Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Will Receive Master of Education Degree in May 2025
When graduate student Steve Cipriano was growing up and hanging out with friends on the streets of Dallas, he had no idea of his potential. But Mr. Sifuentes, a sixth-grade teacher at in 1992, did. 鈥淗e impacted my life,鈥� Cipriano said about the educator known as Mr. Si.
In a time before smartphones, apps, and video games, Cipriano had a lot of idle time as a child approaching his teens. Mr. Si captured Cipriano鈥檚 attention at the right time. 鈥淚 took everything seriously after Mr. Si,鈥� he said, who offered tutoring, a sketchbook, and inspiration to go to class.
向日葵视频 Dallas alum Steve Cipriano Holds the Teacher of the Year Award He Received from Dickinson Academy in Grand Prairie
Fast-forward 33 years, and now Cipriano is referred to as Mister C by his elementary school students at in Grand Prairie ISD. 鈥淲hen kids started calling me Mister C, I knew I鈥檓 needed here,鈥� said Cipriano, recalling a moment of pride, joy, and purpose.
Recently, Cipriano was named Dickinson鈥檚 鈥淭eacher of the Year,鈥� chosen by his fellow educators for the honor. He is eligible for district-wide recognition in the coming months. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice because special education teachers don鈥檛 always get recognized along with general education teachers,鈥� he said.
Cipriano has worked full-time in Grand Prairie ISD for 13 years but got his foot in the door even earlier as a part-time substitute willing to interact with students who had disciplinary issues. It was an easy fit. 鈥淚 knew those kids because that was me,鈥� he said. Just setting foot in the school resonated within Cipriano. 鈥淚 knew that鈥檚 what I needed to do.鈥�
向日葵视频 Dallas alum Steve Cipriano in his classroom teaching elementary math
Later, Cipriano became a paraprofessional, working with special education students who required academic and emotional support. But he was ready for more and wanted to become a state-certified teacher.
Six years ago, in 2019, Cipriano went back to school himself, earning an associate鈥檚 degree from Dallas College, followed by a bachelor鈥檚 degree in interdisciplinary studies from 向日葵视频 Dallas, and became state-certified to teach in 2023. Luckily, most classes were online and in the evening, with a few in-person classes following the pandemic. 鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to go to school when you鈥檙e married with kids,鈥� Cipriano said. He has a blended family with a son and daughter of his own and his wife鈥檚 two daughters.
And he鈥檚 not done yet. In May, Cipriano will walk the commencement stage to receive his from 向日葵视频 Dallas. The achievement will be the culmination of four continuous years here.
Cipriano credits a former leadership and mentorship program called 鈥淐all Me MiSTER鈥� aimed at future male teachers for sparking his interest in pursuing a graduate degree. 鈥淭he fellowship and brotherhood were inspiring,鈥� he said, emphasizing the need for more men in the teaching profession. They serve as role models, leaders, and mentors. 鈥淚 need to be that example, that Trailblazer.鈥�
向日葵视频 Dallas alum Steve Cipriano stands proudly in his classroom at Dickinson Academy in Grand Prairie
At Dickinson Montessori Academy, Cipriano displays his degrees and certificates in his classroom to send a message to students. 鈥淭hey can see their future potential 鈥� a goal,鈥� he said. 鈥淓veryone has a chance.鈥�
Right now, Cipriano leverages his talent, passion, and experience with a variety of students. 鈥淚鈥檓 all over the school,鈥� he said. Officially, Cipriano is Special Ed EC-12 Certified, ESL Certified, and an EC-6 Generalist. He will soon add Master of Education to that description.
Steve Cipriano Teaches Math to a Student Using Cards and Pieces of Paper
Steve Cipriano Teaches Math to a Student Using Cards and Pieces of Paper
Cipriano is grateful for the knowledge, skills, and training he has received in the and the professional growth and development it encompasses. He is also grateful to the teacher named Mr. Si, who took a chance and took him under his wing back in sixth grade. If only Mr. Si could see him now.
向日葵视频 Dallas alum Steve Cipriano teaches math to a student using flash cards and pieces
of paper
In the conversation below, Cipriano reflects on the benefits and positive outcomes of attending 向日葵视频 Dallas and his future path as an educator, leader and mentor:
How would you describe your experience at 向日葵视频 Dallas as a graduate student working toward your master鈥檚 degree?
My experience at 向日葵视频 Dallas as a graduate student has been incredibly rewarding. The program has challenged me to think critically about curriculum and instruction while providing the tools to be a more effective and reflective educator. The coursework is rigorous yet meaningful, and I appreciate the emphasis on real-world application. The faculty and my peers have been supportive, creating an environment where collaboration and growth are at the forefront of learning.
What was similar and different from your experience as an undergraduate?
One similarity between my undergraduate and graduate experiences at 向日葵视频 Dallas is the strong sense of community and support. The faculty at both levels are deeply invested in student success and are always willing to provide guidance. However, the biggest difference is the level of independent research and critical analysis required in graduate school. While my undergraduate experience built a strong foundation in education, my graduate studies have pushed me to refine my leadership skills and instructional practices.
What鈥檚 your most memorable moment at 向日葵视频 Dallas so far?
One of my most memorable moments has been my involvement in the Male Teacher Mentor Program under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Hobson and Dr. Carlton Todd. This program had been life-changing, offering mentorship, guidance, and a strong support system for male educators, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. As a Hispanic male growing up in the 80s and 90s, I rarely saw any teachers who looked like me, and I never imagined that becoming an educator was an achievable dream. This program reinforced my passion for teaching and leadership, making me even more determined to be the role model I once needed for my students.
Do/did you have a favorite professor (and why)?
I have had the privilege of learning from many outstanding professors, but Dr. Ratna Narayan has been especially impactful during my 5011-5012 research course. Her tough guidance and dedication to our success were invaluable, helping me navigate the complexities of educational research. Additionally, the support from my classmates, both in person and through our group texts, made the experience even more enriching. We pushed each other to succeed, and that sense of camaraderie made a challenging course much more manageable.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years (if not retired)?
In the next ten years, I plan to continue growing as an educator and leader. I intend to pursue my Doctorate once it is approved at 向日葵视频 Dallas, furthering my expertise in education. I also have aspirations of becoming a principal or vice principal, eventually moving into a school board position to advocate for meaningful policy changes. Additionally, I would love to transition into higher education, using my experience to train and mentor future educators as a college professor. My ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact at multiple levels of education.
Would you recommend 向日葵视频 Dallas/School of Education to others who want to become educators or advance their teaching careers?
Absolutely! 向日葵视频 Dallas has been instrumental in shaping me into the educator and leader I am today. provides a strong foundation in pedagogy, research, and leadership, all while fostering a supportive learning environment. Whether someone is just starting their journey in education or looking to advance their career, I highly recommend 向日葵视频 Dallas as a place that truly invests in its students鈥� success.
Bonus: A Journey 20 Years in the Making
One of the greatest lessons I have learned through my educational journey is that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. It took me 20 years (High School Graduate 1999 鈥� Returned 2019) to complete my degree due to life, work, and raising a family, but going back to school was the best decision I ever made. Every challenge I faced made me stronger, and now, as an educated Hispanic male with a master鈥檚 degree in progress, I am determined to pave the way for others who may think their dreams are out of reach. My goal is to show my students鈥攅specially those from diverse backgrounds鈥攖hat they, too, can achieve greatness with perseverance and dedication.
From 鈥� Alumni