My ultimate goal is to impact as many lives as possible.
Destiny Arambula is a resident teacher at Joseph Gilbert Elementary in Del Valle ISD who will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in special education this spring. Originally from San Antonio, she currently teaches K-5th students with high-functioning autism and is certified in both special and general education. Arambula is dedicated to public education and intends to shape her career around the public school system.
Following graduation, she will stay at Gilbert as a resource teacher. She believes that choosing the College of Education was the best decision she ever made.
Destiny has grown significantly in building rapport with her students throughout her student teaching experience,
said Saury Ramos-Torres, assistant professor of instruction. She recognizes the importance of getting to know her students in order to provide meaningful instruction. Her cooperating teacher, Caitlin Smith, has done an excellent job supporting her in lesson planning and classroom management.
Q&A with Destiny Arambula
What initially drew you to the College of Education?
When I was applying to colleges, I chose UT because I wanted to move away from home but stay close to my parents. My sister was a sophomore here while I was a senior in high school. Every time we came to visit, we went to football games, and I quickly fell in love with Austin and UT traditions. She had built incredible connections in just two years, and I wanted that for myself. I also knew UT had a strong education program, so it was the only school I applied to. It’s truly been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Did you always know you wanted to major in Special Education, or did that interest develop over time?
I always knew I wanted to become a teacher. Growing up, I played school with my sisters and loved the idea of teaching in my own classroom and having my own students. I originally started at UT as an early childhood through sixth grade education major but during my sophomore year, I realized the Special Education program offered the opportunity to earn both special education and general education certification. I decided to change my major and quickly discovered that it was the place for me – I’ve loved every second of it.
What were some of your favorite aspects about the Special Education program? In what ways did it prepare you for your current role?
I’ve loved that the program gave me the opportunity to become certified in both special and general education while also participating in the residency program. Throughout my college years, I’ve had to work to cover financial costs and expenses, but the residency has allowed me to work fewer hours and really enjoy my senior year.
The residency program has also helped me develop a daily routine and learn how to balance school and work. Spending four out of five days at my placement has given me valuable insight into what my future career will look like.
You’re a resident teacher at Joseph Gilbert Elementary in Del Valle ISD. Do you plan to stay there after graduation? Are you serving specifically as a special education teacher rather than a general classroom teacher?
I currently work in the Special Education department at Gilbert Elementary where I teach social skills to K-5 students with high-functioning autism. After graduation, I plan to continue at Gilbert as a resource teacher. I’m especially grateful for my cooperating teacher and fellow UT graduate, Caitlin Smith, who has given me opportunities to explore other special education settings, like resource and structured learning classrooms, to help guide my next steps.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the future? Do you plan to remain in the public school system or are you interested in exploring other paths?
Moving forward, I hope to continue teaching in public schools. I grew up attending public schools, and I want to make an impact on students’ lives the way my teachers did for me. After gaining a few years of teaching experience, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and eventually become a school administrator. My ultimate goal is to impact as many lives as possible.
