UTeach Induction
Mission
Provide personalized support and resources to UTeach graduates for the first three years in the field.
Goals
- Increase retention of UTeach graduates in the classroom.
- Increase student achievement in new teachers’ classrooms.
- Move new teachers along a continuum from novice to expert teachers
Support
UTeach Austin provides individualized induction support with:
- One-on-one individualized support in the classroom
- Targeted professional development workshops (specific to needs of STEM teachers)
- Leadership development
Induction Newsletters
Phases of First Year Teachers
To overcome disillusionment in October, new teachers should focus on reconnecting with your "why" by reflecting on the impact you’ve already made, even if small, and setting manageable, short-term goals to build momentum.
Meet the UTeach Induction Fellows
The UTeach Induction Fellowship Program is a prestigious initiative designed to recognize and support distinguished alumni who are currently teaching in their first five years.
Damaris Benitez
Farley Middle School- 7th Grade Math, On-Level and Honors, Math Department Head, Hutto ISD
What’s one self-care practice that helps you recharge outside of the classroom?
Power Hour! I like to close my window shade, turn off my classroom lights and get as much done with a 30- minute timer during my conference. This allows me to leave my school at contract hours and do things I love like go to concerts on weekdays and read my book on night-ins.
Share a highlight from your teaching journey that keeps you motivated.
I once had a student say to me "I don't like math, but I will try for you." This moment made me realize that teaching really is about building relationships with students in which they know I am rooting for their success in a caring and supportive way.
Favorite Quote:
“Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I'll learn”
Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2025
Chris Mihealsick, a teacher at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD, was celebrated as the Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Chosen from more than 384,000 teachers, Mihealsick will now represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year program.
Chris is a Spring 2002 graduate of the UTeach program.
Congratulations, Chris!
Alumni News
Alumni Resources
Professional Development Offerings
USEA Connect
Teaching Tip!
Reflect on Small Wins
Take time to reflect on small successes in the classroom, whether it’s progress in student learning or improved classroom routines. This helps combat feelings of disillusionment.
UTeach Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Katey Arrington- Spring 2001
- President, NCSM
- Director of Systemic Transformation, Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin
Jason Ermer - Fall 2001
- Mythematics LLCatics Coordinator
Mario Acosta - Spring 2003
Principal at Westwood High School, Round Rock ISD
Brianna Rapini - Spring 2005
Amoeba Sisters - https://www.youtube.com/@AmoebaSisters
William Chan - Spring 2008
President at Fort Bend Learning Commons
Elizabeth Goldberg - Fall 2008
Associate Professor of Practice at The University of Texas Rio Grande
Steven Stapleton - Spring 2009
Lauren Benoit - Spring 2010
Lauren Benoit, Secondary Principal, NYOS Charter School
Daniel Brown - Spring 2010
CEO of KT Accountability, LLC
Dr. Ariel Taylor - Spring 2011
- Assistant Professor of Practice University of Texas at Austin
- T³ Regional Instructor, Texas Instruments
- Author
- Keynote Speaker
- Funding Director, The RISE Project
- Learning And Development Specialist Elevation Station EDU (www.arieljtaylor.com)
Shana King - Fall 2011
Principal, Crockett Early College High School Austin Independent School District
Induction & Alumni Support Team
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Kelli Allen
Associate Professor of Practice
Professional Development Coordinator
Induction Coordinator
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Peggy Pitts
Senior Administrative Program Coordinator
Where you are working for the 2024 - 2025 school year?