DVISD celebrates newest educators at annual Student Teacher Signing Day

Del Valle ISD’s newest teachers were recognized at the district’s second annual Student Teacher Signing Day. The event celebrates student teachers completing their college coursework in DVISD and accepted full-time teaching positions with the district.

Like National Signing Day for athletes, the event spotlights the team’s latest cohort. Each student teacher signs their new contract surrounded by their cooperating teacher, families, and district and campus administration. It marks a significant milestone for the soon-to-be college graduates.

“I didn't know what to expect, but this was top-tier. It was a little frightening just because there were so many eyes on you, but I really do like how it’s very welcoming,” said student teacher Edith Mithani. “But I feel prepared not only in my elementary school but as a district, being recognized and supported. I really do like this experience.”

Edith is student teaching at Newton Collins Elementary this semester and will complete her bilingual education degree at Texas State University. Although she had only been at NCES for a few weeks, she knew it was the place to launch her teaching career. 

“I definitely felt like Collins was where I wanted to be at. It reminded me a lot of my elementary school growing up,” she said. “There are so many programs and just a lot of support that I've been seeing, and that's what made me feel even more comfortable coming on. I have backup support if I need anything, directions, or training, like I know where to go.”

Her cooperating teacher, Vania Esquivel, was present at the ceremony. Vania has mentored Edith, providing instruction and guidance as she navigates her first semester in the classroom as a teacher.

“This is my second year with a student teacher, and I love being able to help. I'm glad that I am able to help someone else and share things that I've learned from my experience. I love having her and seeing how she gets along with the kids. She's very loving with them,” Vania said.

DVISD Superintendent Dr. Tielle welcomed the young teachers, congratulating them on their commitment and encouraging them to continue doing great work with students.

“We have special kids who are hard-working and perseverant. They overcome obstacles and challenges that many of us could never even imagine. But it's because of teachers like you that they feel nurtured and cared for,” Dr. Tielle said. “They know you are here because you love and care for them. That's how we feel about you. We love you, care about you, and want you to be part of our great big family now. So this is a huge occasion for us.” 

Ashley Fredo, NCES principal, emphasized how the program plays a vital role in developing successful young educators.

“I think it's great that the district has intentionally built a program to attract, support, and develop student teachers across Central Texas to stay in Del Valle. It's a very intentional program that really believes in training and, like Dr. Tielle said, brings them into the Del Valle family so that they're prepared to have a wonderful first year as a new teacher,” Ashley said. “It takes innovative programs such as this and thinking differently as Del Valle does to really ensure that there is a teacher pipeline from college or university programs all the way to districts like ours.” 

Edith is NCES' third student teacher in just two years, and Ashley said that having student teachers decide to stay after experiencing the students, teachers, and campus for a semester speaks to the welcoming nature of each campus.

“It's a testament to our staff culture that they want to stay and that their first choice is calling to them. It's a testament to their cooperating teacher, how hard they work, and how much the Collins staff feels like a family. It's reassuring and nice to know that it's a place where people want to work,” she said.