Engage……Educate……Empower
WHO WE ARE
An integrated curriculum using the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) framework and rigorous academic programs aligned to TEKS is used to help youths work toward mastery of the required knowledge and skills and reduce barriers to learning. This framework allows collaboration with schools, community organizations and parents to provide a strategic holistic approach to programming and support that links school, community, family and local and state resources. EDEC was founded in 2014 by CEO and Executive Director Mary Miller. The CEO brings 21 years of educational experience and expertise as a former principal, teacher and community college professor with a proven record of creating and implementing programs that get results.
EDEC’s executive team has transformed classrooms, empowered teachers, captivated students and enhanced communities by leading the way in providing high quality, dynamic, service-learning content to schools, community colleges, out-of-school youth programs, community organizations and pre-and post-adjudicated youths in the juvenile system. EDEC’s Board of Directors consists of a diverse group of professionals that brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in education, finance, career and college readiness, job training and placement, and service to the community.
MEET THE CEO
Masters of Education
Candidate for Doctor of Education
Certified Principal – Grades K-12
Certified Teacher, English/Language Arts and Reading, Grades 4-8
“I believe that the art of educating is crucial because education is the strong foundation on which this nation was built and it is the fabric that will continue to hold this nation together”. This guiding principle for me is key to creating a world of equity for all.
EDEC was founded in 2014 by CEO and Executive Director Mary Miller. The CEO brings 21 years of educational experience and expertise as a former principal, teacher and community college professor with a proven record of creating and implementing programs that get results. EDEC’s executive team has transformed classrooms, empowered teachers, captivated students and enhanced communities by leading the way in providing high quality, dynamic, service-learning content to schools, community colleges, out-of-school youth programs, community organizations and pre-and post-adjudicated youths in the juvenile system. EDEC’s Board of Directors consists of a diverse group of professionals that brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in education, finance, career and college readiness, job training and placement, and service to the community.
WHAT I BELIEVE
Students need support during the learning process and it is critical that the support provided is varied and appropriate to learning styles, strengths, needs, and interests of the students. Learning differs across tasks, development, and among individual youth.
My guiding principles are to provide youth with needed academics, social and leadership skills required to meet their fullest potential. My 21 years of educational experience has prepared me to develop productive student-focused environments that maximize the learning experiences for children and youth in both regular and alternative education settings. In partnership with families and the community, I seek to help young people become productive and contributing members of society and lifelong learners.
My personal mission as a professional educator is to continue to provide a nurturing and positive environment as a framework that allows collaboration with schools, community organizations and parents to provide a strategic holistic approach to programming and youth support that links school, community and family resources. This framework will enable youth to have a voice in their community, their schools and society as a whole.
My goal is to ensure that youth continue to learn, grow, excel, and advance towards their full potential. It is our responsibility to ensure that both communities of learners and physical communities continue to grow and glow together. This growing and glowing will ensure a better world for youth and communities in the present, and preserve the legacy given to us by our ancestors that everyone has access to a quality life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for future generations. Investing in youth allows us to help shape mind, mold dreams and build bridge to self-sufficiency in a world where there is not just equal opportunity, but equity.
My educational background includes a Masters in Educational Administration from Texas A& M University – Commerce, Texas; Bachelors of Science in Public Administration from University of Texas at Dallas. I am a certified K-12 principal and hold a English Language Arts and Reading teacher certification, grades 4-8. I am currently a candidate to receive a Doctors of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A & M University, commerce. My experience include a 27 year career in education at both the secondary and post-secondary, levels as a professor, teacher and principal.
Jerry Miller is the Program and Outreach Manager and Co-founder of Excellence by Design Education Center. Jerry has over 18 years of experience in drafting, mechanical and electrical engineering. He is also an accomplished artist and speaks French fluently. Jerry attended El Centro College, obtaining an Associate Degree in Architectural Drafting and Engineering. He also has 24-plus years of supervisory and management experience. Jerry believes that everyone should have an opportunity to live life to the fullest and to realize their dreams.
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Betty M. Howard, Treasurer
Betty Howard is an accountant and HR professional with a successful record of working with business leaders and teams to accomplish organizational goals. She is an accomplished human resources compensation industry expert with more than 30 years of successful experience in designing and administrating compensation programs. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Southern University in Baton Rouge Louisiana and a Masters from Texas Southern University.
D.M. Durham, Vice President
D. M. Durham is a Channel Management – Portfolio Risk Analyst who works with corporate Sales Team to mitigate risk, prevent fraud, screen, analyze delinquency, monitor performance and key metrics. Mrs. Durham has worked in the Equipment and Transportation Finance Industry with over 20 years in Finance with multiple awards, contributions, projects, green belt and black belt process improvements, training manual and job aide creations. Deyonta has demonstrated keen attention to detail by handling multiple priorities simultaneously, along with writing and testing scripts in UAT environment. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Real Estate from the University of Texas in Arlington Texas
Margie Moore, Secretary
Margie Moore is a certified English/Language Arts and Reading teacher. She brings over 20 years of teaching experience in elementary and secondary education. She holds a Masters in Education from the University Of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona
Jewel Rhone, Public Relations
Jewel Rhone is a Workforce Development and Training Specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission with over 20 years of experience I workforce development, training, career planning, and career preparation and job placement. Ms. Rhone has also worked as a network engineer and a substitute teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. Ms. Rhone is a certified Workforce Professional through the Texas Workforce Commission. She has received numerous awards among the Employee Performance Award and the Outstanding Contribution Award. She also served as a Board Member for Reach of Dallas for 5 years. She lives in DeSoto, Texas.
Demetia Sharp
Demetia Sharp is a certified K-8 Mathematics teacher. She is a former accountant.