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
By March, many first-year teachers are emerging from the disillusionment phase and entering rejuvenation—finding their rhythm and seeing growth in their students. This is a great time to reflect on wins, seek support where needed, and fine-tune classroom practices. Keep pushing forward—spring is around the corner, and your hard work is paying off!
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.
Yun Liu
Trinidad Garza Early College High School, AP Computer Science Principles, Physics Advanced Teacher
What’s one self-care practice that helps you recharge outside of the classroom?
Bike riding
Share a highlight of your teaching journey that keeps you motivated.
I guide students through both Physics Advanced and AP Computer Science Principles with a focus on hands-on, inquiry-based learning. My classroom is a space where curiosi
ty meets creativity. This school year, I am the first coach at our school to establish a robotics club. My team recently won the Coding Award at the Aerial Drone Competition Mission 3 and earned an invitation to the South Central Region Championship - an incredible milestone in our journey of innovation and teamwork.
Favorite Quote:
I don't just teach content - I teach curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
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!
Now is a great time to reflect on what’s working and reset for the final stretch of the school year
Take Stock of Student Progress – Use quick formative assessments or exit tickets to gauge where students stand and adjust plans accordingly.
Revisit Classroom Expectations – Spring energy can lead to more distractions, so take time to reinforce procedures and norms.
Keep Engagement High – Incorporate interactive lessons, choice boards, or collaborative projects to maintain student motivation.
Take Care of Yourself – The next few months can feel like a sprint. Prioritize rest, set boundaries, and find small ways to recharge.
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?