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College of Education and Human Development at The University of Texas at San Antonio Online Magazine

Scholars & Leaders

The students in the College of Education and Human Development may come from diverse backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: they want to make a difference in the world. Here are just a few of the top-tier students who have gone above and beyond in their studies at UTSA


Alissa Desmet, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6)

“Serving the community is very important when being a teacher and I have been fortunate to gain a lot of experience throughout my college career reaching out into the community. Teachers are not only responsible for reaching out into the community, but building a community within their classrooms.”

Alissa Desmet, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6)


Stephanie Cintron, General Math Studies with Teacher Certification

“My goal is to become a math educator, especially in middle school. I want to get involved in our education system because I believe it is important to create the best education for all students.”

Stephanie Cintron, General Math Studies with Teacher Certification


Amanda Swearingen, Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language

“For my master’s thesis, I am looking at how therapy dogs may inspire reading engagement for elementary school English language learners. I have seen first-hand the academic struggles students face when a book is placed in their hands, and I hope through my research that my students will come to love reading.”

Amanda Swearingen, Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language


Cynthia DeMunbrun, Interdisciplinary Studies (Special Education)

“I want to research teacher preparation and education to work in inclusive environments, particularly with students with the most significant disabilities. I plan to become a professor so that I can teach teachers in this educational setting and continue to research change policy to make the most impact on education that I can.”

Cynthia DeMunbrun, Interdisciplinary Studies (Special Education)


Shelby Arredondo, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6)

“I believe that every student deserves a good education. Teachers need to be there for their students to help get them excited about learning, to get them wanting to come to school every day and learn new things and help get them on the right track to a bright future. My intentions are to become a positive, uplifting, educational, and successful teacher.”

Shelby Arredondo, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6)


Rebecca Hammond, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6, ESL)

“When knowledge and skills are taught with love, enthusiasm, and passion, it changes and impacts people in a way that is difficult to avoid. I want to be a teacher that helps students reach their potential and keep them from a future that is limited to narrow, unappealing choices.”

Rebecca Hammond, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6, ESL)


Karina Martinez, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6, Bilingual)

“I plan to teach in a bilingual classroom in San Antonio as I grew up in this environment. I feel that learning should be something we should not take for granted and we, as teachers, should model for students the importance of higher education. I know that I had role models that inspired me to become an educator.”

Karina Martinez, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6, Bilingual)


Michael Castillo, Interdisciplinary Studies (4-8, Math/Science)

“I want to become a middle school math teacher and become certified to coach football and basketball. I also want to continue on and get my master’s degree.”

Michael Castillo, Interdisciplinary Studies (4-8, Math/Science)


Katie Hebert, Interdisciplinary Studies, Legal Studies

“I enjoy being a leader and role model for UTSA through student organizations. I was a peer mentor for the First-Year Experience Program and a student assistant for the Student Leadership Center. I plan to begin law school out of state in the Fall of 2017 and hope to practice family law as a licensed attorney,”

Katie Hebert, Interdisciplinary Studies, Legal Studies


Kaitlin Brown, Interdisciplinary Studies

“I have chosen to become a teacher because I absolutely love to facilitate children’s learning and love watching them grow. I feel that I have the power to make a difference in children’s lives, both academically and personally.”

Kaitlin Brown, Interdisciplinary Studies


Rachel Peterman, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6)

“I believe that getting to know each child and building rapport with them is the best way to effectively teach. I also believe that it is important for teachers to make a safe learning environment that will foster academic success. It brings me so much joy to watch a child that struggled in the past feel successful or show growth.”

Rachel Peterman, Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6)


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