alumni

UTeach in Action: Yun Liu Helps Students Take Flight

When UTeach graduate Yun Liu began teaching at Trinidad Garza Early College High School in Dallas ISD, he volunteered to rebuild a VEX Robotics program that had stopped competing. That experience led him to a new opportunity: starting an Aerial Drone Competition team.

Yun launched the drone program two years ago. In its first year, the team won a coding award and qualified for the US South Central Regional Championship. The program has since grown into a career and technical education course, Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, where students gain hands-on STEM experience and work toward an industry credential. Yun also coaches the competition team and helps students prepare for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

The students’ work extends well beyond flying. They code, troubleshoot and repair drones, build competition fields, and record their progress in engineering logbooks. They also learn to rely on one another. Yun sees their growth when experienced students coach newer teammates or take the initiative to help with fundraising.

Competition gives students a chance to celebrate that work. Yun’s team earned a Teamwork Mission Champion award at the Dallas ISD Aerial Competition, and students are beginning to draw on their drone experiences in scholarship applications. Visits from an FAA guest speaker and a Dallas Police Department drone demonstration have also helped them explore where their skills might lead.

“The most rewarding part is watching something I built from scratch become a place where students develop skills, take on leadership roles, and see new possibilities for their futures,” Yun says.

Students getting ready for drone competition

Image of students at a drone competition safety meeting

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.

26-28 Induction Fellows
Joseph Trujillo (math)-Round Rock High School	Gabe Driscoll (science)-Del Valle High School
Elle LeBlanc (science)-Vandegrift High School	Madison Stringer (math)-Channelview High School
Emma Kosnar (science)-Lewisville High School	Damaris Benitez (math)-Farley Middle School
Ashley Wall (science)-Global Academy (virtual)	Dean McCauley (science)-Akins High School

Induction Fellow Spotlight : Ashley Wall

“Why I Teach”: I am inspired to teach by the mentoring opportunities involved in my classroom and by the ability to reflect back to students the strengths and potential they may not yet see in themselves. As teachers, we have the ability to empower students every day in small ways- through mentorship, encouragement, and kindness. We often don’t realize the impact we have on students; one encouraging statement or moment of believing in a student can stay with them for years and potentially change the course of their life. I stay connected to this often challenging work because I know I am making a positive impact on my students.

Fun Fact: I walked over 500 miles across Spain on El Camino Frances (from Saint Jean Pied de Port, France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain) and about 400 miles on El Camino Portugués (from Lisbon, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain)!

Words of Wisdom: For my fellow educators on their teaching journey: Always remember that the most important thing about this job is to be a source of encouragement and safety for our students. If you are doing that to the best of your ability, then you are doing a great job!

Phases of First Year Teachers

Disillusionment Phase: After six to eight weeks of nonstop work and stress, new teachers enter the disillusionment phase. The intensity and length of the phase varies among new teachers. The extensive time commitment, the realization that things are probably not going as smoothly as they want, and low morale contribute to this period of disenchantment. New teachers begin questioning both their commitment and their competence. Many new teachers get sick during this phase.

Teaching Tip!

Give yourself grace!

Continue to push yourself out of your comfort zone - it can be easy to do well and settle but continue to find ways to improve your practice. At the same time, give yourself grace. Don't take work home, enjoy your breaks, and do whatever you need to, to come to school fresh and ready every day. Teaching is taxing and you cannot pour from an empty cup.

UTeach Distinguished Alumni

Induction & Alumni Support Team

Kelli Allen

Professor of Practice

Professional Development Coordinator

Induction Coordinator
Peggy Pitts

Senior Administrative Program Coordinator

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.

UTeach Austin Wall of Fame

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Classroom Organization Tips from a UTeach Alumni