Fellow Profiles & Stats

Veronica Brinson

Hart Elementary School
Austin Independent School District
3rd Grade Bilingual (Spanish) Education
Universidad del Pacifico in Lima, Peru: BA in Economics, 3.5 GPA
University of Texas: MA and PhD in Economics, 3.4 and 3.5 GPAs, respectively.

Before joining TTF, Veronica taught in a variety of environments, including a Peru high school, Southwest Texas University, and two years of religious education at St. William Catholic Church.

Why choose TTF?

After working in research in education for three years, I realized that I could help eliminatethe achievement gap by becoming an awesome teacher for disadvantaged students.

I was looking for a quality teacher preparation program that valued my prior education and experience. I also wanted the program to value the contribution of professionals from other professions to the field of education. I researched a few other programs, but I liked that TTF highlighted the selectiveness of the program, the intensity of the requirements (full-time commitment), and the big challenge in front of those who made it past the summer. Other programs stressed their flexibility or friendliness to people in full-time jobs. But I am convinced that the intensity and rigorousness of the TTF program prepared me, and is still preparing me, for the huge challenge and responsibility that being a teacher represents.

Pike “Taylor” Nichols

Before joining TTF, Taylor was involved with TEACH, working with prisoners in Trenton, New Jersey working to get their GEDs, and Streetlaw, teaching Austin area students about legal issues.

Why choose TTF? I wanted to teach students in the Austin area and I was impressed by the rigor of the TTF program. The program seemed to target students who really desired quality teaching. I would not have chosen just any alternative certification. The selective nature and the placement procedures of TTF were the most appealing of any programs that I researched.

Michael Mihavics

Berkner High School
Richardson Independent School District
High School Math
University of Illinois: BS in Engineering, 3.3 GPA; MS in Engineering, 3.4 GPA.
In over twenty years as a software developer and project manager, Michael built a reputation for going above and beyond to achieve results, and for leading his team effectively.

Why choose TTF? When I decided to make a career change from high tech management to secondary education for mathematics, I chose to enroll in the Texas Teaching Fellows alternative teaching certification program. What impressed me most about TTF was the relationship with local Blue Ribbon school districts to facilitate the hiring process to help us secure a quality teaching position and the 6-week intensive summer program. TTF’s Institute provided a fast track into a full-time teaching position with full benefits. I enjoyed the smaller class size, which allowed the Fellows to really get to know one another. The relationship that I have with my peers has been most rewarding, and we studied together outside of the classroom to pass the TExES content exams.

The professional development training that I am receiving during my first year of teaching provides on-going instruction and support. I look forward to meeting twice a month with my fellow classmates from the summer session. In addition to our instruction, we enjoy comparing notes on our early teaching experiences and sharing stories of our “highs & lows” from the last two weeks.

I highly recommend the Texas Teaching Fellows programs to other professionals who desire to pursue a career in secondary education and the rewards of impacting the lives of young people.

Sarah Krebs

Crestview Elementary School
Judson Independent School District
Special Education Resource Classroom
James Madison University: BA in Media Arts and Design, 3.1 GPA

Prior to teaching, Sarah served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT and was honored as Big Sister of the Year in 2005. She continues to run a graphic/web design/video production company on the side.

Why choose TTF?

I chose Texas Teaching Fellows as my pathway to certification because I was interested in working with kids right away. Texas Teaching Fellows is a quick and effective way for anyone to become a teacher. I also knew that if I was given the opportunity to participate in the program, I would have all kinds of support during my first year of teaching.

The six week summer Institute includes some of the most important things you need to know as a teacher. As challenging as it is, it is worth every second. I now have a position as a teacher in a special education classroom in San Antonio and love it. It is everything that I hoped it would be, and I look forward to continuing my lifelong journey of learning.

Paula Rilling

Berkner High School
Richardson Independent School District
High School Chemistry
University of Montana: BS in Psychology, 3.7 GPA.

Paula worked as a business manager and a legal intern for the Navy before returning to school to study Chemistry. As a volunteer, she tutored a range of children in a foster care program.

Why choose TTF?

I chose TTF because it seemed like a program that would be a good fit for me...as I could tell that this was a program that was concerned with making sure that I would have the skills and support that would allow me to feel successful from the first day that I entered the classroom.

Nothing about TTF is done halfway. Those who run the program are responsive to the
needs of those in the program, and it has always been clear that the goal of student achievement drives this entire program. I appreciate that a TTF class runs for an entire year, and it has really helped to know that there are people who started this adventure last June who will finish with me in May and that together, we’re in it for the long haul.

Diana Ordaz

Central Elementary School
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
Kindergarten Bilingual

Graduating from the Universidad Autonoma de la Laguna in Mexico with a degree in Computer Science, Diana orginally worked in accounting before moving the the United States and working for five years as a teacher's assistant before transitioning into teaching itself.

Why choose TTF?

After a few days I was informed, and interviewed, and several weeks later I was part of TTF and on my way to teaching. After a couple of months of hard work with TTF during the summer, I was able to start teaching for CFBISD where I currently have my own Kindergarten class that I love very much. TTF is the real thing, everything is truly as you hear it, and TTF is something very serious! At TTF, everyone involved is really committed to you and does wonders to help you succeed. Most importantly they really care about the future of our children and being a mom myself I could not ask for anything better.

Orlando Green

Lyles Middle School
Garland ISD
7th and 8th grade Science

Why Choose TTF

:I would first off say “Thanks!” to Texas Teaching Fellows for giving me a chance to fulfill a dream of mine. Since I was young, I grew up watching my mom as a teacher and always wondered what it would be like to be in front of the class. Even throughout college I took opportunities to take on mentoring and teaching roles just to get a taste of what it was like, but it seemed like the more I nudged towards the profession, my mother would push me towards something else. I guess it was like a test. When I finally got the chance to get into a program that allowed me to be a teacher I jumped on it and my mother was one of my biggest supporters along with my father and my sister.I chose TTF because it not only gave me a chance to get certified, but right away they allowed for me to be in a classroom with a mentor teacher learning the ropes. Along with the summer school teaching, they offered me a wealth of knowledge while in the summer institute and now that the school year has started they continue to support me with the content seminars. TTF is a wonderful program for anyone who aspires to go into teaching. They provide a newcomer to the profession, like myself, with an abundance of experience, knowledge, and support well before you step foot into the classroom and that is an invaluable set of tools to have in your bag as a first year teacher. I would once again like to thank TTF for their guidance, professionalism and support.