UIW Teacher Education alumni are making a difference in Texas classrooms and beyond.
Graviel Aleman '17
Graviel graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in Spring 2017. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Education. He shared with us, "My experience at UIW has prepared me to lead a classroom from the start of my career and the confidence in my teaching to continuously grow as an educator." Graviel is currently in his 7th year of teaching as a High School PE and Health teacher and an Assistant Football and Baseball Coach in the San Antonio area.
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Twitter(X) - @Coachgaleman
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Catching Up with Cardinals
Graviel Aleman '17
Dreeben School of Education
Monday, February 5, 2024
Q: Can you share the moment you realized that you wanted to be a teacher?
A: Growing up in my educational career my coaches had a huge impact on my personal and academic success, I knew I wanted to have the same impact on others, the same way my coaches had on me.
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Q: How did the UIW Teacher Education program help prepare you for your role as a teacher?
A: The UIW Teacher Education Program prepared us as future educators by teaching us curriculums, teaching styles, and genuine stories and getting us into the classrooms to find out how to be a teacher. I was prepared to be a teacher before earning an opportunity to teach.
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Q: What is your favorite memory from the Teacher Education program at UIW?
A: My favorite memory from the program is my peers. Being able to spend multiple semesters with the same group of future educators allowed me to grow as an educator, but also the connections that I was able to make would last a lifetime.
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Q: How long have you been working in education?
A: I am currently in my 7th year of teaching and coaching.
Q: Tell us about your current position/job.
A: After my first 5 years of teaching elementary PE, I am in my second year of teaching High School PE and Health. I also am an assistant football and baseball coach.
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Q: What do you love the most about your current job?
A: There are two major aspects of my job that I love. First is the kids, they can be frustrating some days but on most days they aim to do their best and they always find a way to brighten my day. Second is the staff and administration I work with. Being that I spend a lot of my time at school, having a group of coaches that I enjoy being around makes this job not feel like a job at all.
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Q: What helps you avoid job burnout?
A: Always setting aside time for myself for things that I enjoy. Also, having a staff or team that you enjoy being around makes for a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
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Q: Do you have any advice for anyone considering a career in teaching?
A: Find a place where you feel at home. Talk with peers about their experience in their current situations. This job isn’t for everyone, the kids have to be the center of your ‘why’ each and every day. Surround yourself with people that share your interests and goals.
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Q: What are your career goals for the next five years?
A: Within the next 5 years I would like to be a head baseball coach, defensive coordinator, and start working towards my Masters in education to become an administrator at the campus or district levels.