At Age of Learning, we are proud to share the achievements of Dr. Rebecca Palacios, a distinguished member of our Curriculum Board and an integral part of our team. Recently, Dr. Palacios was honored with the prestigious James A. Kelly Award for Advancing Accomplished Teaching—a testament to her unwavering commitment and contributions to the field of education.
The James A. Kelly Award—named after James A. Kelly, founding President and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards—is given to individuals who have made a substantial impact on the advancement of accomplished teaching. In receiving this award, Dr. Palacios joins an esteemed group of educators and advocates who have shaped American education, including President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, The Honorable Richard Riley, Arlen Specter, and James B. Hunt, Jr.
For over three decades, Dr. Palacios has been a pioneer in early childhood education and dual-language learning. Her journey, marked by dedication and expertise, began as a preschool teacher in Corpus Christi, Texas. She then went on to earn her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin, further solidifying her role as an educational leader.
At Age of Learning, Dr. Palacios serves as the Senior Curriculum Advisor, where her insights and strategies in curriculum design and English language learning have been invaluable. She has played a pivotal role in curricular strategy, crafting age-appropriate Learning Activities and creating content tailored for English language learners. Her contributions have significantly bolstered our evidence-based programs, My Math Academy® and My Reading Academy™, helping ensure that they are impactful for all students.
This commitment to excellence in education was recognized on a national scale in 2014, when Dr. Palacios became the first Latina inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. This accolade, alongside the esteemed James A. Kelly Award, underscores the breadth of her influence in improving early childhood education and championing equitable learning opportunities for children everywhere.
We are not just colleagues of Dr. Palacios; we are her supporters. As we celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Dr. Palacios, creating innovative educational solutions and making learning accessible for children worldwide.
Congratulations, Dr. Palacios, and thank you for being an essential part of Age of Learning!