UIW Teacher Education alumni are making a difference in Texas classrooms and beyond.
Kimberly Carassco-Chavez '16
Kimberly graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2016 with her Masters in Education. After working in the field of education for 6 years, she is now a children's book author and visits schools around San Antonio. Kimberly shared with us, "My experiences at UIW helped set me up for success in my professional career and instill in me a lifelong love of learning!"
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Catching Up with Cardinals
Kimberly Carassco-Chavez '16
Dreeben School of Education
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Q: Can you share the moment you realized that you wanted to be a teacher?
A: I realized I wanted to be a teacher in second grade. My teacher had me helping another student and even at a young age I knew the best way to learn was to teach.
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Q: How did the UIW Teacher Education program help prepare you for your role as a teacher?
A: The UIW professors did a fantastic job of setting me up for success in the classroom. I felt prepared to deal with students, parents, and other teachers in the real world.
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Q: What is your favorite memory from the Teacher Education program at UIW?
A: I think one of my favorite memories is Dr. Campos asking us if we did anything fun over the weekend and everyone sharing. It helped me learn how to build relationships with students.
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Q: How long have you been working in education?
A: I was a teacher for the past 6 school years.
Q: Tell us about your current position/job.
A: Currently I am a children's book author, and I do school visits around San Antonio sharing my books!
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Q: What do you love the most about your current job?
A: I love connecting with young people and knowing I am making a difference. I am available to help with credits, course planning and making sure they graduate but also provide emotional support in their time of need.
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Q: Do you have any advice for anyone considering a career in teaching?
A: I would tell them to just worry about being ready for the next day, don't stay at work super late, there will always be more work to do, go home and enjoy your family!
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Q: What are your career goals for the next five years?
A: My career goals for the next five years are to continue to publish children's books and share them around San Antonio! I would love for my book characters to be household names like Pete the Cat or Clifford the Big Red Dog!