UTeach Austin Outstanding Alumni Award
We’re proud to launch a new $1500 award honoring the remarkable achievements of UTeach alumni. Whether you’re making an impact in the classroom, advancing STEM education, or leading in your field, we want to celebrate you.
Submit your application or nomination and help highlight the incredible work happening across our alumni network.
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
2025 Texas Teacher of the Year describes why she teaches and why UTeach!
Induction Events
The Rejuvenation Phase
The rejuvenation phase is characterized by a slow rise in the new teacher's attitude toward teaching. It generally begins in January. Having a winter break makes a tremendous difference for new teachers. It allows them to resume a more normal lifestyle, with plenty of rest, food, exercise, and time for family and friends. This vacation is the first opportunity that new teachers have for organizing materials and planning curriculum. It is a time for them to sort through materials that have accumulated and prepare new ones. This breath of fresh air gives novice teachers a broader perspective with renewed hope
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.
Meet our Induction Teachers
Meet Jaclyn Martinez, an induction teacher at Travis Early College High School (Austin ISD)
Biology and IPC
What’s one self-care practice that helps you recharge outside of the classroom? — Going on long walks and journaling about the day!
Share a highlight from your teaching journey that keeps you motivated. -- Something that keeps me motivated is seeing students that are 'at risk' or struggle with school find something that they are passionate about. It reminds me why I chose to be a teacher!
"The word 'yet' is so powerful. The word ‘yet’ means you’re not there right now, but you’re on your way — it’s a reminder that you can always keep getting better."
Meet the UTeach Induction Fellows
Name: Marianne Villanueva
School: Harwood Junior High, 8th Grade Science Teacher
ISD: Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
Self-Care: One self-care practice that helps me recharge is to go outside during my conference! Grab a conference buddy and take a walk or eat a snack in the fresh air!
Highlight: During my first year, a student wrote “I’m going to take my talents to UT! Go Longhorns” on my whiteboard. He is currently in the top 100 top college track and field prospects and still tells me he is going to UT one day.
“Education is one thing no one can take away from you” - Elin Nordegren
Teaching Tip!
Try the “One Thing” Reflection
When everything feels heavy, simplify. At the end of each day (or week), jot down one thing that went well and one thing you’d like to tweak next time. This quick reflection takes less than five minutes but builds powerful momentum over time. It helps shift your focus from feeling overwhelmed to recognizing progress, reminding you that teaching is shaped by small, purposeful changes over time.
UTeach Distinguished Alumni
Brianna Rapini - Spring 2005
Chris Mihealsick - Spring 2002
Daniel Brown - Spring 2010
Dr. Ariel Taylor - Spring 2011
Dr. Katey Arrington- Spring 2001
Dr. Steven Stapleton - Spring 2009
Elizabeth Goldberg - Fall 2008
Jason Ermer - Fall 2001
Lauren Benoit - Spring 2010
Mario Acosta - Spring 2003
Shana King - Fall 2011
William Chan - Spring 2008
Celebrate the dedication and impact of our alumni who have gone on to inspire as educators.. Visit our Awards Wall of Fame to see the exceptional individuals who continue to inspire.
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
Please let us know where you are working for the 2025 - 2026 school year!
Classroom Organization Tips from a UTeach Alumni
How One UTeach Alum Makes Learning Fun