FIVE UH ALUMNI HONORED AS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
Awards Highlight Early Career Success of Recent Education Graduates
By Raúl Rosa Negrón
July 13, 2026 —
Aliyah Vidales recall the motivational mantra her first-grade teacher used to say in class: “My teacher believes I can, so I did.”
Today, Vidales is an award-winning teacher who gives her own second-grade students the same pep talk.
“I have wanted to be in education so I could make a difference in my students’ lives in the way my first-grade teacher, who is now my mentor, did for me,” Vidales said.
Vidales is one of at least five recent graduates of the University of Houston College of Education who won Teacher of the Year awards for 2025-26 — an early sign of the impact these new educators are having in classrooms across the region.
Teacher of the Award Winners 2025-26:
• Elise Garcia (Galena Park ISD) — District & School Level
• Agustina Mansilla (Humble ISD) — School Level
• Maria Pizano (Channelview ISD) — School Level
• Melissa Trevino (Pasadena ISD) — School Level
• Aliyah Vidales (Galveston ISD) — District & School Level
Though they teach different grade levels and subjects, the five alumni share a common commitment: creating supportive classroom environments and helping students believe in themselves. They credited supportive professors and the College’s yearlong teaching residency for providing a strong foundation for leading their own classrooms.
“The College of Education played a significant role in my development by providing meaningful hands-on experiences and a strong support system throughout the program,” Mansilla said. “The combination of coursework, field experiences and mentorship helped me enter the classroom feeling confident and prepared to make a positive impact on my students.”
Read more about what these award-winning teachers learned in their first year and what they hope their students carry with them long after leaving their classrooms.
Agustina Mansilla
Rookie Teacher of the Year 2025-26
Eagle Springs Elementary School | Humble ISD
B.S. in Teaching and Learning (’25)
What advice would you give to student- or first-year teachers starting their careers?
Always remember your “why.” There will be challenging days, and it is important to remind yourself why you chose this path. Lean on your mentors and fellow teachers when you need support, and do not be afraid to ask questions. It is OK not to have everything figured out right away. You will continue to learn and grow each day.
Was there a professor, course or experience at UH that had a big impact on you as a teacher?
My site coordinator during student teaching, Toni Wendt, had a big impact on me. Her support and guidance helped me grow in confidence and prepare for my own classroom. The College of Education also played a significant role in my development by providing meaningful hands-on experiences and a strong support system throughout the program. The combination of coursework, field experiences and mentorship helped me enter the classroom feeling confident and prepared to make a positive impact on my students.
What do you hope your students remember most about your class?
I hope my students remember that my classroom was a fun, welcoming place where they felt excited to come to school every day. More than anything, I want them to remember feeling supported, valued and excited about learning.