New educators commit to Del Valle ISD at Student Teacher Signing Day

Seven new teachers committed to starting their careers in the classroom in Del Valle ISD at Student Teacher Signing Day. The event celebrates student teachers who’ve been learning and growing in DVISD classrooms and are now stepping into full-time roles.

Surrounded by their principals, mentor teachers, Superintendent Dr. Matthew Gutierrez, and loved ones, the future educators —soon-to-be graduates of the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward’s University, and Texas State University—signed their contracts to enthusiastic applause.

One of the first to sign was Sarah Salinas. Having completed her student teaching at Del Valle Elementary School, she’s heading to Popham Elementary School to start her first full-time teaching job.

“I'm very excited,” Sarah said with a big smile. “I was feeling slightly anxious because I didn't know what to anticipate, but now that I have signed the contract, I am very excited and looking forward to this school year and to being part of the Popham community.”

She will graduate from UT-Austin in two weeks and will jump into her new role next month.

During her time at Del Valle ES, Sarah was mentored by veteran teacher Lindsey Deveny, who offered guidance and real-world experience. While Lindsey will miss having Sarah on her team, she knows her mentee is ready to thrive.

“It's been fun mentoring her. I mean, she came in really strong, but I've been able to develop her,” Lindsey Deveny said. “She's an even stronger teacher now, and I know she's ready to go. I'm really happy for her and the teachers and students at Popham because she's such a strong teacher and wonderful.”

This is the third year the district has hosted a signing day for new educators, and the first time the district has held the event in the fall. The event is typically held in the spring, welcoming teachers on board for the coming school year. However, with growing interest from new teachers seeking jobs in DVISD, the Human Resources Department also started hosting fall signing events.

“Our student teaching program has taken off. We’re also a growing school district, so we’re able to add positions to serve 700 more students that we have this year than last year, and it's just going to continue that growth as we become that destination district,” said HR Director Lindsey Gonzalez.

Dr. Gutierrez addressed the new educators and attendees, welcoming them to the district and informing them that they’re joining a tight-knit community that wants to see all students succeed. 

“What makes Del Valle special is the staff members who have dedicated years to serving our community because they have a passion for the population that we serve, in addition to many Del Valle graduates coming back to serve this school district in various capacities,” he said.

“We prove time and time again that we have that strong support through the investment our community makes in our facilities by passing bond after bond after bond. This is becoming a destination district, and I am proud to be part of that and I'm proud that you all are part of that,” Dr. Gutierrez told the educators.

Popham ES Principal Claudia Maluy has two new teachers coming to her school and said she’s honored that educators are choosing the school to begin their careers.

“I feel very, very honored that they are choosing Del Valle and Popham as their home campus. They are very excited, and some are crying of happiness because they know our community, they know our students, and they know their needs. They are ready to start teaching and serving our students,” Claudia said. “It's just a celebration of such an accomplishment in this stage of their lives and the beginning of a new journey.”