Quentin Brogdon (MBA ’89, JD ’89), of Crain Brogdon, LLP in Dallas was named a “Trial Legend” by the Dallas Bar Association Tort and Insurance Practice Section.

UH Professor Recognized for Contributions to Mathematics Education
Statewide Award Honors Carrie Cutler’s Work to Make Math Accessible to All

By Raúl Rosa Negrón

September 08, 2026 —

Carrie S. Cutler, a clinical professor at the University of Houston College of Education, received a top achievement award from the Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics for nearly 30 years of work advancing the field through preparing future teachers, publishing on math teaching and learning, and leading professional organizations.

Throughout her career, Cutler has been driven by one goal: to make every child and teacher feel like a “math person” by making the subject more accessible, engaging and meaningful.

Cutler was presented with the Texas council’s 2026 E. Glenadine Gibb Achievement Award in June. The recognition is given annually to a Texas mathematics educator who has made contributions to the field at the state and/or national level. The award is named for Gibb, a mathematics education researcher at the University of Texas at Austin and former president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

A graduate of the UH College of Education’s Ed.D. program, Cutler also has won teaching awards from the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children and the University of Houston. She discusses her work and her belief that mathematics is for everyone in the following Q&A.

What is the driving purpose behind your work in mathematics education?

My purpose has been to help every child (and every teacher) see themselves as a “math person.” Too many people carry anxiety or limiting beliefs about mathematics, often because of experiences that made math feel like a test of speed or innate ability. I want classrooms to be places where learners are curious, take risks, explain their thinking, use meaningful tools and experience mathematics as creative and connected to their lives. When teachers develop confidence and a math-positive mindset, that influence extends to countless children and families.

How has your work at the University of Houston helped you advance mathematics education and support students and educators?

The University of Houston has given me the opportunity to support educators at many stages of their professional journeys — from undergraduate students preparing for their first classrooms to graduate students developing expertise as teachers, coaches, researchers and leaders. In my courses, I strive to connect research with practice through children’s mathematical thinking, problem solving, discourse, culturally responsive tasks, manipulatives and differentiated instruction.

I have also developed open educational resources to reduce costs and improve access, mentored students in research and professional presentations, and collaborated with colleagues on projects related to mathematical mindsets, equity, teacher preparation and early childhood education. Most importantly, I have had the privilege of watching students become confident educators who recognize and nurture the mathematical brilliance of every child.Carrie Culter holds her glass achievement award

The council’s Glenadine Gibb Achievement Award recognizes contributions to mathematics education at the state or national level. Looking back, what accomplishments or initiatives do you believe this honor recognizes most?

I believe it recognizes the ways I have worked to make mathematics more accessible, joyful and meaningful for children and the adults who teach them. That work includes preparing future teachers, providing professional learning for practicing educators, publishing books and articles on math-positive teaching and sharing practical strategies through presentations across Texas and nationally.

I am especially proud of my leadership as president of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators-Texas and as a national co-lead of National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Early Mathematics Interest Forum. These roles have allowed me to bring educators together, strengthen the visibility of early mathematics, and build connections among organizations such as NAEYC and NCTM.

Although my name is on the award, it represents years of learning and collaborating with an extraordinary community of educators.

What do you hope students, fellow educators and the broader education community take away from your work and this recognition?

I hope they take away the message that mathematics truly is for everyone. Children do not need to fit a narrow image of what a successful mathematics student looks or sounds like; they need opportunities to think, wonder, play, talk, make mistakes and approach problems in different ways. I also hope this recognition highlights the importance of early mathematics and the extraordinary work of the educators who build children’s mathematical identities from the very beginning. Small, intentional changes in teaching can have a lifelong influence on how learners see mathematics and how they see themselves.

What advice would you give future mathematics educators who hope to make a lasting impact in the field?

Stay curious about how children think and listen carefully to the ideas they share. Build strong relationships, seek out collaborators and do not be afraid to revise your teaching when students show you a better path. Lasting impact rarely comes from one grand accomplishment; it grows from countless daily decisions to notice students’ strengths, ask meaningful questions, and create spaces where every learner belongs. Above all, protect your own joy in mathematics and teaching — because enthusiasm, like anxiety, is contagious.

Grayson Padgett (’19) has been named to the 2027 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” directory which features 60 Munsch Hardt attorneys across a range of practice areas in recognition of their commitment to excellence and rising impact in the legal field.

Published annually by Woodward/White Inc., the peer-nominated “Ones to Watch” list honors U.S.-based attorneys who have typically been in practice for five to nine years and demonstrate outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

Grayson’s practice focuses on a wide variety of commercial real estate matters, including the acquisition and disposition, financing, and contract negotiation of various property types.

Prior to joining Munsch Hardt, Grayson served as a Summer Associate in the Firm’s Dallas office. As a second career attorney, Grayson formerly worked in the financial services industry as a financial advisor. Being a former collegiate baseball player, during his free time Grayson enjoys returning to the baseball diamond as a spectator.

About Munsch Hardt

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. is a Texas-based, mid-sized, full-service law Firm with more than 180 attorneys in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston. The Firm provides a full spectrum of first-class legal services and representations to commercial clients on any legal matter they face during the life cycle of their business, from startup ventures to established institutions with legal needs across Texas and around the globe. The Firm’s clients are active in multiple industries, ranging from energy, real estate, construction and financial services, to manufacturing, health care, technology and transportation. Munsch Hardt and its attorneys have earned accolades for their work, such as in Chambers USA and Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms. The Firm has been named among the “Top Workplaces” by The Dallas Morning News and The Houston Chronicle, as well as the “Best Places to Work” by Austin Business Journal. In addition, Munsch Hardt was named to the “Middle Market 50” list of the fastest-growing companies in Dallas by The Dallas Business Journal. For more information about Munsch Hardt and its services, visit www.munsch.com.

UH Alumna Dr. Anita L. Lewis Makes History with Two World Records in Education

The University of Houston has another reason to celebrate Cougar excellence! Dr. Anita L. Lewis, a proud UH alumna who earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in 2020, has achieved an extraordinary milestone on the world stage—breaking not one, but two world records in teaching!

On February 27–28, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Lewis and fellow educator Gwendolyn W. Ebron, M.Ed., taught continuously for an incredible 31 hours, 34 minutes, and 51 seconds, establishing a new world record for the longest history lesson.

Their historic achievement also earned a second world record for presenting the first continuous lesson devoted specifically to African, African American, and African Diaspora history.

The marathon lesson took participants on an extraordinary educational journey through thousands of years of history—exploring African civilizations and kingdoms, intellectual and cultural achievements, the African Diaspora, resistance and liberation, innovation, education, leadership, and the enduring contributions of people of African descent throughout the world.

For Dr. Lewis, the achievement represents the intersection of scholarship, education, history, and a lifelong commitment to empowering others. It also reflects the philosophy that has guided her work throughout more than three decades as an educator:

Employ the Past. Educate the Present. Empower the Future.

Dr. Lewis earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Houston in 2020, further strengthening her commitment to educational leadership, social education, equity, and the transformative power of teaching. Today, she continues that work as an adjunct professor in the College of Education at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she prepares future educators to create meaningful, engaging, and culturally responsive learning experiences for their students.

Her career has been distinguished by a commitment to educational excellence and community impact. Among her professional honors, Dr. Lewis was named the 2023 Texas Council for the Social Studies Higher Education Teacher of the Year.

But this world-record achievement represents something more than professional recognition. The historic lesson was created to demonstrate the power of education to reclaim overlooked histories, affirm identity, inspire learners, and use knowledge of the past to help shape a more empowered future.

What began as an ambitious educational vision has now become an officially recognized world-record achievement—twice over.

With both records now official, Dr. Lewis will soon return to Philadelphia for the formal presentation of the world-record award, marking another extraordinary chapter in a career devoted to education, scholarship, service, and empowerment.

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.

Aliyah Vidales
Rookie Teacher of the Year 2025-26 (District Level & School)
Oppe Elementary School | Galveston 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 teaching experience has been the bond that I have created with each student, allowing them to flourish educationally and emotionally as young learners.

What advice would you give to student- or first-year teachers starting their careers?
Do not be so hard on yourself about the little things. You make so many split-second decisions a day, and it is normal to not always be perfect — especially in your first year.

Was there a professor, course or experience at UH that had a big impact on you as a teacher?
Dr. Carrie Cutler, Dr. Justin Burris and Dr. Celeste Alba’s classes had the biggest impact on me because of their commitment to the art of teaching, but also because of how well they bonded with students and made us feel like people, not just another student in a large class.

What do you hope your students remember most about your class?
My first-grade teacher and mentor taught me a saying that I now tell my students: “My teacher believes I can, so I did.” That is something I carry with me every day, and I hope my students carry that with them for the rest of their lives, just as I did.

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.

Melissa Trevino
First Year Teacher of the Year 2025-26
L.F. Smith Elementary School | Pasadena ISD
B.S. in Teaching and Learning (’24)
What has been the most rewarding part of your first year of teaching?
The most rewarding part of my first year has been building meaningful relationships with my students and watching them grow in confidence throughout the year. Seeing them overcome challenges, celebrate their successes and believe in themselves has been incredibly rewarding.

Was there a professor, course or experience at UH that had a big impact on you as a teacher?
Dr. Justin Burris, Dr. Anne Katz and Dr. Heather Domjan all had a tremendous impact on me during my time at UH. Their classes taught me valuable lessons that I have carried with me into my own classroom every day. They helped me build confidence, strengthen my teaching practices and better understand how to support all learners.

What do you hope your students remember most about your class?
More than any lesson I taught, I want them to remember our classroom was a safe place where they felt valued and encouraged. I hope they leave knowing they are capable of achieving great things. Most importantly, I hope they remember that they always had someone in their corner cheering them on.

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.

Maria Pizano
Rising Star of the Year 2025-26
Anthony Aguirre Junior High School | Channelview ISD
B.S. in Teaching and Learning (’24)
What has been the most rewarding part of your first year of teaching?
I have loved seeing my students grow. Sixth grade is an age where students are starting to figure out who they are, and seeing them grow in their knowledge of mathematics as well as in maturity has been so rewarding. Being able to serve as a role model for them has been such a great feeling, especially since I returned to the middle school I once attended as a student.

What advice would you give to student- or first-year teachers starting their careers?
I would encourage COE students to make the most of their student teaching year. It can be scary to approach teaching for the first time, but maximizing my student teaching experience was one of the things that best prepared me to teach on my own. For first-year teachers, I would say to give yourself grace and take care of yourself.

Was there a professor, course or experience at UH that had a big impact on you as a teacher?
I was fortunate to have an amazing student teaching experience through the UH COE program. I student taught in Aldine ISD in Mr. Berrones’ eighth-grade math classroom, and I truly feel that my experience there prepared me to lead my own classroom. I am very grateful to him and to the College of Education for that opportunity.

What do you hope your students remember most about your class?
I hope my students remember that I always believed in every single one of them and that anyone can be good at math. I also hope they remember that my classroom was a place where they felt safe to make mistakes, ask questions and grow. More than anything, I want them to carry the confidence they built in my class with them.

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.

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.