LOCAL TEACHER HONORED AT
STATE EDUCATION CONFERENCE

A Texas A&M International University Alternative Certification Program (ACP) student has been recognized as the Texas Alternative Certification Association Intern of the Year 8-12 for the 2007-2008 school year.

Intern of the Year Texas A&M International University student Ronnie Castro was named Texas Alternative Certification Association Intern of the Year 8-12 for the 2007-2008 school year at the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) 2008 Fall Teacher Education Conference this month. Pictured (L-R) are: Elizabeth Greninger, TAMIU ACP Director; Diana Rodríguez, former ACP Director; Castro; Cindy Castro and Dr. Humberto González, TAMIU Dean of the College of Education.

Ronnie Castro was named the recipient of the Award at the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) 2008 Fall Teacher Education Conference October 19-21, 2008 in Austin. He was presented with a plaque and monetary award.

In his acceptance speech, Castro thanked the TAMIU ACP Program staff and the College of Education for their belief in him and support during his first-year internship. Dr. Humberto González, TAMIU’s Dean of the College of Education, was on hand to congratulate Castro for his honor.

Castro is in his third year of teaching at United Independent School District’s Lyndon B. Johnson High School (LBJHS) in south Laredo. Now teaching social studies, he taught senior English during his second year at LBJHS, and previously received the Intern of the Year Award for 2006-2007.

He has been commended for his teaching performance, contributions and participation in school and district committees and his leadership responsibilities. He is much admired and respected by his peers, administrators, and the TAMIU ACP staff.

He is optimistic about his future as a professional public school educator and plans to continue to better his teaching abilities. Castro said he believes each semester offers a rewarding experience to work with young and energetic high school students and introduce them to the real world possibilities that a higher education affords them.

The TAMIU ACP program works with degree-holding individuals interested in joining the teaching profession. Scholarships and childcare stipends are available to qualified individuals. An orientation session for those interested is scheduled on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Room 102.

For additional information on the TAMIU Alternative Certification Program, please call ACP director Elizabeth Greninger at 326-2691, e-mail egreninger@tamiu.edu or click on tamiu.edu/coedu/acp

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu