Education Program at Lamar State College Orange Builds Classroom-Ready Graduates
March 2, 2026
ORANGE, TX – Aspiring educators at Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) are finding hands-on experience, community connection and professional support through the college’s education program and its student organization, Teachers of Tomorrow.
The two-year education program at LSCO prepares students to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in teaching. Students complete 60 credit hours, including core curriculum courses and four education-specific classes, before moving on to finish their certification requirements.
Dr. Skylar Slaughter Murphy, program director for education and sponsor of Teachers of Tomorrow, said the current demand for educators makes preparation more important than ever.
“There’s so many things going on in education with shortages of teachers,” Murphy said. “We need teachers more than ever today, and our kids need good teachers.”
In addition to coursework, students complete field hours in local schools, giving them practical classroom experience early in their academic careers.
Olivia Hudnall, an education major, said passion is a key part of becoming an effective teacher.
“I feel like we need teachers who are very passionate about what they do,” Hudnall said. “Because when you aren’t, it’s a bad experience for not only you, but for the students too.”
Carolina De La Cruz said early classroom experiences have helped her better understand her future role as an educator.
“I think someone who is selfless, kind, loving,” De La Cruz said, describing the kind of teacher she hopes to become. “Just someone who they can feel safe to be with.”
Beyond academics, Teachers of Tomorrow offers students opportunities to serve the community and develop professional skills. Members have volunteered with Special Olympics events in Port Arthur and partnered with Sabine Place on service projects, while also meeting regularly to collaborate and plan future initiatives.
Murphy said the organization helps students build relationships and prepare for the collaborative nature of the profession, while the program’s small class sizes allow for stronger connections between faculty and students.
The college also offers a fully online option for education majors, designed for paraprofessionals and others working full time in school districts. Through an education aide exemption grant, eligible participants may receive tuition assistance while completing the same 60-hour curriculum as on-campus students.
As students prepare to transfer and eventually lead their own classrooms, many say their goal is simple: to make a lasting impact on the lives of their future students and serve Southeast Texas schools with care and dedication.