Alberto Porras

Credit: Vivian Abagiu

Mathematics senior in UTeach. Interviewed by Cason Hunwick.

Through UTeach, you are getting a certification to be a STEM teacher and teaching math to high schoolers in Austin. Given that the pandemic has forced many students to attend classes virtually, what has that been like?
It’s been really hard on my students. Many of them are in danger of receiving poor grades, losing credits. I try to help them. If they didn’t do well on a test, I give them another try, let them take an alternative test, make a poster, to get that 80, 90. We can work as a team.

And what was the transition to remote learning like for you as an instructor?
The beginning was really hard. But once I developed trust with the students, once they understood that I really care for them, they opened up. That was great to see. And it’s been getting better because we’re transitioning into having a few students in person. I get about two per day. But at least I get to see someone else.

When did you become interested in math?
I got interested in high school. Where I used to live at the time there was a lot of crime and violence, so every morning, from seventh grade to senior year, I would wake up around 5 a.m. to go to school at a distance from my home. My parents said, “This is a better future for you.” I knew that in the classroom, while I was there, I was safe. I was in a place where I was just going to have fun learning math.

Why did you decide to come to UT?
Many of my teachers, coaches, and everyone who helped me in high school either went to UT or really liked UT. Going to college here has meant a lot. And since I was able to get this job through UTeach, I’ve been able to help my family during COVID. My sisters are now also in college here, and I can help them with any questions and relate.

What influenced your choice to become a teacher?
I wanted to do something where I could help people or be a role model, just like what those teachers and coaches were for me, to be there for my students. Regardless of what they end up doing in the future, regardless of where they go, they still need someone to be there for them, to show them that their value is not based on how much they produce for the world or how much they give to me. And regardless of what they have going on at home or elsewhere, I’m going to be there for them.

“Once I developed trust with the students, once they understood that I really care for them, they opened up.”

Learn more about UTeach, a College of Natural Sciences program to train STEM teachers at uteach.utexas.edu.