April Purcell

Commencement Close-up: April Purcell

(Dec. 23, 2004)-- It has been quite a year for April Purcell. The 28-year-old Northside School District science teacher has juggled teaching duties and graduate studies at UTSA while awaiting the arrival of her first child in February.

In December, she was able to lighten her load considerably after completing her master's degree in earth and environmental science.

"I've had some wonderful teachers here at UTSA, especially Dr. Steve Brown, who has been a great mentor and teacher," said Purcell. "I have learned things that prior to entering the program, I did not know existed and they have been useful to me to use with my fifth-grade students."

To complete her master's degree, Purcell wrote her thesis, "Using Internet GIS Sites with Students," finding it a useful teaching tool that benefited her students.

Purcell also serves as a science facilitator for her Braun Station Elementary campus as well as a workshop leader where she instructs instructors on teaching concepts and methods.

As if balancing a full-time teaching position and graduate studies were not enough, Purcell learned over the summer that she and her husband were going to have their first child.

"I take homework home to grade every day, and then I spend a couple more hours studying for my graduate courses," said Purcell. "It's been hard to balance. I'm thankful for the help and support of my husband because otherwise I could not have done it."

Purcell plans to pursue a doctoral degree in education and to teach at the college level.

--Kris Rodriguez