About UTeach
UTeach Computer Science started as an outreach effort of the UTeach Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. The UTeach Institute is an innovative, university-based teacher preparation program working to increase the number of qualified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers in U.S. secondary schools. The program combines rigorous STEM degrees with secondary teaching certification without adding time or cost to four-year degrees.
Meet the UTeach CS Team
Yvonne Loya
Assistant Director for K–12 Partnerships and Development
Yvonne Loya is the Assistant Director for K–12 Initiatives at the UTeach Institute. In this role, she leads comprehensive computer science and professional development support for K–12 STEM educators. The K–12 Initiatives team develops and delivers high-quality, STEM-focused professional learning experiences for educators across grade levels and disciplines tailored to educators' specific needs and students' diverse learning styles.
Yvonne brings over two decades of experience in higher education. She previously spearheaded outreach efforts for The University of Texas at Austin's OnRamps program and led community and external relations for UT's Division of Campus and Community Engagement. She has deep experience in relationship development and partnership cultivation, particularly with supporting underrepresented communities, fostering environments of cultural competency, and transforming strategic plans into workable solutions. She also co-founded the El Paso in Austin Network, providing college scholarships to high school graduates pursuing higher education in Central Texas.
A first-generation college graduate, Yvonne earned her bachelor's in psychology from The University of Texas at El Paso and a Master's in Higher Education Administration from UT Austin.
Leslie Brommer
Program Manager and Curriculum Developer
Leslie Brommer is the Program Manager and Curriculum Developer for UTeach Computer Science. As Program Manager, Leslie oversees marketing and recruitment efforts, organizes professional development opportunities, and conducts ongoing program evaluation. As Curriculum Developer, Leslie oversees the computer science curriculum development process, which includes updating existing curricula materials and developing materials for new courses.
After eight years as a software developer, Leslie taught a full range of computer science and cybersecurity courses to high school students for ten years. Leslie also coached numerous award winning CyberPatriot teams, claiming top awards in Tennessee. Leslie was awarded the NCWIT Regional Affiliate Educator of the Year for promoting women in STEM in the classroom.
Leslie earned her B.S in Computer Science from the University of Memphis and her Master of Arts in Education at Union University.
Marie Girardot
Recruitment and Partnership Specialist
Marie Girardot is the Recruitment and Partnership Specialist for UTeach Computer Science. She leads recruitment initiatives, supports communications and marketing efforts, and provides individual guidance to educators seeking high-quality computer science curriculum, professional development, and ongoing support.
Marie previously worked for the Engineer Your World program developed by UTeach Engineering, which provides high school engineering courses and professional development to educators nationwide. She led outreach efforts for the program, managed their social media platforms, and acted as the Salesforce Administrator for the team.
Marie earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame, while also minoring in Education, Schooling, and Society and participating in the Hesburgh Program in Public Service.
Jason Slabodsky
Lead Teacher Support Specialist
Jason Slabodsky is the Lead Teacher Support Specialist for UTeach Computer Science. He designs and facilitates teacher professional development workshops and provides year-round support for computer science teachers using the UTeach CS curriculum.
Jason has more than 15 years of teaching experience, including 8 years with the New York City Department of Education. In addition to teaching AP Computer Science Principles, he has taught integrated CS lessons for math classes and classes for students with special needs. Jason is an expert in student-centered pedagogies, including scaffolding and differentiating instruction.
In 2016, Jason’s AP Computer Science Principles class designed an app to tackle issues of food waste and student hunger in their community. Their app, MOESY, allowed local restaurants in Brooklyn to repurpose leftover food into dinners for students. As a result, Jason’s students were named the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow National Champions, earning a grand prize of $150,000 in technology for their school.
Jason holds a B.S. from Syracuse University and a dual Master’s degree in Education and Students with Special Needs from Dowling College. He also has an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Culinary Arts from the New England Culinary Institute.
Careers
While there are no current openings with our organization, we are always open to connecting with candidates who are excited about our program and think they may be a good fit. Please reach out to us at info@uteachcs.org!