March 2024

Health Professor Norma Olvera hosted the Latino Health Summit, “Salud Para Todos: Latino Health Equity,” in March. The hybrid event, held online and at the University of Houston, drew about 930 attendees with representation from 42 U.S. states and six other countries. Leaders and speakers at the summit aimed to tackle health challenges in the Hispanic community. 

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 Carolyn and 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. 

January 2024

School Psychology Ph.D. students Georgina Sakyi and Mariana Vázquez served as authors of the Resource Guide for Psychology Graduate Students of Color (third edition) by the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students. The guide provides advice on topics such as wellness and self-care; research and publishing; financial planning; and dealing with imposter syndrome. Sakyi earned an M.Ed. in counseling in 2022 and Vazquez earned an M.Ed. in counseling in 2021.