From UTeach to Texas Teacher of the Year
Credit: Tico Mendoza
CHRIS MIHEALSICK, B.S., Biology ’02 & M.A., Science Education ’06
Chris Mihealsick, science department chair at Round Rock’s Westwood High School, is the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year.
Esther Robards-Forbes.
How did UT’s science teacher training program, UTeach, shape your career?
I actually transferred to UT as a biology major when I was a junior, but I had been tutoring at-risk students in science and really enjoyed it. When I discovered UTeach, it felt like the perfect fit. The program gave me such strong, hands-on experience, gradually introducing me to real classroom environments. By the time I was student teaching, I knew I wanted to work with high school students. Now, as science department chair at Round Rock’s Westwood High School, UT’s strong alumni and UTeach networks continue to support my growth. I help hire new teachers, and I always look for UTeach grads because I know they’ll come in prepared. They understand science deeply and already know how to work with students – even on their first day in the classroom.
Congratulations on winning the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year award, out of 384,000 teachers. What from your training contributed to that achievement?
The ability to clearly articulate my teaching practice was essential. I had to write multiple essays at every level – district, region, state finalist – before I even got an interview. I developed those skills through my UTeach portfolio and science coursework. I think especially right now, being able to articulate the value that science brings – the value that teachers bring – is critical. The more that we can communicate what we do and the impact we have on kids, the better. What really made a difference, though, was UTeach’s emphasis on giving students authentic science experiences. That mindset has guided my teaching philosophy ever since.
Assoc. of Texas Professional Educators, John Kilpper
“You’re not just educating students — you’re inspiring the next generation of scientists, researchers and problem-solvers.”
What other lessons from UT do you still use in your classroom today?
UTeach taught me something crucial: how to write my own labs. Many teachers rely on pre-made experiments, but my ability to develop customized, high-quality, inquiry-based labs has been a game changer in my career. UT also gave me a solid science foundation, which allows me to confidently teach a range of subjects – biology, anatomy, and now AP environmental science. Courses at UT like marine science and microbiology weren’t just fascinating; they gave me real-world knowledge that I now bring into my own lessons.
What makes teaching a worthwhile career in STEM?
Teaching is one of the most impactful careers out there. You’re not just educating students – you’re inspiring the next generation of scientists, researchers and problem-solvers. I remind my students all the time: “There’s a Nobel Prize waiting for someone who figures out new solutions to climate change, battery storage or sustainable agriculture. Why not you?”
What’s next for you?
As Texas Teacher of the Year, I want to expand access to high-quality science education for all students, not just those in Advanced Placement classes. I also want to focus on teacher leadership – how we can support great educators so they stay in the classroom.