Celebrating Excellence: 2026 UTEP College of Education Award Recipients

On March 26, 2026, the UTEP College of Education proudly honored exceptional students, educators, mentors, faculty, and staff at our annual Recognition Event. The following award recipients exemplify excellence, leadership, and commitment to the field of education.

Schwartz Novice Teacher Award

David Garcia Lamas

3rd Grade – All Subjects

Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary

Socorro ISD

Martha Roxana Perez

3rd Grade - Math & Science

O’Donnell Intermediate School

Fabens ISD

Lavis Mentor Teacher Award

	Yvonne Garcia Dual Language Pre-K Myrtle Cooper Elementary Socorro ISD
	Vanessa A. Legarretta 4th Grade - RLA Reading & Writing Red Sands Elementary Clint ISD
	Barbara Ledesma 3rd to 5th Grade - Special Education Whitaker Elementary El Paso ISD
	Sergio Silva 4th Grade – All Subjects Scotsdale Elementary Ysleta ISD

Teachers for a New Era Scholarship

Kammy Capetillo

B.S. in Education, Elementarywith ESL Certification

Faculty and Staff Awards

	Rising Star Emerging Award Dr. Liru Hu Assistant Professor of STEM Education Teacher Education
	Research & Scholarship Achievement Award Dr. Pei-Ling Hsu Professor of STEM Education Teacher Education
	Student Success Champion Award Dr. Carolina Terán López Assistant Professor of Instruction Teacher Education
	Excellence in Teaching Award Dr. Kenneth A. Dore III Assistant Professor of Instruction Teacher Education
	Excellence in Teaching Award Dr. Isela Peña Assistant Professor Educational Leadership & Foundations
	Excellence in Teaching Award Dr. Johana Rocha Assistant Professor Counseling & Special Education
	Spirit of Service Award Delma Colmenero Administrative Associate Dean’s Office
	Student Impact Award Valeria Padilla Senior Coordinator for Graduate Programs Teacher Education