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.
Elise Garcia
Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year 2025-26 (District Level & School)
Cloverleaf Elementary School | Galena Park ISD
B.S. in Teaching and Learning (’25)
What has been the most rewarding part of your first year of teaching?
The most rewarding part of my first year has been building strong relationships with my students and my coworkers. I’ve learned so much about adapting to the world of education, and it has been amazing to see both my students and our school grow throughout the year.
What advice would you give to student- or first-year teachers starting their careers?
My advice would be to accept support and guidance from others and not give up. This year has taught me a lot about myself as a person and as a teacher. It may feel challenging at first, but it does get easier, and students truly need someone who believes in them.
Was there a professor, course or experience at UH that had a big impact on you as a teacher?
The professors who had the biggest impact on me were Dr. Heather Domjan and Dr. Carrie Cutler. They made learning engaging and fun through hands-on activities and modeled what great teaching looks like. They also created a safe and supportive environment, which is something I now strive to provide for my own students.
What do you hope your students remember most about your class?
I hope my students remember how supported and cared for they felt in my classroom — that it was a safe place to make mistakes and grow. I also hope they remember the meaningful lessons and conversations we shared together.