Momentum in Motion: UT San Antonio’s University–School Partnership Reaches New Heights
A Year of Growth, Recognition, Research, and Renewed Commitment to San Antonio’s Schools
Exciting changes are underway at UT San Antonio, and our community has much to celebrate! From the College of Education’s move downtown to a renewed four-year commitment from SAISD, national research recognition, growing enrollment, and statewide attention for our Lab Schools, the UT San Antonio–SAISD Partnership continues to demonstrate what is possible when a university, school district, educators, researchers, families, and community work together with a shared vision for student success.
The College of Education and Human Development Comes Downtown
In a significant step toward strengthening UT San Antonio’s connection to the heart of the city, the entire College of Education is now located in the Durango Building at the Downtown Campus. This move creates even greater opportunities to connect university faculty, future educators, research, and community resources with surrounding schools and families.
SAISD Renews the Partnership for Four More Years
The San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees has voted to renew the Partnership for the next four years, affirming a continued commitment to the innovative work underway at UT San Antonio’s Lab Schools. This renewal provides an exciting foundation for the Partnership’s next chapter of growth and impact. Thank you to our five governing board members: Gladys Hernandez, Erica Lira, Richard Carranza, Dr. Yvonne Katz, and Dr. Richard Middleton
Twain and Irving Earn Prestigious Statewide Recognition
The Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) has selected Twain Dual Language Academy and Irving Dual Language Academy as prestigious school-visit sites for its annual state conference in San Antonio. Educators and leaders from across Texas will have the opportunity to see firsthand the innovative dual-language practices happening in our Partnership schools.
The UT San Antonio Partnership Model Is Inspiring Broader Collaboration
Dr. Johnnie Santos, Executive Director, and Dr. Kristen Lindahl, Associate Dean of the College of Education, are partnering with colleagues at fellow universities to explore opportunities to replicate the UT San Antonio 1882 Dual Language Community Lab Schools Partnership model. What began as a local commitment to transform educational opportunities is increasingly becoming a model with potential far beyond San Antonio.
The Bilingual Advantage
The partnership between UTSA and SAISD advances dual language education in San Antonio and beyond.
UTSA partners with SAISD to establish Dual Language Community Lab Schools
The UTSA College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) and San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) are partnering to lead three Dual Language Community Lab Schools.
As part of Senate Bill 1882, signed into law during the 2017 Texas legislative session, the partnership aims to create a dual-language model lab school network that will advance the preparation of teachers, principals, counselors, school psychologists, and others dedicated to educating bilingual students in San Antonio.
UTSA Dual Language Community Lab Schools Leadership
Dean, College of Education and Human Development President's Distinguished Professorship
Associate Dean for Strategic Partnership, Preparation and Growth
Professor
Principal Investigator for Project SELFIES
UTSA Dual Language Community Lab Schools Leadership: Principals
Mark Twain Dual Language Academy Principal
Washington Irving Dual Language Academy Principal
Bonham Elementary Principal
Board of Trustees
Dates of 1882 Community Meetings:
- Irving DL Academy: September, 18, 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Twain DL Academy: January 15, 2026, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Bonham Primary: May 21, 2026, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dates of 1882 Partnership Board Meetings:
- Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
UT San Antonio 1882 Dual Language Partnership Survey Results:
Current Research at Bonham and Other Community Lab Schools:
No current research taking place at Bonham and Irving. Research at Twain; Dr. Katy Henderson and Dr. Claudia Cabrera on Dual Language Research at Graebner and Twain; Dr. Araceli Ortiz on Biomedical Engineering Superheroes Counseling Graduate Student program at Irving. Travis Early College High School's Travis Future Educators program site is Bonham Academy, Graebner and Twain.
Coaching and Mentorship for 1882 Teachers:
Administrators and Instructional Coaches provide regular feedback sessions for teachers, where instructional walkthroughs, resources, and professional development plans are reviewed, ensuring continuous growth and alignment with instructional goals.
Mrs. Erica Lira Castro | Chairperson of the Board
Mrs. Lira-Castro is a first-generation college student, she earned a bachelor's degree in English, and then went on to receive a master's degree in educational leadership. Erica worked as an elementary school math teacher for over a decade and now serves as an education consultant. She previously worked with Dr. Jill Biden to encourage more Latinos to consider entering the field of teaching. Erica currently works in Harlandale Independent School District in San Antonio. She previously served as the Lead Instructional Coach and is now the Human Resources Coordinator of Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), T-TESS, & 504s.
Dr. Yvonne Katz | Vice Chairperson of the Board
Dr. Yvonne Katz spent 39 years in public education as a classroom teacher in regular/special education; middle school principal; Director of Accreditation and Associate Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency; superintendent for almost 20 years in the Harlandale ISD, Beaverton School District (Oregon), and Spring Branch ISD (Houston). Understanding the need to continue to support education, she was the organizer and first president of the UTSA Alumni Association and was the first inductee as the Distinguished Alumna. She began the scholarship program for the Alumni Association and challenged all alums to contribute as they have for over 30 years.
Dr. Richard Middleton | Board Member
Dr. Middleton is a former North East ISD Superintendent. He graduated from NEISD's Lee High School before getting a bachelor's in history and government from Trinity University and beginning his education career at San Antonio Independent School District's Whittier Middle School in 1972. Soon after, he began teaching history and government at NEISD's Roosevelt High. By 1974, Middleton had earned his master’s in curriculum and instruction at the University of Texas at San Antonio and had become an administrative assistant to NEISD's superintendent. Middleton earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986 and became deputy superintendent for instruction at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Rosenberg the same year. Middleton returned to NEISD in 1987 as associate superintendent of administrative services and, later, superintendent. For the past three years, North East ISD has been a recognized district under the state's accountability ratings.
Gladys Karén Hernández | Board Member
Gladys Karén Hernández serves as the Director of Talent at City Education Partners. As a first-generation college graduate and trilingual Latina born in Austin, Tejas to immigrant parents from the state of México, Gladys believes that all students deserve accessible and high-quality experiential pathways to learn, thrive, and grow. Gladys has more than 10 years experience in the education sector with expertise in working with a diverse network of multi-sector partners identifying opportunities within and across education systems. Gladys has served as an educator in the classroom, learning experience designer, facilitator, and coach to serving in various executive roles of educational leadership inspiring civically minded individuals to become advocates and leaders in the San Antonio education community and beyond. By building collective impact and critical consciousness, she is committed to working alongside education stakeholders to elevate and strengthen our city’s educator talent pipeline and network of informed and engaged community members through exceptional culturally responsive learning resources, destinations, and programs. Gladys is constantly energized by the momentous possibilities that spur when a collective of folks align towards shared goals advancing educational outcomes while also removing barriers for students, educators, and local school communities advancing equity. Gladys holds a Bachelors of Science from St. Edward’s University, a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Masters in Business Administration from St. Mary's University. She enjoys exercising, traveling, singing, dancing, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Richard Carranza | Board Member
Richard A. Carranza is the Chief of Strategy and Global Development for IXL Learning and the founder and CEO of Carranza Educational Consulting, LLC. Having most recently served as the Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation, where he was responsible for educating 1.1 million students in over 1,800 schools. During Carranza’s more than three decades in education, he has served in virtually every role. Prior to New York City, he was the superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Texas, and the seventh largest in the United States. Before that, he served the San Francisco Unified School District, first as deputy superintendent and then as superintendent. Before moving to San Francisco, Carranza was the Northwest Region Superintendent for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas. He began his career as a high school, bilingual social studies and music teacher, and then as a principal, both in Tucson, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. The son of a sheet metal worker and a hairdresser, Carranza credits his public school education for putting him on a path to college and a successful career. He believes that a great education not only changes lives, but also saves lives. Carranza is the past chairman of the Board of Directors for the Council of the Great City Schools, where he served as a national spokesperson on significant issues facing urban school districts. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, the American Association of School Administrators Executive Committee, and the K to College Advisory Board. Education Week profiled Carranza as a national “2015 Leader to Learn From.” He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education from the University of Arizona and a Master of Education with distinction in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He completed his doctoral coursework in educational leadership through Northern Arizona University and Nova Southeastern University. Carranza is a fluent Spanish-speaker and an accomplished mariachi musician.
More Information
Puntos De Conversación/Talking Points
Modelo Innovador de Doble Idioma
La asociación establece una red de escuelas con un modelo de doble idioma destinada a mejorar la educación de los estudiantes bilingües en San Antonio. Las escuelas actúan como líderes en la implementación de prácticas efectivas de doble idioma que preparan a los educadores para servir mejor a sus estudiantes
Enfoque de Inmersión 80/20
Las escuelas participantes siguen un modelo de inmersión en doble idioma 80/20, donde los estudiantes de pre-kinder aprenden principalmente en español (80%) con una incorporación gradual del inglés. A partir del cuarto grado, el modelo cambia a un equilibrio 50/50. Este enfoque ayuda a los estudiantes hispanohablantes a mantener su base lingüística mientras aprenden inglés con éxito, asegurando que no se queden atrás académicamente.
Conectando Teoría y Práctica
La asociación UTSA/SAISD se centra en cerrar la brecha entre la teoría educativa y la práctica en el aula. A través de la colaboración, la investigación y la participación comunitaria, la asociación promueve el avance de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje, beneficiando en última instancia tanto a los educadores como a los estudiantes.
Opciones de Aprendizaje Diversas
La asociación de doble idioma no significa que todas las aulas enseñarán exclusivamente en español. Las escuelas tienen la flexibilidad de elegir un modelo de doble idioma, ofreciendo tanto clases monolingües como de doble idioma en cada nivel de grado.
Dual Language Model
The partnership establishes a dual language model school network aimed at enhancing the education of bilingual students in San Antonio. Schools serve as leaders in implementing effective dual language practices that prepare educators to better serve their students.
80/20 Immersion Approach
The participating schools follow an 80/20 dual language immersion model, where pre-K students learn primarily in Spanish (80% with gradual incorporation of English. By fourth grade, the model shifts to a 50/50 balance. This approach helps Spanish-speaking students maintain their language foundation while successfully learning English, ensuring they do not fall behind academically.
Bridging Theory and Practice
The UTSA/SAISD partnership focuses on closing the gap between educational theory and classroom practice. Through collaboration, research, and community engagement, the partnership promotes the advancement of teaching and learning, ultimately benefiting both educators and students.
Diverse Learning Options
The dual language partnership does not mean all classrooms will exclusively teach in Spanish. Schools have the flexibility to choose a dual language strand, offering both monolingual and dual language classes at each grade level.
Celebrations and Recognitions
UT San Antonio School Psychology faculty and Doctoral students attended the annual convening of the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychologists in the United States. UT San Antonio school psychology doctoral students presented on their social skills group work and outcomes. They presented preliminary results showcasing an immediate positive impact on student outcomes! The Social Skills group work was so well received that it earned the “Top Poster Presentation” award in the Division 16 School Psychology category.
