Texas A&M System fellowship grows local talent to lead local schools
Texas Border Business
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Jessica Soto-Martinez is Texas A&M International University’s selection for the first-ever We Teach Texas Leadership Fellow Scholarship. Soto-Martínez is a fifth-grade teacher at Ramírez-Bruks Elementary School in Cotulla, Texas.
“Dedicated teachers like Soto-Martinez are working hard every day to enable students in our public schools to be successful and well prepared for their future,” said Elaine Mendoza, Chair of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “The We Teach Texas Leadership Fellow Scholarship is how we recognize and invest in these educators to grow our own local talent.”
The idea behind the We Teach Texas Leadership Fellow Scholarship is simple: Find talented local teachers who are invested in their communities and groom them into academic and administrative leaders capable of guiding their local school districts to success, Mendoza said.
As a recipient of the We Teach Texas Leadership Fellow Scholarship, Soto-Martinez will pursue a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M International University. She will also attend the chancellor’s conference, participate in an advisory committee and be a positive advocate for education.
“Texas A&M International University is proud to work with Cotulla ISD in the selection of Jessica Soto-Martínez for the Scholarship. She is a well-respected mathematics teacher, working in a high-needs rural setting, who has earned the support of her superintendent and other district leaders by applying her leadership skills to consistently increase student achievement levels over her six-year career,” said Dr. James O’Meara, dean of TAMIU’s College of Education.
Only one recipient was selected for the We Teach Texas Leadership Fellow Scholarship from each of the 11 Texas A&M University System campuses across the state.
The Texas A&M University System is ranked No. 1 in Texas in the production of initial educator certificates. The Texas A&M University System has been providing highly qualified teachers for Texas Schools for more than 100 years by encouraging consideration of teaching careers, growing the highest
