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
April typically falls within the Rejuvenation Phase, where teachers regain energy and confidence after earlier challenges. They begin refining instruction and looking ahead to the end of the year but may also feel anxious about unfinished goals and student progress. This mix of optimism and pressure is a natural part of the first-year teaching journey.
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.
Jay Evans
Clear Springs HS, Teacher/Coach, Clear Creek ISD
What’s one self-care practice that helps you recharge outside of the classroom?
Playing with my 6-month-old son
Share a highlight of your teaching journey that keeps you motivated.
Pushing students to new levels of knowledge is always motivating. They swear they can’t do it, but when they do it’s such a satisfactory feeling.
Favorite Quote
“If you live a life of make-believe, your life isn’t worth anything until you do something that does challenge your reality.” - Morgan Freeman (60 Minutes - 2005)
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?