Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Funds address salary gap at some local school districts
Nine future teachers learned a lesson they never expected – about generosity – when UNT Dallas presented each of them with a check for more than $10,000 dollars, no strings attached.
The funds, known officially as stipends, help the students with expenses during their senior year when they work full-time as student-teachers at local school districts. The payments are not loans or grants. They do not need to be paid back.
UNT Dallas students in the Teacher Residency Program received checks for $12,500 for extra support as they launch their careers as educators
The nine students are part of the UNT Dallas Teacher Residency Program, which prepares senior education majors to become teachers with practical, hands-on
experience inside nearby elementary, middle and high schools.
UNT Dallas President Warren von Eschenbach with student-teacher Alanna Baker
While some districts pay student-teachers, others do not. The nine students who received
stipend payments are not receiving a salary where they teach. The money makes a crucial
difference.
"I quit my other job, so now I have more time to study for my teacher certification exam," said Alanna Baker.
"This check means everything. It's a wonderful blessing I've been granted," said Alyssa
Medina.
UNT Dallas President Warren von Eschenbach with student-teacher Laryssa Medina
The students only recently learned the School of Education would be giving them the
checks – $12,500 to be exact. In a special ceremony on May 24, 2026, the checks were presented to
each student by UNT Dallas President Warren von Eschenbach, School of Education Interim
Dean Dr. Patrick Valdez, Director of Clinical Practice Emily Waneck and School of
Education Administrative Coordinator David Casarez.
Recipients included:
- Anna Romero - 6th Grade Teacher, Mesquite ISD, Wooley Middle School
- Maria Trejo Lopez - 9th Grade Teacher, Mesquite ISD, Horn High School
- Natalie Baldazo - 5th Grade Teacher, Mesquite ISD, Seabourn Elementary School
- Laryssa Medina - 8th Grade Teacher, Waxahachie ISD, Finely Junior High School
- Adriel Carlos - 4th Grade Teacher, Grand Prairie ISD, Morton Elementary School
- Isabel Vital - 4th Grade, Midlothian ISD, Vitovsky Elementary School
- Samantha Sanchez - 2nd Grade, Dallas ISD, Stevens Park Elementary School*
- Araceli Santoyo - Pre-K Teacher, Dallas ISD, Gooch Elementary School*
- Alanna Baker - 2nd Grade, Garland ISD, Dorsey Elementary School
*Dallas ISD usually pays students in the Teacher Residency Program, however in these two cases, because of unique circumstances, Sanchez and Santoyo were unable to receive a salary.
Students in the UNT Dallas Teacher Residency Program listen as President Warren von Eschenbach celebrates their success and commitment, as Interim Dean Dr. Patrick Valdez, Administrative Coordinator David Casarez and Director of Clinical Practice Emily Waneck listen nearby.
"There's a shortage of qualified teachers in North Texas," said Waneck. "The Teacher
Residency Program and the School of Education as a whole aim to reduce the shortage and prepare fully certified teachers who are
ready for the classroom as soon as they graduate."
"What is truly impressive and inspiring is that many of these students return to their hometowns and teach in the very schools they once attended," said Dr. Valdez. "It shows their dedication to education and helping the next generation in their community."
CBS News Texas (CBS11) featured a report on the event the same night.
Each UNT Dallas School of Education graduate wears this special light blue cord at Commencement, signifying their degree
The Teacher Residency Program is concluding its second academic year in partnership with multiple school districts. It launched in August 2024 with Dallas ISD and has since expanded to others in the southern Dallas region. School of Education leaders expect it to grow further in coming years, continuing to provide a valuable and robust pipeline of educators to the North Texas workforce.
Most, if not all, of the nine seniors recognized with $12,500 stipends have offers for jobs when they graduate next month. Commencement ceremonies will be held at the Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie on May 12, 2026.
Thanks to some extra cash, you might see nine graduates with an extra spring in their step as they cross the stage to receive their diploma.
From UNT Dallas – Featured News