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
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.
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.
James Yudhistira Lemuel
Early College High School, HS Math Teacher, Leander ISD
What’s one self-care practice that helps you recharge outside of the classroom?
Burgers and Ice Cream
Share a highlight of your teaching journey that keeps you motivated.
I've gotten thank you cards from students last year and this year and they remind me that if you keep to some basic principles of being respectful, kind, and try to make people laugh, students will remember that (even if they don't remember the math).
Favorite Quote:
The trouble is that we have a bad habit, encouraged by pedants and sophisticates, of considering happiness as something rather stupid. Only pain is intellectual, only evil interesting. This is the treason of the artist; a refusal to admit the banality of evil and the terrible boredom of pain." - Ursula K. LeGuin
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!
Instructional Coaching
Here is a great presentation from January's Induction meeting prepared by Heather Harris, UTeach Induction Fellow.
https://utexas.box.com/s/552aimaelxgrjxvnu0bm7gdh0dgz1ze5
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
Chris Mihealsick - Spring 2002
Texas Teacher of the Year 2024
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
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
Where you are working for the 2024 - 2025 school year?