Posted on May 6, 2026 by Katelyn Juarez
Inspiring Futures: How One Teacher Leads by Example
Saul Cepeda holding the award for Northside ISD Middle School Educator of the Year
Saul Cepeda BA ‘12, PhD ’26 is a first-generation college graduate and lifelong San Antonio educator whose dedication to students and teaching has shaped his 14-year career. He currently serves as a seventh-grade science teacher at Hobby Health Science Magnet Middle School. While completing his PhD in Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching, he has also received extraordinary recognition this year, including Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) Texas Secondary Science Teacher of the Year, Hobby Magnet Teacher of the Year, and was named Northside Independent School District (NISD) Middle School Educator of the Year.
Why did you choose The University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue your education?
The University of Texas at San Antonio felt like coming home. My undergraduate experience here was formative and supportive, and choosing the university allowed me to return to an institution I trust and that represents San Antonio pride. That familiarity, combined with the community connections and faculty mentorship available, made UT San Antonio the right fit for my doctoral work.
Why did you decide to pursue a PhD? 
I pursued a PhD to challenge myself academically and to model lifelong learning for my students. The decision came during the COVID-19 pandemic and was driven by a desire to help inspire students to aim beyond a bachelor’s degree, to show them that advanced scholarship is within reach, and to make my family proud. The PhD also gave me tools to contribute deeper to education through research, teacher preparation, and leadership.
You have earned your PhD and recently received several teaching awards at both the school and district level. Which of these recognitions has meant the most you, and why?
Earning my PhD and hearing students call me “Dr. Cepeda” stands out as profoundly meaningful. It is a validation of years of work that resonated with my students and family. At the same time, being named Teacher of the Year at my campus and Middle School Teacher of the Year for NISD felt deeply personal because they reflect the appreciation of colleagues, administrators, and most importantly, the students I teach day to day. State-level recognition from the Science Teachers Association of Texas was surreal. Competing with outstanding middle and high school teachers across Texas and being selected was an honor that highlighted the broader impact of my classroom practice.
How have your students reacted to your achievements?
My students’ reactions were heartfelt and immediate, with congratulations, handshakes and surprise the next day at school. Those moments, seeing their pride and hearing them switch from “Mr. Cepeda” to “Dr. Cepeda”, were emotional and grounding. Their responses affirmed that the effort and sacrifice invested in my education mattered not just to me, but as inspiration and proof of possibility for them.
What do you find most fulfilling about teaching?
The relationships. Watching students grow, reconnecting with former students at milestones like summa cum lade celebrations, and knowing that the mentorship and care I provide can change trajectories. Teaching isn’t confined to a school year; meaningful impact endures. Those long-term connections and the moments when students recognize the influence you’ve had are the most rewarding parts of my work.
What are your plans following graduation?
I will continue teaching at Hobby Health Science Magnet Middle School while taking an adjunct position at UT San Antonio to teach a sophomore-level course in the teacher preparation program, this upcoming fall semester. I aim to balance classroom instruction with university level-teaching so I can directly influence future educators, share practical K-12 experience with college students, and continue inspiring others to pursue careers in education.
— Katelyn Juarez
