Dallas College

Student Experience: Marla Smith

"My experience leans more toward Dallas College choosing me. I am a product of Dallas College Brookhaven Campus. I also work for Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. Therefore, when our district enthusiastically shared information about the Dallas College Education bachelor's degree program with us, I knew it was meant to be. Plus, I had such a wonderful experience when I attended Brookhaven Campus, I just knew it was going to be a great ride.

“What surprised me the most about Dallas College was that a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching is offered. Both my mother and father went to college but never earned a degree, which means I will be the first to earn a bachelor's degree.

“Dallas College has helped me succeed in many ways. The staff is so personable and available to help at all times. Recently, I experienced some financial hardship. I reached out to Dean Jeffrey Miller, and immediately he emailed me about several campus organizations that were happy to assist me.

“I aspire to be a teacher in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. I have a passion for teaching the youth and sharing the tools they will need to be successful in life. Ultimately, I would love to be a theater teacher for a Carrollton-Farmers Branch school."


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Valerie Estridge

Valerie K. Estridge

Private Kindergarten Teacher Dallas
“In a nutshell, the most important thing I learned at Dallas College was respect: respecting the path others choose to take for their lives; respecting someone's time when involved in a group project; respecting the hard work of professors, peers, and philosophers who are working just as hard as you and more.”
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
KJ Jones

Kriston Jackson Terrell

Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
“I would and do recommend the Child Development program at Dallas College to any child care provider or person aspiring to become a child care provider. It helps you to be a better person, teacher and advocate for young children.”
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
Amanda Krebs

Amanda Krebs

Assistant Teacher Akiba Academy of Dallas
“What’s been most fun about my studies is how laid back it is in the classroom. It’s a great teaching method, having such a relaxed style. We can do fun or silly group activities, and we’re still learning. In fact, we’re learning more because we’re seeing things from the kids’ point of view.”
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
Darius Moss

Darius Moss

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Student
“Through therapy and soul-searching, I came to understand that school had always felt like my safe place growing up. School was my getaway from all the drama at home. That realization helped me understand my desire to work with kids from similar backgrounds.”
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
Marla Smith
Marla Smith
Student ambassador, School of Education
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
School of Education
Updated July 28, 2026