Texas A&M International University

TAMIU Students Named Blue Chip Teacher Recruits by TAMUS

Eleven outstanding Texas A&M International University students have been named Blue Chip Teacher Recruits by The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). Statewide, 125 students were named from the System's nine universities. Each is being recognized for their decision to fulfill their goal of becoming teachers by attending a TAMUS campus.

"The A&M System universities are committed to addressing the need for highly qualified teachers in Texas schools; and to that end, they have recruited these 125 outstanding students because of their talent and strong desire to teach," said Dr. Bill Reaves, the A&M System's associate vice chancellor for public education, "We believe we can best serve future generations of Texans and guarantee they have the finest education possible by encouraging bright, enthusiastic individuals to become teachers."

Laredo students selected for the honor and their high school or community college of origin include: Lydia Avalos, Alexander Magnet High School; Adriana Chapa, Nixon High School; Jessica Cisneros, Martin High School; Jodie Córdova, general education diploma; Ana María De La Chica, United High School; Rebecca González, Zapata High School; Ana Cristina Guajardo, UHS; David Martínez, Laredo Community College transfer; Sandra Moncada, MHS; Kristian Sáenz, St. Augustine Catholic High School and Marissa Viduarri, NHS.

Dr. Humberto González, dean of the TAMIU College of Education, said the University is proud to partner with the future teachers in realizing their career goals.

"TAMIU's programs prepare the majority of local and regional teachers and we are honored to partner with these outstanding students to help them realize their dream of leading the classrooms of the future. They inspire us and we look forward to their completion of our program, and their successful move into this inspiring profession," Dr. González said.

TAMUS vice chancellor for academic affairs Dr. Leo Sayavedra echoed Dr. González's view.

"We are very proud of these students. They represent the quality of individuals associated with our future teachers who will make a meaningful difference in classrooms across Texas," said Dr. Sayavedra.

The Blue Chip Teacher Recruit program is a part of a recognition program associated with the A&M System's Regents' Initiative for Excellence in Education. The Regents' Initiative calls for the A&M System to increase both the number and quality of the teachers graduated from its nine universities over a five-year period.

This is the third year the Blue Chip Teacher Recruits have been so recognized, and each year the number of recruits has increased. So far, 301 outstanding students have entered Texas A&M System universities, many of them aspiring to teach in high-need fields including; science, math, special education, bilingual education/English-as-a-Second-Language, technology and foreign language.

Blue Chip Recruits bring with them outstanding class ranks and top scores on their college entrance exams, along with a commitment to education. Each System university seeks out the best teacher candidates from local high schools and community colleges.

For additional information, contact the Office of the Dean of the College of Education at 326.2420 or visit offices in the Killam Library, room 329A.

University office hours are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.