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Posted: 7/25/19

TAMIU Names First-Ever “We Teach Texas” Scholarship Recipient

 

We Teach Texas Logo
 

As the leading producer of educators in the Laredo area, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) aims to prepare future teachers for their roles in the classroom. For some educators, their role as teachers often leads to fulfilling academic and administrative leadership positions in their respective school districts.

For Jessica Soto-Martínez, the opportunity to fulfill that leadership role just got a little easier.

Soto-Martínez is the recipient of the first-ever “We Teach Texas” Leadership Fellow Scholarship. Borne as a result of The Texas A&M University System’s state-wide campaign, “We Teach Texas,” the initiative focuses on encouraging teaching careers.

TAMIU and the 11 universities of the A&M System produce more fully certified teachers than any other university system in Texas. One recipient from each campus was chosen to receive the Scholarship. 

Soto-Martínez, a fifth-grade teacher at Ramírez-Bruks Elementary School in Cotulla, Texas, will pursue a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration at the University. She will attend the chancellor’s conference, participate in an advisory committee and become a positive advocate for education.

“Texas A&M International University is proud to work with Cotulla ISD in the selection of Jessica Soto-Martínez for the Scholarship. She is a well-respected mathematics teacher, working in a high-needs rural setting, who has earned the support of her superintendent and other district leaders by applying her leadership skills to consistently increase student achievement levels over her six-year career,” said Dr. James O’Meara, dean of TAMIU’s College of Education.

Soto-Martínez looks forward to using the Scholarship to help fulfill her goals and become a school administrator.

“It has been an honor to receive this scholarship. I look forward to expanding my opportunities by becoming a better educator, a better leader for my students and our community,” said Soto-Martínez.

She credits much of her success to her fellow teachers and mentors, who she thanks for believing in her.

“Becoming an educator has been inspirational to me for the fact that I love what I do,” she reiterated, “I feel I need to give more. I’m always wanting to learn and always wanting to give more, and I feel this is going to be a huge opportunity for me to do that for my students, and myself.” 

For information about TAMIU’s College of Education programs, please contact TAMIU’s Graduate School at 956.326-3020, email graduateschool@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 206.

For more on the University’s story, visit tamiu.edu or its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

For more about The Texas A&M University System’s “We Teach Texas” Campaign, visit, https://weteachtexas.org

We Teach Texas Scholarship Recipient

Dr. James O’Meara, dean of TAMIU’s College of Education and “We Teach Texas” Leadership Fellow Scholarship recipient Jessica Soto-Martínez.