Local Schools Recognize UTA Grads with Teacher of the Year Awards
“I loved that there was an entire section with children's books that really made it easy to lesson plan,” said Aguiñaga. “I spent many nights at the library getting work done.”
It was a time that could have been immensely challenging.
“Attending UTA was a true blessing,” said Aguiñaga. “At the time, I had been married for 4years and had a 2-year-old. I was working full time and attending school full time. It was difficult at times, but the evening classes really made it possible for me to obtain my degree.”
She’s not alone as a campus “Teacher of the Year” recipient.
Carla Amaro-Jiménez, interim chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, said she often connects with former students through social media. Every spring semester, her feed is flooded with alumni announcing their latest accolades.
“It’s amazing to see how many of our graduates are awarded, but I’m not surprised,” she said. “Our students embody the Maverick Factor – they are persistent, they are unafraid to take on new challenges, and they want to make an impact. This Maverick Factor runs through our programs because faculty intentionally prepare teachers and administrators to not just succeed but to thrive.”
“I was raised by a single mother, so while at UTA I had two jobs to help at home and help pay for college,” recalled Diaz, who currently teaches PreK students at the David Crockett Early Education School in Grand Prairie I.S.D. “When I started the teaching program, I remember my instructors working alongside me to ensure I grew and blossomed into the teacher I am today.”
A third-year teacher, Diaz has been recognized multiple times with staff member of the month, and most recently, with the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year Award on her campus.
Still, Amaro-Jiménez noted that not everyone receives the acknowledgment they deserve.
“Our students learn about the research and theories behind evidence-based practices while also applying what they are learning through extensive practical experiences in and outside the classroom,” she said. “For us, they are all teachers of the year, even when they don’t get the recognition.”
For both Aguiñaga and Diaz, UTA helped them learn to juggle work, family, and school life.
“I enjoyed every minute at UTA,” said Diaz. “I learned discipline, dedication, and commitment, and how to study, make connections, and work alongside peers. I attribute my success to everything that I learned from my mom, professors, and sorority sisters. I would not have made it to where I am without these people in my life and without Christ who lifts me up daily.”
Most recently, she’s used this expertise and funding from the district’s education foundation to purchase podcasting equipment – allowing her students to discuss their favorite texts.
“Planning and writing lesson plans are something that was crucial,” she said. “Another thing is the importance of literacy and bicultural and biliterate representation in the classroom and making lessons relevant for my students. Everything I know I learned from UTA