The AUSL Teacher Residency has a growing alumni community of 1,549 teachers, school leaders, and administrators that lead classrooms, teachers, and school communities with a student-centered approach.
AUSL is proud to launch a new alumni series spotlighting former resident teachers and their inspiring career journeys — showcasing how AUSL alumni go on to become teacher leaders.
Growing up with a mom who was an administrator and teacher, Principal Trevino-Terronez has been in schools a majority of her life. She began volunteering as a teenager for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and eventually interned during the summer months when she was in college.
After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, she joined the AUSL Teacher Residency to pursue her teaching career.
“My goal has always been to be an administrator, but I knew starting in the classroom was the right start for me. I remember feeling very confident because I’ve been in education my whole life,” she said.
“Although I had a strong basis, there was so much room to grow. You quickly learn as a resident teacher there is always room to grow in the classroom.”
Principal Trevino-Terronez trained at the Chicago Academy during her residency year, where AUSL Co-Founder and Former Executive Director Dr. Donald Feinstein was the principal.
After graduating in 2004, she officially started her career as a kindergarten teacher at Hedges Elementary School in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. She then taught at Pickard, Smyser, and Barry Elementary Schools throughout the city.
“From what I’ve learned at AUSL and my early years as a teacher, I can go into any room and get the attention of students and get them ready for learning,” said Principal Trevino-Terronez.
After teaching for over a decade, Principal Trevino-Terronez wanted to have a greater impact beyond the classroom and became an administrator, leading McPherson Elementary School as an Assistant Principal.
Today she is the Principal of Funston Elementary and is entering her fifth year. Her increasing levels of leadership are inspired by the students she’s impacted in the classroom throughout her career that have inspired her to grow her influence and responsibilities.
“The smiles of students in the hallways is always the highlight of my day at Funston,” she said.
“Their smiles give me the energy I need to get through my day. Seeing the awe and wonder in their hearts and minds is something that is very special to me.”
Principal Trevino-Terronez successfully leads Funston Elementary by placing students’ needs at the center of her work and embracing distributive and adaptive leadership. She has centered students in her decision making since her teacher training with AUSL.
“How can we do this together? It starts with your school community,” she said.
“Being a principal is about knowing your staff and school, being able to pivot to show where your support is needed, and how you are able to connect the different entities in your school community to work as one.”
Today, Funston Elementary is an AUSL teacher training site – bringing Principal Trevino-Terronez’s journey full circle.
“Being an alumna of the program to now having resident teachers train in my school building is a big honor. It gives me a sense of pride and responsibility,” she said.
“I’m giving them the autonomy and space to thrive, honor their program, and make them feel like part of our staff.”
From her perspective, AUSL resident teachers are much more prepared throughout the school year.
“You can tell the difference between an AUSL resident teacher and someone who is student teaching. They have stamina, grit, and they know how to plan. They take on challenges and are able to adapt at a moment’s notice,” said Principal Trevino-Terronez.
With over two decades of experience leading classrooms and school buildings, Principal Trevino-Terronez sees the importance of organizations like AUSL in education.
“Now more than ever, it’s essential for programs like the AUSL Teacher Residency to exist,” she said.
“Everyday there are new issues we face at the school level, so giving resident teachers the opportunity to be exposed to that atmosphere is a wealth beyond what I can explain.”
AUSL is proud of our growing alumni community who continue to make a difference in their classrooms and school communities. Alumni like Principal Trevino-Terronez illustrate how the AUSL Teacher Residency creates teacher leaders that are committed to a career in education and becoming innovators in their school communities. Learn more about their stories and how the AUSL Teacher Residency shaped their career: https://www.auslchicago.org/teachers-stories/
