Cooperating Teachers

Spring 2024 Cooperating Teacher Spotlight

Pictured above: David Robenhorst, Highland Park Elementary/AISD, Shannon Jones, Kealing Middle School/AISD, Alexandra Casper, Austin High School/AISD

(Not Pictured): Erin Balfour, McNeil High School/RRISD, Andrew Ellis, Anderson High School/AISD 

UTL 101 - David Robenhorst

David Robenhorst, an elementary school teacher, embodies the essence of mentorship and excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those he mentors. Each semester, fortunate mentees feel as though they've hit the jackpot by being placed under his wing. His classroom isn't just a space for instruction; it's a sanctuary of patience, guidance, and genuine presence—a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing his own students and the UTeach-Liberal Arts aspiring teachers –each representing the future of our society. In a landscape where male educators are few and far between, David's presence is not just noteworthy but transformative. He offers a blueprint for his mentees, demonstrating that effective teaching encompasses a delicate balance of firmness and empathy, strength and understanding. His role modeling instills in his mentees the essence of compassionate guidance. David's teaching philosophy is a symphony of passion and innovation. He infuses humor and interactive elements into his lessons, recognizing that engagement is the cornerstone of effective learning. His mantra—that investing in students yields reciprocal investment—is a guiding principle that permeates his mentorship. Today, we celebrate David Robenhorst—a luminary in education, whose mentorship shapes the future of the teaching profession through his impactful teaching practice.

UTL 202 - Shannon Jones

Ms. Shannon Jones is an 8th grade U.S. History teacher at Kealing Middle School where she has taught for 22 years! She has continuously demonstrated her dedication to education by supporting multiple UTeach student interns each year. She has continuously gone above and beyond in her willingness to open her classroom and, most importantly, she shows trust in our students and allows them to flex their creative muscles as they begin to hone their craft.  Shannon’s focus on continuing to learn herself is just one quality that makes her an outstanding cooperating teacher. She says that one of her favorite things about teaching middle school is that they keep her on her toes, pushing her to learn more and be a better human. She does the same thing for the 202 students she welcomes into her classroom - pushing them to learn and grow and offering them important guidance. A former 202 intern says of Ms. Jones, “she  taught me so much when she opened her classroom to me! I learned what it was like to think on my feet when unexpected situations arose, how to go with the flow when things didn’t go as planned, and how to think positively and encourage students to be their best selves.” Another intern noted how Ms. Jones was able to be both very welcoming and offer honest feedback that helped them grow and learn. 

Ms. Jones says she loves hosting 202 interns for their “fresh ideas, excitement and the different perspectives they bring to the classroom.” She has been a CT for UTeach - Liberal Arts for 20 semesters. The UTL 202 students are extremely lucky to have a mentor like Ms. Jones, with her experience, openness, and passion for continued learning. 

UTL 360 Social Studies - Alexandra Caspers

Alexandra Caspers is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, earning her Master's in Education. She has come full circle to mentor young Longhorns as they embark on their careers as educators. She has taught at Stephen F. Austin High School since 2016, teaching such diverse subjects as World Geography, Grade-Level and AP World History, Asian Studies, and Street Law. When choosing the Social Studies CT of the Year though, the most important criteria is the impact the CT makes on their mentee. In the words of her student teacher, Melissa Chicas,

"From the first month of being in her classroom last year, I thought to myself, "I wish there was an award for how amazing of a CT and teacher she is." I sometimes come to my placement tired and nervous, but her energy gave me enthusiasm before my lessons and for the day. Ms. Caspers has more energy than the high schoolers themselves. Along with that, I never once have felt out of place in her classroom; she always accommodates if I need help, she answers my questions with compassion and understanding, and she is there for me even as a friend. I could go on about how amazing she has been to me, and I do believe that I got lucky with her! My students even told me I got lucky with her too!" 

UTL 640 LOTE - Andrew Ellis

In the education profession, there are individuals who stand out as pillars of excellence, guiding the next generation of teachers with passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment. This captures the teaching practice of Andrew (Andy) Ellis. For as long as I can remember, Andy has graciously opened his classroom to mentor LOTE educators throughout the Austin Independent School District and that includes the UTeach-Liberal Arts program’s prospective educators. Teachers who have the benefit of learning from him go on to flourish in their own respective teaching practices. He develops leaders by building confidence, and inspires future generations of educators through his own display of passion. Andy's commitment to excellence extends well beyond his own classroom. One of Andy's immeasurable contributions lies in his pioneering role in building the foundation for the Anderson High School One World feeder system. By piloting online Latin instruction in elementary classrooms over a decade before the COVID era, Andy demonstrated foresight and innovation, creating a path for students to access early age language education. This year, Andy undertook the monumental task of hosting the state Latin convention at his school—a testament to his leadership and commitment to cultivating a passion for LOTE way beyond his own four walls. Andy's teaching practice reflects a deep understanding of pedagogy, a passion for language appreciation, and an unwavering dedication to his students' success. His mentorship has shaped the lives of countless aspiring Latin teachers.

UTL 360 English - Erin Balfour

“Erin Balfour is the epitome of a leader. She’s full of spirit, pride for her school, and [genuine concern] for those she works with.”  ~Karina Contreras, MHS English Teacher and 2023 UTLA Graduate

“At the beginning of [student teaching], I felt a lot of uncertainty..., but the time I’ve spent in Erin’s classroom has reinvigorated my dedication [to teaching] beyond words. [After] 20 years of service, Erin [still] comes to school every day with a contagious optimism and warmth. [From] day one, I could feel the respect and care that both her students and colleagues have for her. So many people depend on Erin, and she handles every challenge with impressive empathy and wisdom. I dream that I will embody that same service mindset and care for what I do 20 years from now. I feel overjoyed to start teaching next semester, and I have so much of that confidence to thank her for.” ~Kylie Pickett, Spring 2024 UTLA Graduate

Erin Balfour currently teaches AP Language & Composition, AP Seminar and serves as both Department Chair and sponsor of UIL Literary Criticism and the UNICEF, Chess, and Warmhammer Clubs at McNeil High School in RRISD. Erin has 20 years’ experience as a secondary English educator, almost all of which have been spent at MHS. As a member of McNeil’s leadership team for over a decade, she’s widely regarded as a pillar of the campuscommunity. Over the last 15 years, she has mentored 10 UTLA students, supporting them as theytested and refined their teacher personas, learned how to convey respect and empathy for and establish connections with students, and developed their inquiry-based instructional design skills.To be sure, we would have happily sent more students Erin’s way, but she has respectfully declined our requests some semesters in order to prioritize mentoring new hires in her department. She’s truly a hand-on leader. Erin’s preservice teacher mentees consistently express their awe for her unwavering energy and enthusiasm in the classroom, gratitude for her constructive and supportive feedback, and respect for her exceptional professionalism. We are excited to shine a light on Erin Balfour for her valuable contributions to the UTLA program thus far, and we hope to continue sending students her way for many years to come!

Previous Cooperating Teacher Spotlights

Spring 2023 

Liz Singhurst – Baranoff Elementary/Austin ISD
Julia Gritte - LASA/AISD 
Jessica Weisinger - Hill Country Middle School/Eanes ISD
MilyBett Llanos-Gremillion – Westwood High School/Round Rock ISD
Amy Jaggers – Anderson High School/Austin ISD

Spring 2022 

Ilene Pappert – Highland Park Elementary/Austin ISD
Renee Oricchio – Kelly Lane Middle School/Pflugerville ISD
Nikki Northcutt – McCallum High School/Austin ISD
Brittany Bussell – McNeil High School/Round Rock ISD
Mirtha Tabasco – Navarro Early College High School/Austin ISD

Spring 2021 

Melanie Drews – Gattis Elementary/Round Rock ISD
Brenda Mosher – Hill Country Middle School/Eanes ISD
Monica Watson – Anderson High School/Austin ISD
Anne Macharia – Westwood High School/Round Rock ISD
Karen Guerrero – Crockett High School/Austin ISD 

Spring 2020 

Stacey Shapiro – Zilker Elementary/Austin ISD
Christianne Cecil – Dailey Middle School/Del Valle ISD
Diana Adamson – McCallum High School/Austin ISD
Courtney Diranieh/Austin High School/Austin ISD
Melissa Prepster – Gorzycki Middle School/Austin ISD 

Spring 2019 

Sylvia Burcham – Brentwood Christian School/Private
Liesl Patteson – Vandegrift High School/Leander ISD
William Shoaf – Kealing Middle School/Austin ISD
Hiroko Fukuhara-Karch – Liberal Arts and Science Academy/Austin ISD
Kat Kelley – Austin High School/Austin ISD. 

Spring 2018 

Peggy Zahm – Gattis Elementary/Round Rock ISD
Richard Horn – Connally High School/Pflugerville ISD
Kris Campos – Cedar Park High School/Leander ISD
Jaclyn Fallin – Crockett High School/Austin ISD
James Wyatt – Murchison Middle School/Austin ISD 

Spring 2017    

Will Barrera – Allison Elementary/Austin ISD
Terry Williams – Lamar Middle School/Austin ISD
Kim Denning-Knapp – McNeil High School/Round Rock ISD
MilyBett Llanos-Gremillion – Westwood High School/Round Rock ISD
Josephine Skaer – LASA/Austin ISD

Spring 2016 

Isabel Ahearn – Ortega Elementary
Yolanda Melendez – Fulmore Middle School
Becky Stewart – Brentwood Christian Academy
Stacy Webster – Academy for Global Studies
Jennifer (JJ) Melgar – Westwood High School/Round Rock ISD
Hellen Barczi – Hendrickson High School/Pflugerville ISD