Alumni Spotlight
We’re pleased to recognize the accomplishments of four TAMIU graduate degree recipients: Betsy Abastta-Santos '09, '16; Rosa Flores '99, '08; Rebeca Martínez '03, '12; and Kristína Sánchez '07, '09. All were named recipients of the 2017 School Bell Award.
Betsy is a ninth-grade math and algebra faculty member at Harmony Science Academy and earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology at TAMIU. Eager to motivate her students, she is also a licensed chemical dependency counselor intern working to become a fully certified LCDC.
Rosa is on the Special Education faculty at A. T. Dovalina Elementary School. Her commitment, including extended tutorials for students, has helped them to achieve impressive test scores. She earned her master’s degree in Generic Special Education at TAMIU. She also dedicates her volunteer service to fundraising and fitness events which benefit cancer patients.
Rebeca graduated with a Master of Science in Education in 2013. She’s logged some 13 years of education experience, which has earned her selection to various leadership roles and committees representing United Independent School District’s J. B. Alexander High School. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to reach out and help others. "I am committed to strengthening the community through volunteer work, because it is that extra time that you take to help others that makes a difference," she says. She is a current member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and past member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and former secretary of the TAMIU's Mathematics Club.
Kristína sums up her love for teaching: “I strive to be remembered as that teacher who tells you where to look, but not what to see.” Completing her studies for a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with Bilingual Certification in Early Childhood in 2007 at TAMIU, she quickly enrolled in a Master of Science in Administration program, which she completed in 2009. She points to her bilingual certification as her greatest accomplishment, referring to the children’s cultural diversity as an advantage. From 2013-2014, her classroom earned "Top Accelerated Reader Award" and received "Top Music Class Award" multiple times.
Betsy Abastta-Santos '09, '16
Rosa Flores '99, '08
Rebeca Martínez '03, '12
Kristína Sánchez '07, '09
Andréa Garza is a finalist for the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) 2018 Texas Teacher of the Year Program. Mrs. Garza teaches 10th Grade World History at United South High School and is the most recent recipient of both United ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year and Region One District Secondary Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Garza has been an educator for the past 11 years. "I believe in the power of education and the potential of every student," said Garza, who also serves as the Social Studies Department Chair.
Andréa Garza