Texas Education THRIVE, a comprehensive educational initiative through the College of Education at UT Austin, provides engagement, support, professional development and networking resources to school districts across Texas. Geared toward both early and mid-career teachers, THRIVE is committed to providing the necessary mentorship and professional learning opportunities that ensure successful and productive careers in education for the betterment of all Texas children.
why
THRIVE
Nearly half of first-time Texas teachers have no teaching credentials or experience, leading to lower student achievement in reading and math (Kirksey, 2024). However, ECTs who receive consistent, high-quality mentorship are more likely to employ effective instructional practices and achieve strong student outcomes (Ingersoll & Strong, 2011).
Mentorship is also a protective factor in supporting ECTs’ wellbeing. Stress and work-life balance are the most significant reasons that ECTs resign (Savill Smith, 2019) and up to 50% leave the profession within the first five years (Alen and Sims, 2018). However, research shows that ECT retention is positively impacted by mentoring (Tomkins, 2023).
Mentorship matters, yet mentors receive little training (Schlaack, 2023). Mentors benefit from professional development about coaching, communication, analyzing their own practice, and co-constructing knowledge with others (Betlem, Clary, & Jones, 2019). Mentors gain confidence through shared experiences in a university partnership such as THRIVE (Chizhik, Chizhik, Close, and Gallego, 2018).
THRIVE draws upon this research base to make sustainable, scalable advancements in mentoring and induction through three key levers:
Focus on SUSTAINABILITY
Focus on MENTORS
Focus on CAMPUS LEADERS
No matter how much we collectively do to fill the pipeline with high quality teacher candidates, it won’t be enough to address the teacher crisis. Texas Education THRIVE gets to the heart of why teachers are leaving during these first years by focusing specifically on the conditions teachers find themselves in.
about
THRIVE
Texas Education THRIVE is an initiative of the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin. THRIVE was co-designed by UT faculty experts in partnership with district stakeholders including early career teachers, mentors, administrators, and district leaders. Situated at the intersection of research and practice, THRIVE is proud to be a by-Texas-for-Texas program with responsive, context-specific solutions to current challenges facing Texas public schools. We are committed to improving outcomes for all Texas school children through our work.
Mission
THRIVE aims to elevate the teaching profession, stabilize the teacher workforce and provide all Texas children with access to high-quality education that will ensure they achieve at the highest level.
Vision
THRIVE focuses on transforming the experience of early career teachers and their mentors through innovative partnerships with Texas public schools that bridge research to practice, ensuring all students reach their potential.
Foundation
THRIVE includes three foundational components: District Engagement, Professional Learning and Mentorship and Networks of Support.
Our Partners
District and University Partners
Donors
In the News
get
INVOLVED
Whether looking for an opportunity within your district, mentorship opportunities as a teacher or part of the UT System, or a way to support the THRIVE initiative, there are multiple ways to get involved with Texas Education THRIVE.
our
TEAM
Leadership Team
LeAnne Hernandez is a passionate advocate for Texas public schools with 26 years of experience empowering students and educators. Skilled in strategic thinking, innovation and collaboration, Hernandez is an experienced project manager committed to nurturing diverse early career educators and those who support them. An experienced teacher, coach, administrator and program director with expertise in career pathway programs and professional learning, LeAnne has a B.A. in English, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Her research interests include the development of novice teacher and leader agency with particular emphasis in historically underserved communities.
Jon is the THRIVE Program Manager and just started with us in July of this year. Before his role with THRIVE Jon was with one of our partner districts Del Valle ISD. He assisted the Human Resources Director in the selection and management of all Strategic Staffing initiatives. Jon worked closely with THRIVE partners and assisted in the pilot year and ensured a smooth implementation throughout all Del Valle’s Campus. He has 6+ years of Strategic Human Resources experience in the private sector and has brought those knowledge and skills to his current role.
Dr. Greg Rodríguez has dedicated his career to transforming the academic achievement of all children through visible and rapid improvements. With extensive experience at all levels in PK-16 education, from classroom teaching to district leadership, he has held pivotal roles such as Superintendent in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, Deputy Superintendent of Schools in Waterbury, Connecticut, and Superintendent of Schools in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
As adjunct faculty for educational leadership, Dr. Rodríguez is committed to developing future school principals and superintendents. He is passionate about leading the implementation and design of THRIVE to support early career teachers, mentor teachers, system-level leaders, campus leaders, and all educators through continuous program improvement.
Susan Serenari, M.Ed., is a versatile educator with an abundance of experiences in rural, suburban and urban settings. She began her education career in Baltimore County, Maryland as a Kindergarten teacher, and continued teaching Early Childhood students in Tampa, Florida and Northern Virginia. After completing her master’s degree in literacy at Virginia Tech, Serenari moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, and over the next decade served as a Title I reading interventionist, literacy coach and curriculum coordinator for Pre-K through fifth grade students. Serenari recognized an emerging deficit in teacher support, and transitioned her focus on empowering and learning alongside teachers. She moved to Central Texas to scale up her impact in this area, and has most recently supported teachers and students across the southwest region of the US as a literacy specialist with a global educational publishing company. Serenari is dedicated to supporting teachers and students by meeting them where they are, and celebrating the teaching and learning that occurs each day.
Amy Gonzales, Ed.D. joins the THRIVE team with twenty years of experience in public education. As a former classroom teacher and administrator, she believes in the power of positivity and the importance of self-care. Amy’s work is centered on teaching the whole child and leading the whole teacher. Amy graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She received her Master’s in Educational Administration and Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin.
Amy has presented numerous times for Austin ISD events such as the Social Emotional Learning Symposium and the AISD Assistant Principal Conference. She has also presented at the TEPSA Summer Conference and the Texas Council of Women School Executives Conference. She was featured on the “Principals of Success” podcast and “The Innovator’s Mindset.” Amy is also the co-author of The Principal All Communities Deserve: A Practical Guidebook for School Leaders. With strong communication skills and the ability to empower others, supporting teachers and leaders is a passion and strength that will support her work with THRIVE.
Kelly is an educator, coach, facilitator, experience designer, curriculum writer and capacity-builder who has held various roles across K-12, higher education, state leadership and educational consulting for the last two decades. Her work is grounded in a deep passion for building education systems that center the needs of students and educators at the margins. Ocasio strongly believes in the power of equity-centered design as a vehicle to enact innovative change in schools today. She is a systems thinker and relationship-builder prioritizes interpersonal connections and collective impact to create the change we seek. Kelly holds a BS in Elementary Education and Spanish from UW-Madison, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from UT – San Antonio, and a joint Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis and Curriculum & Instruction from UW-Madison. Ocasio’s research focuses on Latinx teachers’ pathways into education and identifying the opportunities and barriers to the Latinx community pursuing a career in teaching.
Audrey enjoys improving user experiences (UX) through human-centered research and design. Whether those “users” are students, teachers, administrators, or families, she believes schools should be supportive and inspirational for people with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Audrey has a B.S. in Agricultural Education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Rice University, and a Ph.D. in Learning Technologies from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on understanding teacher experiences, determining their needs, and designing systems to meet those needs.
Luisa Suarez is the Graphics/Social Media Intern at Texas THRIVE. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with an early Master’s in Advertising at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is part of the Moody Honors Program. With a strong background in social media strategy, content creation, and brand engagement, Luisa specializes in crafting compelling digital narratives that drive community engagement and impact.
Beyond her work in marketing and communications, Luisa is passionate about giving back to her community through meaningful initiatives that create lasting change. Her experience in bilingual programming and financial literacy advocacy has allowed her to support underserved communities by fostering education and empowerment. At THRIVE, she uses her expertise to develop creative campaigns that uplift and connect educators across Texas, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive in their careers.
THRIVE Coaches
Shannon Galvan is an Assistant Professor of Practice and Cohort Coordinator at the University of Texas. Previously, Shannon was an elementary school teacher in central Texas, working with students in grades Pre-K through fifth grade for ten years. Shannon has worked as a campus and district leader, serving on curriculum committees and providing professional development opportunities to teachers. Her true passion is coaching and mentoring teachers, and she is incredibly thankful to learn and grow alongside them.
Kelley T. Glover, Ph.D., is an innovative educator with 25+ years of experience in culturally relevant pedagogy, music education, and early career teacher mentoring. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Howard University, a Master of Arts in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music, and a Ph.D. in School Improvement from Texas State University. Her research interests focus on understanding how engaging in somatic abolitionist practices (body-informed leadership that helps us understand the effects of colonialism on the body) can promote greater emotional resilience and cultural well-being for all bodies when navigating policies and systems that negatively affect marginalized communities. Dr. Glover is the creator of an ear-training cartoon and music game app called “U BETTER Sing!” featured on the PBS show “Blackademics,” where she discussed how culturally hegemonic practices affect music education and students from vulnerable and underserved communities. She is dedicated and passionate about encouraging educators to better understand themselves as emotional and cultural beings so that we can better connect with the communities we serve with a critical awareness of the systems we navigate.
Sarah Ivory, M.Ed started her career as a Teach for America corps member in St. Louis, Missouri. She spent four years teaching high school and earning a masters degree in secondary education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. During this time, she was awarded the Pettus Award for Excellence in Education from St. Louis Public Schools. Sarah moved back to Austin and worked in Del Valle ISD as a teacher, behavior specialist, and assistant principal. Most recently, she has served in Austin ISD as a new teacher mentor. Her focus is on improving public education for underserved communities and helping teachers feel empowered, appreciated, and supported.
Penelope Jones is a passionate advocate for educators, students, and communities. With over a decade in education, Penelope has worn many hats—from special education teacher to instructional coach and field supervisor. Her journey began at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She holds certifications in EC-6 Generalist and Special Education EC-12. Driven by a commitment to equity, Penelope believes in the transformative power of strong, supportive relationships among teachers, students, and parents. Her approach is not just informed by research but shaped by her ongoing learning as well. She thrives on providing tailored support through collaborative learning, enhancing instructional practices and coaching strategies. Penelope finds immense fulfillment in mentoring early-career teachers, guiding them toward success and witnessing their growth firsthand. Joining THRIVE as a Mentor Coach allows her to expand her impact further, contributing to initiatives that drive systemic change and foster community. Her ultimate goal is to enhance education for all, creating lasting improvements in student learning and outcomes.
Jen Pan, M.Ed., is an Assistant Professor of Practice and Field Supervisor at the University of Texas at Austin. Her educator journey has taken a unique path, and each experience has impacted her teacher identity. She taught English Language Arts for five years to middle school students in two different settings—suburban in the Dallas area and urban in Harlem—and was passionate about making space for everyone to express their authentic selves through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. During her time in educational publishing, she has designed and delivered professional learning for districts nationwide and has worked as a literacy specialist and coach at elementary schools across central Texas. She is in awe of the work she sees educators doing in all spaces and contexts and feels lucky to continue her own learning in collaboration with them.
Adrienne Prewett has covered many roles in her educational career including ELA classroom teacher, athletic coach, instructional coach, English Language Arts K-12 district curriculum coordinator, administrator, and independent consultant in several districts in Central Texas. Adrienne graduated from Lamar University with a Master’s of Education degree and from Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in early childhood education. In her experience as an educator, Adrienne has come to learn the value and importance of relationships and their impact on student and teacher growth. She is passionate about helping teachers grow in their craft and sharing professional learning that will assist them in their professional journey.
Faculty Advisors
Charles R. Martinez, Jr. is the 12th dean of the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. Martinez was named dean-designate in July 2018 and began his tenure as dean on January 1, 2019. Martinez holds the Lee Hage Jamail Regents Chair in Education and the Sid W. Richardson Regents Chair. He is a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology.
Martinez’s scholarly work focuses on identifying factors that hinder or promote the success of children and families from vulnerable and underserved populations.
Martinez has led numerous national and international research projects designed to examine risk and protective factors involved in linking social and cultural factors to education and behavioral health disparities for Latino children and families and to develop and test culturally specific interventions for at-risk families in the U.S. and in Latin America. His work has garnered federal and international grants totaling more than $35 million. Agencies funding his research include the Institute of Education Sciences, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Prior to joining the University of Texas, Martinez was the Philip H. Knight Professor in the Department of Educational Methodology, Policy, and Leadership at the University of Oregon, where he also served as founding director of the Center for Equity Promotion.
A first-generation college graduate, Martinez received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pitzer College, and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
Beth Maloch, Ph.D., is the senior associate dean of the College of Education and a professor in Language and Literacy Studies in the Department of Curriculum and instruction. She previously served the college as associate dean for administration and educator preparation. Maloch teaches undergraduate courses in literacy methods and graduate courses in classroom discourse and discourse analysis. Her research attends closely to the discourse of classrooms, particularly the discussion that happens around text, as well as preservice teacher education. Most recently, her research has focused on the coaching and mentoring that takes place in teacher education programs, particularly by the cooperating teachers.
Melissa Mosley Wetzel, Ph.D., is a professor of Language and Literacy Studies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education. Her scholarship focuses on the preparation of teachers in literacy for equity-focused practices and the development of justice-focused coaching and mentoring in preservice and in-service settings. She draws from critical race scholarship and culturally sustaining pedagogy frameworks to prepare teachers within field-based literacy teaching experiences. She is also interested in critical literacy learning across the lifespan, particularly how teachers and students together design literacy practices that are transformative. She draws on qualitative methods in her work, primarily critical discourse analysis and ethnography. Wetzel teaches courses in elementary literacy methods, reading development, coaching and mentoring, literacy leadership, sociolinguistics, teacher inquiry, and critical approaches to studying classroom discourse.
Upcoming Events
Summer Mentor Institute
June 3-4 | UT Austin San Jacinto Hall
CoP
March 25 | UT Austin Sanchez Building
June 4 | UT Austin San Jacinto Hall
New Mentor Academy
July 28-29 | UT Austin Pickle Center
Research and Resources
What do early career teachers say about our mentors?
Instead of coming in and telling me what to change, she always asks me what I need. She’s really there just to see how she can help me.
Her experience as a teacher and an administrator, and the way she interaction with my kids… I really appreciate it. She’s just incredible!
I didn’t feel like I was being observed, or like I had to worry. I could ask for help, which is hard for me, and she always had like 17 different things I could try.