Professor Kendall Dingee

Director, Senior Instructor, College professor

professor.dingee@getaheadprep.com

As a student, I didn't have a deep love for English, but I was fortunate to have a wonderful teacher who finally made it all click for me. This was when I decided that I wanted to teach English. I figured if someone could make me care about reading and writing, maybe I could do that for others. My first steps were getting my Bachelor's and Master's in English. This gave me a solid foundation for my career.

I began my career in education in the high school English classroom. I spent six years teaching 9th-12th grade English/ Language Arts in various Texas districts. While I worked in the K-12 system, I created district-wide curriculum, taught English as a Second Language courses, received Advanced Placement certification, and participated in all levels of the students learning. During my time in secondary education, I began teaching college-level courses in the evening. My career transitioned to focus on higher education in 2012. Since then, I have taught countless Integrated Reading and Writing courses and Composition I courses at a variety of institutions. Teaching adult learners brought a new and engaging aspect of teaching to me.

I find great joy in guiding students through the process of learning new material and preparing them for a life of success. I want to arm students with the skills needed to be independently successful and have the experience and confidence to reach out for resources when needed.

As a Director and Senior Instructor with Get Ahead Prep, I am excited about the opportunity to work with and prepare future college students. I look forward to filling the "GAPs" in learning that often occur in our K-12 system, especially due to recent COVID learning loss.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. I am looking forward to working with you and your family.

Professor Stephanie Frausto

Director, Senior Instructor, College professor

professor.frausto@getaheadprep.com

As a third-generation Austinite, I have see the Austin-metroplex grow and change. Additionally, I have raised and educated my children in the Austin environment, which left me wanting more opportunities for them. So, I started homeschooling them until they reached high school grades and sent them on to high school. As an educator, I was worried that they would not maintain the pace and rigor I set at home, and I was correct. The pace of high school was not rigorous enough to adequately prepare them for college. I had them transferred to AP classes where the pace was more demanding and they actually worked toward college preparedness. As a college professor, I see countless students who are not ready for college-level work and the demands that college puts on students and their families. Sadly, many of these students don't have anyone to believe in them and help them get through the long-haul of a college education, which means sacrifice for everyone in a household. As a professor, many times, I am the only person encouraging students in their academics and telling them that I believe they can do it and to keep moving forward. I have a true and dedicated burden on my heart to help students accomplish their educational goals, and I don't give up on my students.

Speaking about my credentials, I have a Bachelor's in English with a minor in Professional Writing, a Master's in Literacy at the post-secondary (college) level, and my PhD is coming soon. I have over 16 years of classroom experience at the college level, and I love being a college professor. As one of the directors and senior instructors for Get Ahead Prep, I have the privilege of working with current high school students to help them gain the skills and knowledge in preparation for their college life.

I am famous for saying to my students "Help me help you. I can't know where you are confused if you don't tell me. Please help me help you." I encourage my students to leave their fears behind them, to be bold, try new things, and see that they are in a judgement-free zone. I hope your students will join our courses and gain the needed knowledge for college. I truly believe in the Get Ahead Prep mission and philosophy in creating a bridge to help your student become a success college student.

Please feel free to reach out and email if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.