UISD's Special Education Department and TAMIU have officially welcomed four new Teacher Aides to the joint program U Teach, U Transform. The four student residents were recruited by the UISD Special Education Department, together with Human Resources, to help fill the need for additional special education teachers in the district. The four TAMIU student teacher aides were introduced at a press conference held at Trautmann Elementary School October 10, where one of the residents will teach.
The four new residents are: Gloria Ayala -- Trautmann Elementary; Lily Benavides -- United South High School; Miriam Cuellar -- Centeno Elementary; and Alejandra Martinez -- Gutierrez Elementary.
The district announced the first graduate of U Teach, U Transform in May of this year. Reyhitza Marquez from Eagle Pass was the first participant to complete the program. After training with her mentors, she took her first teaching assignment at UISD's Bonnie García Elementary School.
The U Teach, U Transform program takes care of the students' required block hours, and they receive a salary from UISD as well. The residents commit to work for UISD as a special education teacher for three years after they graduate.
The Mistress of Ceremony was Laura De Los Santos, UISD Executive Director of Special Education. Also present to make remarks were UISD Board Member Frank Castillo, Director of Special Education Frank Gutierrez; and from TAMIU, faculty member Dr. James O'Meara. Each student also spoke and expressed gratitude for having this opportunity, which puts them on the direct path to a lifelong career in education.
UISD's Laura De Los Santos and Dr. James O'Meara, TAMIU Faculty
Alejandra Martinez -- Gutierrez Elementary
Lily Benavides -- United South High School
Gloria Ayala -- Trautmann Elementary
Miriam Cuellar -- Centeno Elementary
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