PHOTO: Portrait of UHCL Dean for the College of Education, Joan Pedro. Photo courtesy of UHCL Marketing and Communications. — Portrait of UHCL Dean for the College of Education, Joan Pedro. Photo courtesy of UHCL Marketing and Communications.

PROFILE: Joan Pedro, Dean for UHCL College of Education

By Miles Shellshear, Editor-in-Chief Last updated Jul 19, 2020 480 0

Portrait of UHCL Dean for the College of Education, Joan Pedro. Photo courtesy of UHCL Marketing and Communications.

Joan Pedro was appointed Dean for the College of Education May 19, 2020. She grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, where she taught children in her neighborhood how to read. After losing her parents at a young age, Pedro’s grandmother raised her.

Growing up, Pedro enjoyed singing and dancing. She took ballroom dancing classes, participated in and won music festivals by singing soprano solos and duets.

Joan Pedro as a young teacher, 18 years old. Photo courtesy of Joan Pedro.

Upon high school graduation, Pedro taught elementary school while she attended teacher’s college. After completing teachers college, she taught high school students and special education.

“Because I lost my parents I always had empathy for less fortunate kids. As a young teacher, I worked in lower socioeconomic urban areas in Trinidad teaching less fortunate students. In the afternoons I would have classes for those who were not doing as well as others. Teaching came naturally to me,” said Pedro.

In Trinidad and Tobago, she led efforts against the segregation of special education students, advocating for and achieving inclusive special education in mainstream schools. Pedro directed a program for inclusive special education in Trinidad and Tobago. The program benefited over 500 teachers and was accredited by The University of Sheffield.

“I like transforming outdated systems and practices, I like to initiate new and innovative programs and activities. Taking on challenges and introducing innovation is important if we are going to survive and thrive in this ever-changing landscape,” said Pedro. “I believe that when you care, positive change can happen and our students will be the benefactors.”

Joan Pedro graduating with her PhD from Virginia Tech. Photo courtesy of Joan Pedro.

After completing her doctorate at Virginia Tech, Pedro decided to remain in the United States.

“I came here to complete the PhD at Virginia Tech to return and continue the work I had accomplished in Trinidad. However, when I thought about it, I received a free education with a scholarship for my masters at the University of Miami and a fellowship for my doctorate at Virginia Tech,” said Pedro. “I said, I need to stay here and give something back to the United States, because I had given so much to my country already.”

Pedro spent 15 years at University of Hartford, nine of which she served as Associate Dean, among other roles. After seeking out a warmer climate, adventure and new opportunities, she was appointed Associate Dean for UHCL’s College of Education in 2016.

“I believe destiny had a hand in my coming to Texas. It was the only job I saw that I was attracted to, and when I came and interviewed here, I felt like I was joining a family, and I still feel that way today,” said Pedro.

As Associate Dean, she was able to work closely with students, staff and faculty at UHCL to improve the College of Education. In March 2019, she was appointed Interim Dean for The College of Education.

In her time as Interim Dean, Pedro co-chaired the mission, vision, and values task force and strategic plan initiative. She also composed a board of advisors to generate community support for campus efforts and developed a partnership with Dickinson Independent School District to support STEM students and teachers, among other accomplishments.

“Her secret to success is that she is totally genuine,” said Kevin Wooten, chief strategic officer and former co-chair of the mission, vision and values task force alongside Pedro. “She has tremendous respect for others and because of that she gets tremendous respect from others.”

Pedro’s goals for the College of Education include achieving distinctiveness in relevant programs offered to prepare the future of teachers, principals and counselors so they have an impact on the system and bring transformative education to their students.

“She’s always been a huge advocate. Not just for faculty, but for staff and students, she is someone who advocates at all levels,” said Steven Berberich, senior vice-president for Academic Affairs and provost.

Pedro’s vision is fostering a lifelong-learner mentality in COE students so that they are always prepared to present and prepare students with relevant content. Additionally, Pedro believes students should embrace diversity and inclusion rather than solely tolerate it.

“We should look at our implicit biases and remove those barriers so that there will be equality and equity, and social justice will prevail. Those are the things I believe that as Faculty and Staff we have to be honest and accountable for,” said Pedro.

Top: Joan Pedro with her four children celebrating Christmas in Trinidad. Bottom: Joan Pedro with her six grandchildren celebrating Christmas in Trinidad. Photos courtesy of Joan Pedro.

Pedro has a lifelong saying: “I will not let anyone steal my joy. I live by that every day, so I am very joyful. It takes a lot to get me down.”

In her spare time, she enjoys daily walks, meditating, reading, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Recently, she has written poetry and considered painting again after a hiatus from creating landscapes and still lifes.

“[Students] are our priority, and we need to listen and serve you all in terms of giving you the best education so that when you leave UHCL you can say that you attended a great school, you will become our most proud alumni, and you can spread the word and advocate on behalf of UHCL.”