UNIVERSITY OUTREACH INNOVATIVE ‘UTEACH, UTRANSFORM’ COLLABORATION BETWEEN TAMIU, UISD HELPING SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING SHORTAGES TAMIU’s Dustdevils are well-known for their commitment and determination to succeed. For Fall ’24 graduate Reyhitza Marquez that meant walking into history as the first participant in a transformative collaboration, “UTeach, UTransform” that’s addressing Laredo’s critical need for special education teachers. The “UTeach, UTransform” program provides select candidates with on-thejob training and mentoring, a minimum base salary of $20,000 including employee benefits, and teaching job opportunities upon graduation with certification. During their residency, UTeach students assist the special education teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a United Independent School District (UISD) special education setting. Upon her graduation and program completion, Marquez’ colleagues at UISD’s Bonnie García Elementary School honored her with a short ceremony at the gym, a parade through school hallways, and a ribbon-cutting in front of what became her first classroom. UISD, TAMIU’s College of Education, and the National Center for Teacher Residencies began the initiative in 2023. TAMIU Dean of the College of Education Dr. James O’Meara said the initiative aligns seamlessly with TAMIU’s strategic priority of visionary academic programs and faculty. “The success of TAMIU's ‘UTeach, UTransform’ partnership underscores the University's dedication to providing cutting-edge programs that meet the evolving demands of our community,” Dr. O’Meara said. Laura P. De Los Santos, UISD Special Education Executive Director, concurred, noting the partnership helps the District grow special ed teachers. “UISD is very excited to partner with TAMIU in this exciting program. Our Special Education Department is fully vested in providing guidance and monitoring of work experience to ensure the success of our Student Resident participants. We are very excited about this partnership and opportunity to grow our teachers,” De Los Santos observed. This October, Marquez, the program’s first graduate, shared her continued enthusiasm for the “UTeach, UTransform” Program by helping cheer on new TAMIU students selected. The four selected TAMIU student teacher-aides were introduced at a press conference at Trautmann Elementary School. The four new aides and respective “UTeach, UTransform” campuses are Gloria Ayala -- Trautmann Elementary; Lily Benavides -- United South High School; Miriam Cuellar -- Centeno Elementary, and Alejandra Martínez -- Gutierrez Elementary. Learn more about the program and see Reyhitza in action in her classroom: go.tamiu.edu/uteach-video Celebrating Success of “UTeach, UTransform” Program L-R Brenda Cadena, UISD Special Ed Coordinator; Laura De Los Santos, UISD Executive Director of Special Education; Frank Castillo, UISD Board of Trustees Member; the four student teacher aides: Alejandra Martinez, Gloria Ayala, Lily Benavides and Miriam Cuellar; first program graduate Reyhitza Marquez; Dr. James O’Meara, Dean of the TAMIU College of Education, and Francisco Gutierrez, UISD Special Education Director. 29
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