Get to Know Denise
UT San Antonio’s status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution caught the attention of Denise Salas, a first-generation Hispanic student. With this designation, she knew the university would provide an environment where she could pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an educator comfortably and with a sense of belonging. She graduated UT San Antonio with a bachelor’s in equity and education with a concentration in EC-6 ESL.
Becoming a Roadrunner
From playing school as a kid and always insisting on taking on the teacher role, to the many wonderful experiences she had with her teachers growing up, Denise has always had a passion for education. When it came to choosing a place where she could pursue that dream, UT San Antonio had everything she was looking for. Her move to San Antonio means she’s still near her tight-knit family, making visits simple. That and UT San Antonio’s distinction as a Hispanic-Serving Institution made it an obvious choice for her.
Gaining Experience
UT San Antonio’s comprehensive teacher preparation program gave Denise valuable classroom experience before graduation. She completed her first semester of clinical teaching in a second-grade class, then spent her second semester in kindergarten, where she observed students just beginning their educational journey. It was an experience she found both challenging and rewarding. Outside of her coursework, Denise worked at the COEHD Student Success Center, where she supported fellow students by offering guidance and answering questions about the teaching profession.
“UTSA being a Hispanic-Serving Institution is what drew me in, because I wanted to feel at home.”