July 2024

Kathyanne Sheffield, who earned an Ed.D. in professional leadership – special populations in 2022, was selected as a summer fellow for the Mathematics Potential Lab. The program, funded by the National Science Foundation through the University of Missouri and in collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children, took place in July 2024.

June 2024

Three-time alum Paloma Moreno has been named director of multilingual programs at Tomball ISD. Moreno previously served as assistant principal at Tomball Intermediate School. She earned a B.S. in teaching in 2011, an M.Ed. in administration and supervision in 2017 and an Ed. D. in professional leadership – K-12 in 2022.

April 2024

Beatrice Cruz, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2022, won New Teacher of the Year at Queens Intermediate School in Pasadena ISD. Cruz teaches seventh grade science at the school.  

Anna Suarez, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2017, was named 2023-24 Teacher of the Year from Robertson Elementary in Katy ISD. She teaches third grade math and science at the school. 

Elizabeth Maldonado, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2022, won New Teacher of the Year at Morales Elementary in Pasadena ISD.  Maldonado teaches fourth grade reading and language arts at the school. 

Aleida Gonzalez, who earned a B.S in teaching and learning in 2022, won New Teacher of the Year at Jessup Elementary in Pasadena ISD. Gonzalez teaches first grade at the school. 

Earl Bennett, who earned a Ph.D. in higher education in 2022, has been promoted to Vanderbilt University’s senior associate athletic director for strategy and business operations. Bennett previously served as the executive director of player development and administration. He played football for Vanderbilt, where he was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2017 and earned status as a Southeastern Conference Legend in 2015. Bennett also had a six-year football career with the Chicago Bears. 

Rhaniece Choice, who earned an M.Ed. in special populations in 2022, won 2023-24 District Teacher of the Year at Alief ISD. Choice also won Teacher of the Year from Cummings Elementary in Alief ISD in February. She serves as an in-class support teacher, advocating for students to ensure their services are being met. 

March 2024 

Jesus Esparza, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2022, won Beginning Teacher of the Year at DeAnda Elementary School in Houston ISD. Esparza teaches third grade math at the school.

February 2024

Fathima Noordeen, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2022, won 2023-24 Rookie Teacher of the Year from Malala Elementary in Fort Bend ISD. Noordeen teaches third grade math and science at the school.

Caroline Hill, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2023, won 2023-24 Rookie Teacher of the Year from Vernon Madden Elementary in Fort Bend ISD. Hill teaches first-grade reading, writing and social studies at the school.

Megan Proulx, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2019, won 2023-24 Teacher of the Year from Kingwood Middle School in Humble ISD. Proulx teaches sixth grade world cultures and assists with the Charms dance team at the school.

Jaquelin Alvarez, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2022, won 2023-24 Rookie Teacher of the Year from Royalwood Elementary in Sheldon ISD. Alvarez teaches fifth grade math at the school. 

Savannah Bridgewater, who earned a B.S. in human development and family studies in 2019, won 2023-24 Teacher of the Year from Foster Elementary School in Humble ISD. Bridgewater teaches kindergarten at the school.  

Delmi Antunez Valdez, who earned a B.S. in teaching and learning in 2018, received the 2023-24 Bilingual Teacher of the Year award from Smith Elementary School in Aldine ISD. Antunez teaches third grade math at the school.