Auburn College of Education graduates make their mark in Texas’ Frisco Independent School District

Auburn University’s College of Education continues to extend its reach far beyond Alabama, with a growing number of graduates finding their professional home in Texas, specifically the Frisco Independent School District (ISD) north of Dallas. In the past four years, Frisco ISD has hired 11 Auburn alumni as teachers — seven of them just last year alone.

The strong connection between Auburn and Frisco ISD reflects the caliber of Auburn’s teacher preparation program and the district’s commitment to cultivating a student-centered, collaborative school culture.

“Auburn University graduates fuel positive school culture through collaboration, responsiveness to student needs and creativity,” said Gene Yarrobino, managing director of Human Resources for Frisco ISD, who recently attended Auburn’s annual Education Interview Day once again seeking College of Education student candidates for Frisco teaching jobs. 

Yarrobino said Auburn students stand out for their innovative, student-centered skills. Three recent Frisco ISD hires — Riley Richardson, Jack Coffey and Kaylea Cummings — graduated from Auburn’s College of Education in December 2023 and now teach elementary students in Frisco ISD. 

“During our internship, we had an interview day with almost 50 different school districts,” said Coffey, who teaches second grade at McSpedden Elementary in Frisco. “Frisco ISD set itself apart from the other school districts because they wanted to sell themselves to me. They went beyond my resume and the standard questions that bounce off it. They really wanted to get to know me as a person before looking at any of my credentials. I really appreciated this approach, and I connected with the recruiter on a level far beyond my resume.”

Cummings, who teaches fourth-grade English, Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) at Gunstream Elementary, connected with Frisco ISD during Auburn’s Fall Education Interview Day.

“I already had an interest in moving to Texas, and this was a wonderful time for me to meet with HR from the district and discuss next steps in the process and everything about FISD,” she said.

Richardson — a first-grade teacher at Ogle Elementary — said she initially had no intentions of moving as far away as Texas. But after connecting with Frisco ISD at an Auburn Education Interview Day, she knew it was the right move for her. 

“I felt very valued and accepted in one of my interviews and decided to take the job,” she said.

Prepared for success

All three alumni credit Auburn’s College of Education with preparing them to step confidently into their roles as educators. The program’s hands-on approach and supportive environment helped them build the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the classroom.

“Auburn’s College of Education prepared me for my current role as a teacher by giving me many opportunities to teach various subjects and grade levels through my time in the education department,” Richardson said. “While doing so, I was given feedback and assistance. Auburn set me up for success in education.”

Coffey emphasized the value of Auburn’s progressive curriculum: “The progression of classes you take while in the education program sets you up for success in the Auburn internship program. Each year builds upon the last and allows you to gain not only valuable skills but also confidence. This step-by-step approach, which culminates with the internship program, is a great way to enter your career.”

Cummings, who this year is featured in Frisco ISD’s promotional video, echoes the praise for Auburn’s College of Education.

“Auburn gave me many opportunities to get into schools and get real-life experience,” she said. “This helped me with a smooth transition into the classroom and lots of connections with nearby districts and schools. COE Interview Day gave me so many wonderful opportunities and led me to my current role as a fourth-grade teacher in FISD.”

A joyful classroom

Now fully immersed in their classrooms, all three teachers find joy in watching their students grow — academically, socially and emotionally.

“I love seeing the growth of my students throughout the year,” Richardson said. “Not only academically but emotionally and socially. I love providing a safe place to students who might not have one and making every student feel loved and valued. I love making school fun and creating memories that will last forever!”

Coffey added: “I love the end of the year where you can really look back at where your kids started and see all of the growth that they made throughout the year.”

Cummings said she has loved making connections with her students. 

“Some of my favorite moments of the day are seeing their happy faces in the mornings and talking about their day/weekend,” she said. “Working with students you have a relationship with is so rewarding.”

Looking back on her time at Auburn, Richardson said it was the sense of community and support she received that made the College of Education such a special place.

“I love the family that you form with others who are trying to become teachers,” she said. “You move through each year with them and make friendships that help you through any challenges you face.”

Real-world experience

Coffey appreciated the real-world experience Auburn provided through its partnerships with local schools. 

 “Whether it was at Dean Road, Loachapoka, Auburn Early Ed or Beauregard, it didn’t feel like we were stuck in class for three years,” he said. “We were hands-on in the schools. Now, as a new teacher, I know these concrete experiences beyond the textbooks gave me an excellent foundation for the varied situations that are present every day in the teaching profession.”

Cummings echoed those sentiments, noting how Auburn’s College of Education supported her well during her clinical internship. She said her professors were very generous with their time and were always there to help with questions or concerns. 

As for advice to current and future Auburn College of Education students, Richardson encourages openness and reflection during the job search process.

“I would tell them to be open-minded when looking for schools to work at and follow the path where they feel the most comfortable and valued,” she said. “I would tell them to soak up all the experiences and knowledge that they get during their time at Auburn because it really does help in the future.”

Coffey offered a reminder to enjoy the journey and choose a path that aligns with personal passion.

“I would say enjoy every second of your college experience because it goes by way too quickly. I would also say when looking for a future career, it's vital to pick a major you are passionate about so that after college, going to work doesn’t feel like actual work.”

Cummings agreed and also encouraged aspiring educators to embrace the power of feedback. 

“Feedback from professors and mentor teachers, I feel, is how I advanced as a new teacher,” she said.

Learn more about Auburn’s Department of Curriculum and Teaching on the College of Education’s website. Those interested in the Frisco Independent School District can email Gene Yarrobino at yarrobinoe@friscoisd.org to set up a time to connect.