Over 30 anxious South Texas College UTeach program students burst through the doors of a training room to find and meet their respective mentors Sept. 9 at the McAllen Independent School District Staff Development Center.
UTeach is an innovative teacher preparation program for math and science majors that allows students to earn a degree in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field and obtain a secondary teacher certification. STC is partnered with the University of Texas-Pan American and the MISD for the UTeach program.
“This is a great opportunity as a backup plan for our students,” STC Dean of Math, Science & Bachelor Program Dr. Ali Esmaeili said. “We have students that our majoring in biology, chemistry, physics. They can continue with that major and go on to receive their bachelor’s degree in that major. By participating in the UTeach progam, they become certified science teachers. Therefore, now they will have two job opportunities.”
The program originated at the University of Texas at Austin in 1997 to help address the shortage of qualified math and science teachers. UTeach integrates a rigorous match math or science major, research experience, effective teaching techniques, field experience and certification in a four-year program.
Students can begin the program at STC and complete it at UTPA or various other institutions around Texas that offer UTeach.
“It’s just another fine example of when we pool our resources and efforts together, and what a fine structure we can have for the students and prospective teachers,” McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. James Ponce said. “When you look at the long history of leadership and partnership that we’ve had between the three entities (STC, UTPA, MISD), it’s incredible work and a model for the nation.”
Among the benefits for students of UTeach are tuition rebates for the first two steps program and mentorship that includes field experience at local public schools such as McAllen ISD.
“The UTeach program is something that any student should definitely take advantage of,” STC biology major Kusy Zarzosa said. “You can go off campus and have an actual experience with an elementary, a middle school or high school class. It can help any student’s development.”
“You need to know how to articulate properly and explain things simplistically, and that’s something every student should know how to do before they graduate,” she concluded. “The UTeach program is a great opportunity and the partnership between STC and UTPA is something to look forward to.”
For more information about the UTeach program, call (956) 872-2658 or email pmendiola@southtexascollege.edu or solisse_gue@southtexascollege.edu.
