Meet Austin
As a high school history teacher, Austin Fruge strives to create a learning environment in which all students have equal chances to succeed. Though a welcoming classroom is part of his goal, many factors shape the student experience beyond school grounds.
As technology plays an ever-growing role in classroom instruction, digital literacy and access to those technologies at home can be the difference between success and failure.
"LEAD...gives people the tools...and time to center the voices and needs of [marginalized students]." - Dr. Jason Rosenblum, LEAD Coordinator
Follow Austin as he Innovates in his Classroom
The Right Program
While working on his master’s degree, Austin enrolled in the Learning, Equity, Action and Design (LEAD) Stackable Certificate Program.
This program empowers teachers to thoughtfully integrate technology into their curricula while developing ways to bridge the digital divide that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
A New Point of View
Austin's LEAD coursework challenged his assumptions regarding his students' experience with the devices, tools and software that many of us take for granted.
The LEAD Certificate consists of four 3-hour courses, all of which are conducted online with synchronous and asynchronous components. It is open to both UT students seeking an advanced degree and any educator seeking professional learning.
Growing and Learning
By addressing modern biases, adopting a human-centered approach to learning and viewing education through a justice-focused lens, Austin is leveraging the knowledge he gained through LEAD to transform his classroom.
"[This program] made me a better teacher because, now, I think of the technology first [and] how I can best enable kids to use [it]?"
Are You Ready to Take Your Next Steps?
Join Austin and the countless others who have changed their lives through the continuing and professional education programs offered at The University of Texas at Austin. The LEAD Stackable Certificate is accessible through Extended Campus, along with more than 200 other career-focused courses, certificates and degrees.
