The UTeach Institute

👏Congratulations to Sumudu Lewis on receiving the Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching! As director and sole instructor of UMass Lowell’s UTeach program, Dr. Lewis has made a meaningful impact on students, STEM education, and .👏 https://www.uml.edu/news/stories/2026/manning_prize-lewis.aspx

Director of UTeach Program Wins Manning Prize | News Education Clinical Professor Sumudu Lewis, director of the UTeach program, an education minor that prepares STEM majors for teaching careers, won the 2026 Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching at UMass Lowell.

What role do you think K–12 STEM education plays in preparing the next generation of STEM professionals?

This year, UTeach programs across the country graduated 592 new STEM teachers, bringing the total number of UTeach graduates to more than 10,000 educators nationwide.

By 2029, UTeach graduates are projected to teach more than 1 million STEM students annually.

When we talk about building the STEM workforce, we often focus on colleges, employers, and industry.

But every future engineer, scientist, healthcare professional, computer scientist, and mathematician needs that STEM curiosity that comes from an engaging STEM teacher.

Strong STEM teachers help students see themselves in STEM, build confidence in their abilities, and develop the skills needed to pursue future opportunities.

Investing in STEM teacher preparation isn't just about today's classrooms—it's about tomorrow's workforce.

Read more: https://institute.uteach.utexas.edu/impact

Thank you for another inspiring year, ! From the opening session to the closing session, you joined us in important conversations about the future of STEM education. Relive the magic through photos:

2026 UTeach STEM Educators Conference 2026 UTeach STEM Educators Conference in Austin, Texas

We're hiring! The UTeach Institute at UT Austin is looking for a Writer/Editor III to join our communications team. Our Writer/Editor will develop, edit, and design our wide variety of publications and resources to promote Institute programs and support the national UTeach community. Learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/55fb50Zavgq

The USEA Awards celebrates the successes of UTeach programs and alumni across the nation. Join us in congratulating this year's winners! We’re proud to honor their passion and dedication to 👏

🌠Outstanding Alumni: Basilio Pesina, UTeach
🌠Outstanding Staff: Cate Logan, UTeach Austin
🌠Outstanding Master Teacher: Mariam Manuel, PhD, TeachHOUSTON
🌠Outstanding Faculty Teaching: Leslie Nisbet-Gonzalez, PhD, FIUteach
🌠Outstanding Faculty Scholar: Maria Fernandez, FIUteach

What should the next 20 years of look like? We heard from in this morning's closing session. Your input is vital to our continued success —thank you for helping shape this work!

Wow, great session with ’s Kelli Allen and Vosaic on how video-based reflection and AI feedback can support teacher coaching. AI is opening up new possibilities in and teacher preparation, and this session was a great example. 🚀Be sure to check out their booth today!

"We represent UTeach. We are passionate about what we do" students presented their strategies for spotting & recruiting future teachers this morning. On display, their own program scrapbook created by students 🥰

That’s a wrap on Day 1 of the 2026 STEM Educators Conference! Today was filled with learning, collaboration, and meaningful connections. Excited for another great day tomorrow 🤠☀️