Trinity Bilingual Education Key Players
Kenneth Kramer
Kenneth C. Kramer joined the Trinity University faculty in 1959 and, as chair of the Psychology Department (1965–1977) and Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences (1976–1980), was instrumental in launching graduate degree programs and establishing on-campus counseling centers. While his work was in primarily in psychology, his advocacy for inter-institutional graduate training and experiential learning helped lay the institutional groundwork that Trinity later applied to its MAT and bilingual education initiatives. His commitment to community-based pedagogy and building supportive academic structures continues to influence how bilingual teacher education is structured at Trinity today.
Bilingual Education Connection:
Kenneth Kramer played a key role in the pedagogy and academic structure of Early Childhood classes at The Good Samaritan Center during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In conjuction with Gloria H. Kehl, the Director(s) at the time, Kramer worked to pioneer a program that advanced the demands of language equality later created by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Link to Trinity Obituary: Kenneth Kramer
John Moore
Dr. John H. Moore III (Trinity ’60, Ed.D.) was a transformative force in Trinity’s teacher education, returning in 1968 to serve more than three decades as a faculty member and long‑time Department Chair. He founded Trinity’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, the first in Texas, and spearheaded initiatives like the Trinity Tomorrow’s Leaders program, the Center for Educational Leadership, and Brackenridge Interns in Teaching, shaping outstanding bilingual and culturally responsive teacher preparation in the region. Dr. Moore’s enduring legacy is reflected in his leadership roles in San Antonio school reform, recruitment of bilingual educators, and national recognition of Trinity’s excellence in teacher preparation.
Bilingual Education Connection:
In the 1980s, John played an instrumental role in launching and supporting innovative schools in San Antonio, including the International School of the Americas in partnership with the North East Independent School District. These schools continued their partnerships with Trinity University, creating a collaboration for Undergraduate and Masters students alike to interact with students in the community.
Link to Trinity Obituary: John Moore
Bates Hoffer
Dr. Bates L. Hoffer III served Trinity University as Professor of English and Linguistics from 1970 to 2008, including time as Department Chair, bringing a deep expertise in language systems to the university’s growing interest in bilingual pedagogy. He helped shape interdisciplinary approaches to language instruction, advising both linguistics and education faculty, which enriched course offerings for undergraduate and MAT students working with emergent bilinguals. In oral history reflections, Hoffer emphasized the importance of grounding language-learning programs in linguistic theory and cultural understanding, which has informed Trinity's ongoing efforts to prepare culturally responsive teachers.
Bilingual Education Connection:
Bates Hoffer played a key role in supplying undergraduate [education] students with cross-curricular classes to supplement their Education Degrees and earn a Bilingual Education Endorsement. These courses were taught in both the Linguistics and English Department, and covered topics such as Linguistic Theory and Cultural Understanding.
Link to Trinity Obituary: Bates Hoffer
John Donahue
Dr. John M. Donahue was a Maryknoll priest-turned-educator who served as Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Trinity University for 37 years until his passing in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and social justice . Known for his dedication to community-focused teaching and mentoring, Dr. Donahue inspired countless students to engage deeply with diverse cultural perspectives—an impact that lives on through initiatives like the John Donahue Award for Social Justice. His work in service-learning and development promoted Trinity’s mission of raising culturally aware, globally minded educators, a vision that informs and strengthens the university’s current bilingual education and MAT programs.
Bilingual Education Connection:
John Donahue was one of two key members, along with Margaret Stovall in shaping the Bilingual Studies Program at Trinity University in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This program sought to create a more formal outline of classes and practicums to foster a foundation of Bilingual Education training for undergraduate education students. These additional courses were taught in departments such as English, Lingustics, Psychology, and Foreign/Modern Languages.
Link to Trinty Article on John Donahue Scholarship: John Donahue