Celebrating teaching excellence
Please join the School of Dentistry in celebrating the faculty members who recently completed the Teaching Excellence and Academic Skills (TExAS) certification.
This intensive 12-week professional development program equips educators with advanced strategies in pedagogy, curriculum innovation and student-centered learning. Students are the ultimate beneficiaries of this achievement, as these dedicated faculty have enhanced their skills in innovative teaching methods, effective assessment techniques and learner engagement.
"The TExAS program strengthened my teaching by providing modern, evidence-based strategies and reinforcing the thoughtful use of technology and AI to support critical thinking. This experience has enhanced my ability to connect with and effectively engage today’s Generation-Z learners," shared Tarek Mohamed, PhD.
TExAS certification recipients:
- Shaza Abass, BDS, MS, PhD, FFDRCSI-Ad Eundem, Assistant Professor/Clinical, Department of Developmental Dentistry
- Gloria A Garcia Alegria, BDS, MS, Assistant Professor/Clinical, Department of Developmental Dentistry
- Noha Elhabashi, BDS, DPS, EMBA, Assistant Professor/Clinical, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry
- Martha Evan Knepper, DDS, Assistant Professor/Clinical, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry
- Tarek Mohamed, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontics
- Paul T. Rose, DDS, Assistant Professor/Clinical, Department of Developmental Dentistry
- Marlene Sumner, DDS, Assistant Professor/Clinical, Department of Predoctoral Dental Education
- Theodoro Weissheimer, DDS, MS, PhD, Assistant Professor/Clinical, Department of Endodontics
After earning the TExAS Certification, Shaza Abass, BDS, MS, PhD, reflected on how the program shaped her approach to teaching. “I am truly honored to have earned the TExAS Certification. In my 25 years as an educator, this certification stands out as one of the best professional development experiences of my career. It challenged me to reevaluate my teaching practices, strengthened my commitment to evidence-based education, and provided valuable tools to better support and empower our students' learning. I am grateful for the rigor of the program and look forward to applying what I have learned to enhance the learning environment at our school.”
"I joined the School of Dentistry in June 2024, and as a new educator, I wanted to strengthen my student-centered teaching skills. Completing the TExAS certification has helped me grow as an educator and create meaningful learning experiences that truly put our students first," said Gloria A Garcia Alegria, BDS, MS.
The School of Dentistry commends these recipients for their commitment to excellence and for their investment in their own growth as educators.