In 1955
Grace England graduated magna cum laude from Lamar University with degrees in
English, elementary education and physical education. She began her career as
an elementary school teacher in Port Neches, Texas. While she had always wanted
to be a teacher, it was not until 1965 that she found her true calling in life
as a special educator in a small class of students with neurological
impairments. She went on to earn her Masters Degree in Curriculum and
Instruction from North Texas University and her Doctorate of Philosophy in
Child Development and Special Education from Texas Women’s University.
After
passage of the federal Education of Handicapped Children Act in 1975, Dr.
England was chosen to be the Director of Special Education in the Klein Independent
School District. Under her guidance, the Klein District gained national and
international recognition for its services to children with disabilities, from
birth through age 21.
Among her many honors, Dr. England has been
recognized as Outstanding Professional of the Year by the International Council
for Learning Disabilities, Director of
the Year by the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, and Distinguished
Alumna of Lamar University. She was named one of 75 individuals who had made a
significant impact on the Klein Independent School District. The district’s
first Early Childhood and Prekindergarten Center was dedicated in her honor.
Dr. England also has been the recipient of commendations and proclamations from
the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.
When asked
what advice she would give young women as they choose and pursue future
careers, Dr. England said, “Choose you career not only with your head, but with
your heart.”
When I first
met Dr. England, I was 46-years-old and struggling to make sense of the death of
my first grandchild who, had she lived, would have been severely, profoundly
disabled. Dr. England observed me working with young children with disabilities
and suggested that I consider seeking certification to teach special education,
a suggestion that I believe changed my life. The path to certification was long
and circuitous, interrupted by a move overseas and the premature birth of my
second granddaughter who was fortunate to receive services through the KEEP
Pace and Early Childhood Education programs established by Dr. England. In just
a few weeks that same granddaughter will begin a new Life 10 transition program
being piloted in Klein.
The impact
Dr. England has had on my personal life and the lives of my family has been
profound; and so it is with deepest gratitude and honor that I introduce to you
North Harris County’s Outstanding Education Honoree, the Amazing Grace of
at-risk children, Dr. Grace Davis England.
