Posted on March 19, 2025 by Katelyn Juarez
Preparing the next generation of educators at CAST Teach with UTSA’s guidance.
A CAST Teach student reads a book to a child.
From practicing mini-lessons in elementary schools as freshmen to completing internships with mentor teachers as junior and seniors, CAST Teach students get an up-close look at the realities of the teaching profession. “Our kids are learning to be great speakers, advocates, and all the skills that teachers need, which can be used in a variety of professions,” says Ericka Olivarez, CAST Teach Principal.
In a move to cultivate future educators, Northside Independent School District (NISD) partnered with the Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST Schools) and UTSA to launch CAST Teach, a unique high school program dedicated to training the next generation of educators.
At the helm of this innovative endeavor is Principal Olivarez, who has been guiding the school since before its doors opened in 2022. “It’s an honor to be chosen to lead a school like this,” Olivarez says. “Our students and staff are just top-notch, and it’s a privilege to be part of this journey – especially with the guidance and expertise of our partners at UTSA.”
CAST Teach is no ordinary high school. Rather than a traditional curriculum, students engage in a hands-on, immersive experience that prepares them for careers in education. All students from Bexar County are welcome to attend CAST Teach, there are no specific requirements beyond good grades, attendance, and behavior because everyone deserves a chance to explore their passion for teaching.
The CAST Network is comprised of five tuition-free, industry-led, career-themed high schools, one middle school, and one pre-k through 12th Academy. This progressive school model provides students with the opportunity to learn by doing and gain real world experience.
UTSA’s College of Education and Human Development has been a crucial collaborator in the development of CAST Teach, providing industry expertise and support every step of the way. “They [UTSA] help with curriculum alignment, offer dual enrollment courses for our students, and even assist us in hiring the best teaching staff,” says Olivarez.
The dual credit opportunity allows CAST Teach students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their higher education journey. “The goal is not to take as many hours as possible,” Olivarez explains. “It’s about the experience, getting comfortable with college-level coursework and developing the skills to advocate for themselves – and UTSA has been instrumental in making that happen.”
From the school’s inception, UTSA COEHD has been deeply involved, including being co-designers of the school with leaders from Northside ISD and the CAST Network. Key figures including Dean Mario Torres, Dr. Belinda Bustos Flores, Dr. Youmna Dbouk, Dr. Tiffany Farias-Sokoloski, and Dr. Kristen Lindahl continue to provide invaluable guidance and support. “They’ve helped us every step of the way, from designing the school’s mission to advising us on curriculum and hiring,” Olivarez says.
The partnership between UTSA COEHD and CAST Teach is unique in that it prepares future educators but also transforms communities. “On the COEHD side, we are able to engage the future teachers of tomorrow from a very early age, to be reminded of the lived realities of students and teachers, and to collaboratively innovate education systems,” says Lindahl, Associate Dean for Strategic Partnership, Preparation and Growth and professor in the UTSA Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies.
“In my own interactions with CAST Teach students, teachers and administrators, I am consistently so impressed,” says Lindahl. “I was a judge for their Project Based Learning showcase last spring, and they were amazing. The way that students collaborated to solve real problems of practice in education – such as providing materials and resources for students in need or the impact of screen time on early childhood and elementary school students – showed maturity, understanding and a critical perspective beyond their years.”
As CAST Teach prepares to graduate its first cohort of students in 2026, Olivarez is filled with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. “This first group has been invaluable in providing feedback and helping us refine the program,” she says. “They’ve shown us what works and what needs to be tweaked, and we’re so grateful for their input.”
With its innovative approach, strong community partnerships, and UTSA’s guidance, CAST Teach is poised to become a model for schools across the state and beyond. “We’re leading the way, and it can be stressful at times,” Olivarez acknowledges. “But in the end, I feel so blessed to be part of this endeavor. These students and this staff are truly exceptional, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds – with UTSA by our side.”
— Katelyn Juarez
