SUPCE - September 27, 2025

Transforming Together: Empowering Community-Family Ties and Teachers with Mathematics through Children's Literature

Learn ready-to-use, hands-on, literature-connected  mathematics activities from our graduate students. Lesson plans and the web site stemlit.tamucc.edu will be shared. Learn to address and responding to students needs through multiple lenses to help elevate student success.

Dr. Faye Bruun, Ms. Melena Adams, Ms. Rosita Brosig, Ms. Jasmine Espinoza, Ms. Lizzie Johnson, Ms. Marisa Vega, & Ms. Jie Yu, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Lonestar Ballroom 142C

Using AI as Tools for Learning in Higher Education and Teaching in the Classroom

In this interactive session, learn more about AI, its pros and cons, and how to use it in an ethical manner to improve your own learning and/or your students' learning.

Dr. Cynthia Martinez-Garcia, Sam Houston State University

University Center Lonestar Ballroom 142B

Reimagining What's Possible: The AVID Effect on Students, Teachers, and School Culture

Discover how AVID transforms more than just classrooms - it reimagines entire school communities. This session explores how AVID strategies ignite student achievement, empower educators, and build a culture of college and career readiness. Learn how AVID fosters fairness, strengthens relationships, and creates a shared vision that unites staff and students in purpose, perseverance, and pride.

Dr. Cynthia Hopkins @4CindyHopkins & Ms. Stevie Swanson, Corpus Christi ISD

University Center Oso 221

Integrating Financial Literacy into Higher Education: Preparing Future Teachers to Empower K-12 Students

This session presents an innovative higher-education initiative that equips teacher candidates with essential financial literacy skills to carry into K-12 classrooms. By preparing future educators to teach money management, the program addresses student persistence, reduces financial stress, and creates a multiplier effect that advances educational equity and economic well-being across communities nationwide.

Mr. Ali Ibrahimov, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Bayview 320

Implicit and Explicit Vocabulary in the Secondary Content Area Classroom

Pre-service and in-service teachers: Get tips on effective strategies for supporting vocabulary in the content area classroom for all students, every day.

Dr. Kelli Bippert, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Cayo 210

Fueling Student Voices and Movement: A Lead4ward Strategy Workshop

Unlock the power of active learning in your classroom! This hands-on workshop dives into Lead4ward's instructional strategies playlist designed to ignite student discourse, movement, and engagement. Discover practical techniques that encourage every student to participate, think critically, and collaborate through dynamic discussions and purposeful movement. Whether you're aiming to boost student voice, energize lessons, or create a more interactive learning environment, this session will equip you with actionable tools to transform your teaching and elevate student success.

Mrs. Ashley Martinez @MrsAsh_Martinez & Miss Lillie Weyel, Flour Bluff ISD

University Center Copano 216

StopHackGo: Empowering Students to Solve Real-World Problems with Emerging Technologies

StopHackGo is a hands-on learning model designed to engage students from middle school to university in real-world applications of Internet-of-Things devices, programming, AI, and cybersecurity. Through project-based learning and ethical AI support, it bridges theory and practice. Educators can use StopHackGo to create immersive workshops that promote technical skills, critical thinking, and cybersecurity awareness in STEM education.

Mr. Jacob Hopkins, Mr. Lewis Heuermann, Dr. Cynthia Hopkins, & Dr. Carlos Rubio Medrano, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Dolphin 306

Summer Research and Professional Development Activities for Teachers

K-12 STEM teachers participated in National Science Foundation-funded summer program at TAMU-Kingsville. The teachers participated in summer research and professional development activities, and developed learning modules based on summer research to be implemented in their classrooms. They will share their summer research experiences and learning modules.

Dr. Mohammad Motaher Hossain & K-12 STEM Teachers, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

University Center Island 316

Transformative Change Requires Transformative Practices: Using Best Practices to Support Academic and Linguistic Success for All Students

Learn how five foundational instructional best practices—learner-centered instruction, collaborative grouping, academic rigor, writing across the curriculum, and robust vocabulary development—serve as transformative levers that support both academic and linguistic success for all students. With research evidence underpinning each practice, participants will explore implementation strategies they can adapt immediately in their classrooms to transform education.

Ms. Kayla Lopez, School of Science and Technology

University Center Marlin 317

Proactive Lecture Recording: Enhancing Student Engagement and In-Class Time

Explore how pre-recorded lessons can support student review, assist absent learners, and empower parents to help at home. Learn how to structure and upload lessons to your LMS, freeing up in-class time for small group instruction and personalized learning. Walk away with practical tools to boost engagement, ensure instructional consistency, and create a classroom that supports every learner.

Ms. Audreana Underbrink @EdTechMrsU, Flour Bluff ISD

University Center Swordfish 324

Roundtable Discussion: Realistic Connections: Building Trust in Your Classroom

Come engage in a thoughtful conversation about cultivating meaningful and authentic relationships with students. Recognizing the realities and challenges teachers face daily, we will explore practical strategies to build trust that support a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Leave with actionable ideas to create connections that empower students, foster engagement, and promote a growth mindset.

Mrs. Sarah Sales, School of Science and Technology, & Ms. Mary Ann Maxwell, Flour Bluff ISD

University Center Anchor Ballroom

Roundtable Discussion: Transforming Student Success by Contextualizing Cultural Strength Within Families and Communities in the Post-Secondary Hispanic-Serving Institution Framework

Given SUPCE's institutional setting in a Hispanic-Serving Institution, this roundtable highlights the Cultural Wealth Model (Yosso, 2005) that can be used to frame partnerships between families and community agencies to transform holistic student success. Attendees would be asked to share, discuss and comment on lived experiences pertaining to six forms of cultural wealth: aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistance.

Dr. Rishi Raj, Prairie View A&M University

University Center Anchor Ballroom

Roundtable Discussion: Using Group Model Building to Create Physically Active School Environments

Over 80% of Texas adolescents do not accumulate the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Insufficient physical activity results in long-term health consequences. Additionally, more active students perform better in school. In this session, engage in and learn how to use "group model building" to generate school- and family/community-based solutions to physical inactivity in school-age youth.

Dr. Collin Webster, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Anchor Ballroom

Leadership and Professional Development with Youth at the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center

The After School Program at the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center helps elementary students develop literacy, teamwork, and creative skills. COVID-19 hindered low-income youths in building their confidence and personal agency, the Garcia Center aims to bridge that gap by supporting students and preparing them to become future community leaders.

Ms. Carina Mejia-Guerrero & Ms. Bianca Shepherd, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Anchor Ballroom Foyer

Improving Reading Literacy at Gloria Hicks Elementary: A Service-Learning Project

In the spring of 2025 I volunteered at Gloria Hicks Elementary by reading with students who were behind the expected reading level for their age group. By doing this, I was able to gain hands-on teaching experience and understand many obstacles children face when learning how to read.

Miss Jewel Mitchell, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Anchor Ballroom Foyer

Roundtable Discussion: The Efficiency of Shoulder Strengthening vs. Shoulder and Core Strengthening on Discus Throw Performance: A Systematic Review

We will discuss this systematic review that evaluates the comparative effectiveness of shoulder strengthening alone versus combined shoulder and core strengthening on discus throw performance. The review explores biomechanical, physiological, and performance outcomes reported in existing literature. The review aims to determine whether integrating core exercises provides additional benefits for power generation, stability, and throwing efficiency beyond isolated shoulder training.

Miss Tejaswi Pothina, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Anchor Ballroom Foyer

Transformative Emotional Intelligence: Personal, Emotional, Relational, Life (PERL) Skills for Healthy Lifespan Development & Positive Change

Learn about a locally-developed, research-derived transformative emotional intelligence (TEI) theory, including a practical, skills-based model for building essential self-knowledge and key skills for a healthy, fulfilling life and career. Included are practical tools for navigating change, fostering connection, and leading with empathy to develop effective relationships with personal excellence leadership. TEI - the learned ability to think constructively, act wisely.

Dr. Gary Low, Emotional Intelligence Training and Research Institute, Dr. Rick Hammett, & Dr. Lauren Denver-Potter

University Center Lonestar Ballroom 142C

Meeting the Needs of Students: A Comprehensive Learning Approach

In today's educational landscape, meeting the needs of students is more vital than ever! Teachers can empower students to explore their world, develop empathy, and cultivate a sense of responsibility. Come learn about dynamic frameworks that enrich the educational experience and prepare students to thrive as informed, engaged citizens in a global community. Let's inspire the next generation together!

Dr. Jennifer Brown @EducatorReflect, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Lonestar Ballroom 142B

Reimagining Futures: Empowering Students through AI Education and Career Pathways

Discover how the WeTeach_AI and AI4GA curricula are reimagining middle school education by introducing students to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging career pathways. This session highlights how AI can empower students to become ethical problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and future-ready innovators through hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world technology with purposeful classroom practice.

Dr. Cynthia Hopkins, Corpus Christi ISD, & Dr. Sheryl Roehl, University of Texas

University Center Oso 221

Supporting Reader Identity through Multilingual Experiences

This session uses Indigenous strategy and research-based reading initiatives to assist teachers in knowing themselves, knowing their students' culture, and helping students to both choose and critically examine independent reading selections. These suggestions aid in the support of multilingual learning in elementary classrooms.

Mrs. Hanna Patton-Elliott, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Bayview 320

Empowering Partnerships

With our K-12 teacher shortage and funding deficits, school and university partnerships answer these issues. Tarleton doctoral grad, Dr. Hutchinson and Principal Investigator, Dr. Juanita Reyes, researched K-12 district partnership with Texas universities that specifically plan professional development together. They found 8 exemplar partnerships around Texas to share best practices that directly and positively impact teacher training, funding, and student academic achievement. Come and hear their stories! Their impact is empowering!

Dr. Kendall Ann Hutchinson & Dr. Juanita M. Reyes, Tarleton State University

University Center Cayo 210

Fostering Social-Emotional Learning through Storybooks and Media Animation: Early Childhood Educators' Perspectives from a Narrative Inquiry

Examine how early childhood educators engage with storybooks and media animation to support children's social-emotional learning. Grounded in a qualitative narrative inquiry design, the study explores how four educators draw on their lived experiences, cultural identities, and personal backgrounds to interpret and analyze story content in the classroom. Through their narratives, the research highlights how media and literature become tools for teaching empathy, cooperation, respect, and emotional awareness in early childhood settings.

Mr. Lawrence Ekpemi Izuagie, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Copano 216

Driving Possibilities for School and Community Transformation

Driving Possibilities (DP) is a partnership between the Institute for School and Community Partnerships and East Central ISD in San Antonio. With a five-year financial investment of $6.5 Million from the Toyota USA Foundation, DP aims to transform a feeder pattern of schools from under-performing to high-achieving fully STEM integrated campuses. DP also addresses community challenges associated with food insecurity, safe housing, and transportation.

Dr. Michelle Janysek, Dr. Henrietta Munoz, & Dr. Sonia Sanchez, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

University Center Dolphin 306

Summer Research and Professional Development Activities for Teachers

K-12 STEM teachers participated in National Science Foundation-funded summer program at TAMU-Kingsville. The teachers participated in summer research and professional development activities, and developed learning modules based on summer research to be implemented in their classrooms. They will share their summer research experiences and learning modules.

Dr. Mohammad Motaher Hossain & K-12 STEM Teachers, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

University Center Island 316

Conservation in Practice, Learning in Progress: eDNA qPCR Development for the Rota Blue Damselfly (Ischnura luta)

This talk highlights my research using environmental DNA (eDNA) to study the endangered Rota Blue Damselfly. I will share both the scientific approach behind the project and how conducting this research has impacted me as a student. By reflecting on the experience, I show how research can shape educational growth, career goals, and perspectives on science.

Ms. Avery Richardson, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Marlin 317

Proactive Lecture Recording: Enhancing Student Engagement and In-Class Time

Explore how pre-recorded lessons can support student review, assist absent learners, and empower parents to help at home. Learn how to structure and upload lessons to your LMS, freeing up in-class time for small group instruction and personalized learning. Walk away with practical tools to boost engagement, ensure instructional consistency, and create a classroom that supports every learner.

Ms. Audreana Underbrink, Flour Bluff ISD

University Center Swordfish 324

Roundtable Discussion: Community Math Project

This session explores the Community Math Project's design, successes, and challenges. The project engaged teachers, parents, students, and community members in solving problems collaboratively, rethinking mathematics teaching and learning. Participants will reflect on lessons learned and share ideas for future projects, fostering collaboration and innovation in mathematics education.

Dr. Debra Plowman, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University Center Anchor Ballroom

Roundtable Discussion: Unlocking Student Voices: Fostering Authentic Writing from Kindergarten to Graduation

Writing at all levels allows students to develop their voices, learn to think, and gives them reasons to read. We can use different genres to help students respond to different writing situations, imagine different audiences, and find joy in writing. The teachers on this panel will discuss the various ways they assign writing in their classrooms to engage students.

Dr. Kelli Bippert, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; Jo'Ann Garcia, Banquete ISD; Elizabeth Lawling, LaJoya ISD; Belinda Covarribiaz, Tuloso-Midway High School; & Mallory Pena, Gregory-Portland ISD

University Center Anchor Ballroom

Roundtable Discussion: From Backpacks to Paychecks: Co-Creating Pathways with Families, Higher Ed, and Industry

Rooted in the Coastal Bend's unique blend of schools, universities, and industries, this roundtable examines how partnerships can expand opportunities for students. Together, we'll explore how family voice, teacher preparation, and local workforce needs intersect. Participants will co-create strategies that strengthen community ties and ensure students move from classrooms to meaningful futures

Mr. Joey Mendoza

University Center Anchor Ballroom

Special Hearts in the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Corpus Christi that provides weekly Fine Arts classes and performance opportunities to individuals with special needs. This unique program allows our STARS to share their talents with the South Texas area through public engagements and entertaining performances.

Register here

SUPCE Teacher of Promise Award (nominations closed Sept. 2)

This award was established by the School-University Partnership Conference of Education (SUPCE) in collaboration with the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The purpose of this award is to recognize recent outstanding TAMU-CC graduates who have demonstrated exceptional work ethic and commitment to the teaching profession. The recipients will be recognized at the annual SUPCE by a group made up of educators, students and community members dedicated to elevating and recognizing the teaching profession. The recipients will receive a certificate and a $100 award. 

Who is eligible?

• Recipients must be TAMU-CC Teacher Preparation and Residency graduates of the past year: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025.
• Eligible candidates should embody the following dispositions below and should make specific reference to several of them within letter of support.

Passion and dedication

• Genuine enthusiasm for teaching: A clear love for education and students.
• Strong work ethic: Demonstrated commitment to going above and beyond.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle unexpected challenges and changes.

• Strong relationships with students: Building rapport, trust, and respect.
• Differentiated instruction: Tailoring teaching to meet diverse student needs.
• Focus on student growth: Measuring and celebrating student progress.
• Creating an inclusive classroom: Fostering a welcoming environment for all students.

• Effective lesson planning and delivery: Engaging and informative lessons.
• Use of technology: Integrating technology to enhance learning.
• Assessment skills: Using data to inform instruction and student support.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to improve student outcomes.

• Effective communication: Clear and concise communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Time management: Efficiently managing classroom time and workload.
• Reflective practice: Continuously seeking feedback and improving teaching practices.
• Professional development: Actively seeking opportunities to grow as an educator.
• Evidence of freely and enthusiastically have given time and energy above and beyond the regular school requirements in the area of service, as related to the health, education and well-being of children.

• Building partnerships: Collaborating with parents and the community.
• School and community engagement: Participating in school and community events

• Self-nominations (eligible teachers can nominate themselves)
• Current campus supervisor (i.e. Principal and/or Assistant Principal)
• Human Resource Personnel
• Former Field Experience TAMU-CC faculty

SUPCE 2024 seeks to provide a space to help improve experiences, outcomes, and equitable opportunities for all students. Our engagement within our field as educators ties us together and positions us in a way which allows us to transform education on a continuum basis. As educators, we play a critical role in realizing individuals’ dreams and responding to the needs of all students and peoples. We hope that SUPCE serves as a reminder to all of the need to participate in an active engagement of ideas, research, and courageous conversations to exercise the rights we have been provided by the freedoms of our country.   

The conference will provide a venue for us, as educators, to cast back on the transformations we have endured in the recent years due to events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to address and contemplate on educational inequality through law, practice and culturally and linguistically sustaining pedagogy.  In doing so, we will explore opportunities for practice and research which serve to contribute to finding solutions and restorations for improving and transforming education in a 360-degree approach to learning that involves absorbing information from multiple sources, perspectives, and directions. This approach provides a panoramic view of a subject or competency that may exist in law, medicine, education, and, in myriad other expressions and fields. 

Vendor registration for SUPCE, the School and University Partnership Conference of Education at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

September 27, 2025

Register here as a vendor

Vendor space includes one 6-foot table (provided). This conference has approximately 300 attendees representing K-12, higher education, and community members.

For questions, please contact Dr. Alissa Mejia.