Dr. Beverly Irby, professor in the department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development at Texas A&M, was named the 2013 Higher Education Honoree by the Texas Association of Bilingual Education (TABE) on Oct. 11, 2013.
 
The Bilingual Education Award is presented annually to a faculty member who has earned recognition, respect and appreciation of bilingual educators, researchers and scholars while making meaningful contributions to bilingual education in Texas.
 
Irby was recognized for her hard work, contributions and professional service. Along with a number of other achievements and service, Irby directs the Educational Leadership Research Center, and is co-director of the Center for Research and Development in Dual Language and Literacy Acquisition. She has authored and co-authored over 200 scholarly publications, and is co-developer of the Hispanic Bilingual Gifted Screening Instrument. Additionally, Irby assisted several school districts in collecting millions of dollars in grant funds, particularly for elementary grade levels.
 
“It is a great honor to receive this award from the Texas Association of Bilingual Education,” said Irby. “Higher education is critical in the formula for success for English learners, families, teachers and administrators.”
 
Dr. Irby encourages and challenges other professionals to provide early educational experiences for English learners, and to continue the use of dual language or bilingual programs. Irby strongly believes that it is necessary and beneficial to provide professional development for teachers and administrators, to work with parents and families of English learners to provide better home to school relationships for students.
 
Additionally, Irby commented, “There must be synergy between our teacher and leadership preparation programs and school practice in terms of research that can guide us into the future of bilingual education.”