiatives. Additionally, she created the Middle School Pipeline in Dickinson Independent School District, which supports and assures success for middle school students and teachers in STEM fields.
“I am confident that under Dean Pedro’s leadership, the College of Education will champion an integrated, active and diverse educational template that will serve as a beacon of distinction for all higher education,” said UH-Clear Lake Provost Steven J. Berberich.
Pedro joined the university in 2016 as associate dean in the College of Education. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she had previously served as associate dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. She also served as the coordinator of Teacher Education/certification officer, and the accreditation coordinator for the Department of Education.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Pedro was a pioneer and leader in the education system in the area of inclusive education. She contributed to developing and implementing teaching programs for ensuring special and inclusive education in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean. Being immersed in special education early in her career, Pedro worked with children at a time when those with special needs were often segregated. She became a strong advocate for inclusive education.
“I am honored and privileged to be appointed as the Dean of College of Education and I look forward to the journey ahead as one of excitement and transformation for the college and the University of Houston-Clear Lake” said Pedro. “I sincerely thank everyone in the college and the university for their overwhelming support.”
Pedro’s research is centered on teacher development, revolving around the themes of reflective practice, multicultural education, literacy practices and online learning. Her work has been published in international and national educational journals. She has also delivered presentations to national and regional workshops. Pedro received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech) and a Master of Science in Education in Special Education and Psychology from the University of Miami. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and History from the University of the West Indies as well as a Diploma in Education from Valsayn Teachers College, Trinidad and Tobago.
Find out more about UHCL’s College of Education.