Facts: Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development

The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development at SMU was founded to meet the most important education needs of our city, region and nation. Today, that includes providing a focus on the intellectual, psychological, social and physical development of people from infancy through adulthood. The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development offers a range of degree programs and continuing education for students seeking to become teachers, those already working in the profession and those engaged in the study of other fields of human development.

A gift from Harold C. Simmons and Annette Caldwell Simmons ’57 established the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, providing the lead gift for a new academic building and crucial endowment support for the many objectives of the school.

Integrated Research-Based Education

The Simmons School provides students with real-world field experience by working closely with school districts and community organizations such as the Dallas Independent School District, Resource Center Dallas and the West Dallas Educational Task Force. Integrating theory, research and practice gives students the multidimensional training they need to become effective leaders in their fields.

The school is dedicated to creating innovative and effective teaching and learning methods through research in a wide variety of specializations. The faculty includes nationally and internationally known experts in a wide range of academic specialties, including applied physiology, literacy and mathematics education, language acquisition, special education, gifted-student learning, education policy, counseling and dispute resolution.

At a Glance

  • More than 900 students
  • Five departments
  • One doctoral program
  • Eight Master’s programs
  • Ten graduate certification programs
  • Two undergraduate programs
  • Two educational institutes
  • Five community service centers

Department of Teaching and Learning

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education
  • Master of Education
  • Master of Education with Certification
  • Master of Bilingual Education
  • Master of Bilingual Education with a Gifted and Talented Focus
  • Preparation for Teacher Certification
  • Bilingual Education
  • English as a Second Language
  • Gifted Education
  • Master Teacher Programs in Reading, Mathematics, Science and Technology
  • Learning Therapy and Dyslexia Teacher Training

Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling

  • Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution
  • Master of Science in Counseling

Department of Applied Physiology and Wellness

  • Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology and Sports Management

Department of Educational Leadership

  • Master of Education

Department of Lifelong Learning

  • Master of Liberal Studies
  • Nondegree Credit Studies
  • Informal Courses
  • Professional Development Programs
  • Youth Programs

Institutes

  • Institute for Evidence-Based Education
  • Gifted Students Institute

Service Centers

  • Dyslexia Diagnostic Center
  • Mediation Services
  • Center for Family Counseling
  • Center for Child and Community Development
  • Center for Academic Progress and Success (CAPS)

About SMU

A private university of nearly 11,000 students, SMU offers outstanding programs in the liberal arts, distinguished graduate and professional schools and growing research programs. In addition to the Simmons School, SMU offers degrees through Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Meadows School of the Arts, Cox School of Business, Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering, Dedman School of Law and Perkins School of Theology. Students come from throughout the United States and 90 foreign countries. Founded in 1911 by what is now The United Methodist Church, SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to freedom of inquiry.

# # #