Texas Tech University names Prosper Waco's Hermann Pereira to the 2021-2022 cohort of the Texas Education Policy Fellowship Program (TX-EPFP), a professional development initiative coordinated by Tech's College of Education for individuals who seek to enhance their knowledge and develop their skills in leadership and networks in public policy.
The group of 23 fellows comes from all sectors of education, including nonprofits, K-12, and higher education, and represents the rich diversity of Texas. Pereira is chief program officer for Prosper Waco and leads its education initiatives.
"We look forward to collaborating with this dynamic group of fellows as they grow their policy knowledge, professional networks and leadership skills," said Rebecca Hite, TX-EPFP director and an assistant professor at Tech. "Texas will be rewarded with more knowledgeable and empowered policy influencers, advocates and leaders."
Pereira is passionate about finding collaborative approaches to serving people, Tech's news release said. He has spent the past 15 years in education in a variety of roles such as teacher, coach, director, assistant principal, and principal. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master in educational administration from Baylor University.
Hermann believes community partnerships are the vehicle to creating sustainable solutions. Hermann is active in the community serving on the boards of Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, City of Waco Parks and Recreation, and McLennan County Hunger Coalition. Hermann was recently recognized by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce as one of the “Top 40 under 40” individuals in the community and Educator of the Year by the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce.
Two other Baylor graduates were among the 23 fellows -- Julie Baker and Amanda Gonzalez. Baker earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Baylor in 2019, and Gonzalez holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Baylor. Baker is a teacher working with gifted and talented students in low income areas with the Dallas Independent School District. Gonzalez, of San Antonio, is executive director for a nonprofit that focuses on bringing assistance programs to her community.
TX-EPFP is a 10-month, intensive professional development program for emerging and mid-level leaders in education and education related-fields. The program provides rich and robust experiences to both educate and empower participants in their work for sound education policy and practice in Texas. Fellows participate in a variety of activities to enhance their knowledge of education policy, build leadership skills and expand professional networks.
The program features leadership and policy events, where fellows have the opportunity to interact with top education officials. Fellows also join a network of 9,000 alumni in all 50 states, including state legislators, university presidents, school superintendents, state teachers of the year and leaders of nonprofits and foundations.
TX-EPFP operates under the auspices of the national Education Policy Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C., which is sponsored by IEL and oversees fellowship programs in 17 states and the District of Columbia. The Texas site is coordinated by Tech's College of Education.