UIW Graduate Honored as Texas Clinical Teacher of the Year

Abigail Sarabia Honored for Work at Local School She Attended as a Child

San Antonio - October 11, 2024 - "Ever since I was five years-old, I would come home every day and teach my dolls, stuffed animals, and even my brother's monster trucks - anything I could find!"

Abigail Sarabia, a recent graduate from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Dreeben School of Education, believes she may have been born to be a teacher. Now, in what can only be considered a full circle moment, she is being honored for the teaching work she has done in the very school where she first found her teaching inspiration. Sarabia was recently named the Clinical Teacher of the Year by the Texas Directors of Field Experience for her work at Huebner Elementary in the North East ISD… the school from which she has her most cherished teaching childhood memories.

"My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Sharon Berg from Huebner Elementary, was my biggest influence," says Sarabia. "I don't remember everything we learned in her class, but I do remember how she made me, and my classmates feel - loved, accepted and excited to learn. When I left her classroom as a 7-year-old, I knew I wanted to do for others what she did for me. I wanted to teach, inspire and positively impact young hearts and minds. Even now while I am in my own classroom, I often think of Mrs. Berg. When I am teaching a lesson, I think how she made learning so much fun and tangible for us. When I am faced with a difficult situation in the classroom, I remember how she handled everything with love, grace, understanding and patience. She was, and always will be, my inspiration."

While her love of learning inspired her career, it was actually Sarabia's love of music that inspired her on the path to UIW. An accomplished musician on the piano and flute, Sarabia was playing piano in a high school jazz band when, in her junior year, she made the All-State Jazz Band. That honor allowed her to attend the Texas Music Educators Association convention where she happened to meet Dr. Brett Richardson, former UIW Band Director and faculty member.

"After speaking with him about the music opportunities and scholarships at UIW, I started seriously considering the university," recalls Sarabia. "I knew I wanted to become an elementary teacher, so after attending UIW's Cardinal Experience Day and sitting in on an education session with Dr. Elda Martinez, it became clear that UIW was the perfect fit. Not only could I continue playing music under an incredible director, but I could also pursue my passion for teaching through a rigorous education program. That combination made UIW my home for the next four years."

Sarabia, a San Antonio native, joins a noteworthy group with this honor. She is now the fourth UIW Dreeben School of Education graduate to be recognized with the Clinical Teacher of the Year award in as many years. The Dreeben School of Education has a long legacy of preparing the educators of tomorrow that dates back to the founding of the University by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Today, the School continues to prepare students through undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs by developing future leaders through a value-based education that emphasizes lifelong learning.

"We are incredibly proud to once again have a Clinical Teacher of the Year at UIW," says Dr. Lucretia Fraga, associate professor in the UIW Dreeben School of Education. "Abigail exemplifies the values, dedication, passion and excellence that we strive to cultivate in our program. Her innovative teaching methods and deep commitment to her students set a high standard in the field of education. As her clinical teaching supervisor, it's an honor to see her hard work and dedication recognized at this level, and we are thrilled to celebrate her accomplishments with the broader educational community."

"UIW's Teacher Education Program is very proud of all of our graduates, and we are pleased that Abigail Sarabia is receiving this recognition," says Dr. Elda Martinez, director of the UIW Teacher Education Department. "Throughout the program, Abigail consistently demonstrated a commitment to her development as an educator and to extending the Mission into her professional practice. Abigail's enthusiasm in the classroom is contagious! Her students are engaged and know their teacher supports their leaning needs."

"When I first heard that I won the award, I was overwhelmed with surprise and shock, but most of all, I felt incredibly thankful and honored," says Sarabia. "Teaching has always been my biggest dream, and this award was a confirmation that I am doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing."

Sarabia has nothing but high praise for the education and skills she learned in her time at UIW and wanted to particularly thank Martinez and Fraga for their guidance. She also wanted to thank her family and her husband for nurturing her dream to become a teacher. And she wanted to save much praise for those who saw her on her clinical teaching journey.

"To my mentor teacher, Mrs. Alicia Neutzling at Huebner Elementary, thank you for opening your classroom door to me in January 2024. From the moment I stepped into your second-grade classroom, you gave me the space and freedom to grow as an educator. I am truly grateful for your mentorship during my clinical teaching season. And to the Huebner Elementary administration, thank you for welcoming me back 'home' during my clinical teaching. Huebner will always hold a special place in my heart. It's where I first discovered my passion for teaching as a little girl, and it's also where I grew into an educator at the end of my college journey."

In a final twist of fate fitting of her story, Sarabia is proud to say that she now teaches at Cornerstone Christian Schools, which is where she graduated high school. And she has this message for her current students about this award: "I tell my students all the time, 'Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.' We discuss how one person's strength might be someone else's weakness, and that's perfectly okay. We should learn how to grow in our weaknesses, and we should also chase after our strengths. We all have different abilities, and we are here to support each other. The truth is, we each have unique, God-given talents, and I've known from a young age that teaching is mine. It's my mission and my calling."

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