UTeach Student Ambassador Program
UTeach Student Ambassadors are some of the first faces prospective students see when learning about the UTeach Natural Sciences program!
The main mission of the program is to create welcoming, friendly, and informative events for Longhorns interested in learning how they can try out teaching with UTS 101, and ultimately gain a STEM teaching certification while obtaining their undergraduate degree at the University of Texas. Ambassadors also help maintain the close-knit, family-like environment that UTeach is known for by planning and facilitating events, socials, and networking opportunities for all UTeachers.
Continue reading below to get to know the current Ambassador team, and feel free to reach out to them for questions on the program, pre-service teaching, and student life in the UTeach program at ambassador@uteach.utexas.edu.
| Recurring Events | Annual Events |
|
|
Alisa Subillaga, Class of 2027
Major: Biochemistry
Certification Area: Composite Science
Fun Fact: Alisa loves cats; they have a total of eight hours and stray cats!
Why did you join UTeach?
"I was really interested in UTS 101 because I've always been curious about teaching, and found myself hooked on all the perks of UTeach! There are so many fun events, cool people, and opportunities available in the program and it really feels like a home away from home."
Why would you encourage someone to try out teaching with UTS 101:
"UTS 101 is a holistic sample of the UTeach program and a glance into teaching as a career. I think the most intimidating part is hearing about the lesson planning and teaching portion, but the class is built around making that easy for you to do. I loved that I could work with my group to collectively make a lesson and Shelly walked us through the entire process. The class visits throughout the semester are made to your groups schedule and have some really wonderful and bright students. Step 1 was easy to integrate into my class schedule and introduced me to the web of support throughout the UTeach program."
Alyssa Mendoza, Class of 2027
Major: Biology
Certification Area: Composite Science
Fun Fact: Alyssa has a twin brother!
Why did you join UTeach?
Why would you encourage someone to try out teaching with UTS 101?
Dante Barajas, Class of 2026
Major: Chemistry
Certification Area: Composite Science
Fun Fact: Dante has a total of nine piercings, and is still looking to get more!
Why did you join UTeach?
I joined UTeach because I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since kindergarten. Through the program, I gained a wonderful community that constantly inspire me to improve my skills in and out of the field. Now, I hope to shape future minds through STEM education at the middle school and high school level!
Why would you encourage someone to try out teaching with UTS 101:
Students should consider trying out teaching with UTS 101 because it can provide a wide variety of benefits from financial assistance to a warm community. Even in the field, our Step 1 students are never alone or unsupported because of our experienced faculty and staff always ready to step in for help!
Emma Kosnar, Class of 2026
Major: Chemistry
Certification Area: Composite Science
Fun Fact: Emma can recite the Greek alphabet!
Why did you join UTeach:
"I was drawn to UTeach because of the welcoming community and the opportunity to grow as a learner and teacher."
Why should someone try out teaching with UTS 101:
"While being in UTeach, I have met people with all different career aspirations, and I think regardless of what someone wants to do, learning how to teach and educate others on important topics is an invaluable skill."
Joey Porter, Class of 2027
Major: Mathematics
Certification Area: Mathematics
Fun Fact: Joey is can solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube in 12.05 seconds!
Why did you join UTeach?
"I love being in a math classroom!"
Why would you encourage someone to try out teaching with UTS 101?
"It's like teaching with guardrails. The teachers handle the facilitation and the hard part, so you can work on the easy part."
Kate Ivie, Class of 2026
Major: Mathematics
Certification Area: Mathematics
Fun Fact: Kate is in the Longhorn Band!
Why did you join UTeach?
"I was inspired by my high school math teachers!"
Why would you encourage someone to try out teaching with UTS 101?
"UTS 101 is a super fun, low stress class that helps you understand what goes into being a teacher!"
Kyara Huichapa, Class of 2025
Major: Astronomy
Certification Area: Physics/Math
Fun Fact: Kyara went zip lining for the first time when she was five!
Why did you join UTeach?
"I joined because I could immediately feel that the environment was incredibly welcoming and fun. I have always had a love of teaching and helping others, so I figured UTeach was a great place to start and try it out. I am also really passionate about helping the younger generation enjoy STEM!"
Why would you encourage someone to try out teaching with UTS 101?
"UTS 101 offers a valuable experience of hands-on teaching in the classroom. Through the process of lesson planning, instruction, and interaction with the students, you gain a lot of skills in teamwork, collaboration, organization, and implementing feedback; all of which can be applied regardless of your career path."
Want to Inspire Longhorns to Teach 'Em?
Applications open near the end of each fall and spring semester. Any UTeach student who has completed UTS 110 (Step 2) and carry a 2.5 GPA is eligible to apply.