UIW Announces Charles Butt Foundation Partnership

Dreeben School of Education Introduces the First Cohort of Charles Butt Scholars

San Antonio - September 6, 2024 - The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) proudly announces the Dreeben School of Education's recognition as a Charles Butt Foundation partner program. This partnership involves collaboration with the Foundation and other Texas educator preparation programs to improve the preparation and retention of Texas teachers. The UIW Teacher Education Department engaged in program improvement efforts to earn this distinction in the fall of 2023.

"This recognition reflects the commitment of our Teacher Education faculty to teacher preparation and the continuous improvement of our program. We are eager to contribute to the greater work of educator development for Texas communities." shares Dr. Elda Martinez, director of the UIW Teacher Education Department.

Johannah Fabling, one of five recipients of the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers at UIW, expresses her gratitude for this work: "The Charles Butt teaching scholarship has empowered me to continue my journey as an elementary teacher. It enables me to make a meaningful impact on young students and inspire them to reach their full potential. I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to grow and develop as an educator, ensuring I provide the best possible support for my students."

Raising Texas Teachers partner programs demonstrate a commitment to high-quality programming and have established a strong foundation for continuous improvement with support from community partners, technical assistance providers, and the Charles Butt Foundation. UIW is now one of the 20 Texas university-based educator preparation programs to offer the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers, which provides each scholar with $8,000 in scholarship funding annually, renewable for up to four years, as well as ongoing professional development support. Scholars must be committed to teaching in Texas public schools that are majority-economically disadvantaged or in shortage areas. Currently, this scholarship is available to prospective and current UIW Education-Elementary majors. The inaugural cohort of UIW Charles Butt Scholars includes Jahannah Fabling, Andrea Martinez, Nora Powers, Alessandra Ramon, and Genesis Zapata.

When asked what motivated them to apply for this opportunity, Alessandra Ramon shared that her motivation came from her belief that "education has the enduring power to positively impact the paths of shaping individuals' futures, and I am certainly committed to being a part of that journey."

"Our partnership with the Charles Butt Foundation represents a transformative opportunity for the University of the Incarnate Word, particularly for our Teacher Education Program in the Dreeben School of Education," says Dr. Stephanie Grote-Garcia, UIW Charles Butt Scholars Lead and Professor of Teacher Education. "In addition to meeting high academic criteria, the selected scholars participated in a series of interviews and presented multiple essay responses to express their commitment to teaching. The Dreeben School of Education is incredibly proud of all our students. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued success."

Nora Powers celebrated this achievement by sharing that "this scholarship is an incredible opportunity that allows me to fully dedicate myself to my passion for teaching. It eases the financial pressures, enabling me to concentrate on becoming the best educator I can be. I'm deeply thankful and excited to use this support to make a meaningful impact in the classroom."

Future teachers find their inspiration to be a part of the profession in many different places. For UIW student and Charles Butt Scholar Andrea Martinez, that inspiration came from the classrooms she experienced daily growing up. Reflecting on her journey, Andrea shares, "The educators that I have had taught me that I can be the best version of myself and to never give up when things get hard. I want to be that educator for my students." As Andrea approaches her senior year in the UIW Dreeben School of Education, the Charles Butt Scholarship provides crucial support in realizing her aspirations. "This scholarship not only opens doors to a year full of opportunities but also helps me honor the teachers who paved the way for me. My time at UIW has been marked by lifelong friendships and invaluable relationships with professors, making it a place I will always cherish."

Classmate Genesis Zapata also expresses her gratitude: "Receiving this scholarship brings me a step closer to becoming the educator I envision. The support and resources provided are invaluable in preparing me for the future."

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