Amiee′ Himler BS’10, MAT’19 (left) is shown with Dr. Mary Urquhart, UTeach Dallas director, when she won an outstanding alumni award from the Department of Science/Mathematics Education. Himler made UTeach Dallas program history in August when she joined B. McDaniel Intermediate School in Denison, Texas, as its new principal.

Amiee′ Himler BS’10, MAT’19 has made history as the first alum from the UTeach Dallas program at The University of Texas at Dallas to become a principal.

In August, Himler joined B. McDaniel Intermediate School in Denison, Texas, in her new role.

Dr. Mary Urquhart, director of UTeach Dallas and associate professor and department head of  science/mathematics education in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, said that Himler’s achievement demonstrates the lasting impact of the program’s approach to preparing future educators.

“Ms. Himler was one of our first program graduates, exemplifying the transformative power of coupling a strong STEM foundation from UT Dallas with the passion and preparation to change lives through education,” Urquhart said. “She has been amazing in the classroom and in supporting other UTeach Dallas students and alumni. It is no surprise that she continues to rise into leadership positions in local schools.”

For Himler, the path to that milestone began years earlier, in the same school district where she now serves.

“It was one of my high school teachers in the Denison Independent School District, where I’m now working, who recommended I apply to UT Dallas because I have a love for math,” Himler said. “It turned out that UT Dallas was an hour away from my home, and UT Dallas is very strong in science and math.”

After Himler began pursuing her degree in mathematics as a Terry Scholar, one of her peer advisors recommended that she join the UTeach Dallas program to open more options for her future. The program is designed to develop, recruit and retain a new generation of secondary teachers in math, science and computer science.

“As a kid, I always played teacher,” Himler said. “I knew I loved the idea, but I always thought I’d be a doctor or a surgeon because of this societal idea that you’ve got to have this big fancy title. But when I joined the program, I fell in love.”

Amiee′ Himler BS’10, MAT’19

Himler quickly found that UTeach Dallas provided her with more than just a pathway to a teaching certificate. She gained hands-on experience in classrooms ranging from elementary schools to high schools.

“I think the UTeach program at UT Dallas is the best, bar none,” Himler said. “From the very beginning, from your first class, you’re getting into classrooms with experienced mentor teachers, and you teach. It really creates a well-rounded educator who knows what their strengths are. The program made me a very strong leader.”

Through lesson planning, the program taught Himler to approach the classroom as a problem solver and encouraged her to evaluate what was working, identify what wasn’t and determine what resources she needed to be successful. It also introduced her to differentiated instruction, small-group learning and purposeful classroom discussion before she even entered her own classroom.

“UTeach Dallas is the whole package,” Himler said. “I would be remiss if I didn’t say that the staff and community is also what really sets it apart. What they do in that program is really create a family, and I think they teach us to have a culture of care because kids don’t learn from people they don’t like. Neither do adults, for that matter.”

“UTeach Dallas is the whole package. I would be remiss if I didn’t say that the staff and community is also what really sets it apart. What they do in that program is really create a family, and I think they teach us to have a culture of care because kids don’t learn from people they don’t like. Neither do adults, for that matter.”

Amiee′ Himler BS’10, MAT’19

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Himler began teaching algebra and geometry in the Richardson ISD, where she later chaired the mathematics department at Lake Highlands High School and served as assistant principal at Liberty Junior High School.

“When I came back to UT Dallas for my Master of Arts in Teaching in mathematics education, the UTeach Dallas program covered almost the whole cost for that,” Himler said. “That was huge because at one point when I was going to have to stop taking classes, they supported me through that and beyond. Because of this program, I have been able to receive assistance through a Dr. Lynn A. Melton Fund Mini-Grant, which helps cover the costs for classroom supplies and equipment.”

Himler said UTeach Dallas produces more than just teachers. It prepares experts in the fields they teach by encouraging its future educators to earn concentrated degrees in their subject areas. She believes that expertise can make a meaningful difference in students’ education and is a key reason why the program is still a worthy investment.

UTeach Dallas
Since 2008 the UTeach Dallas program has educated the next generation of highly qualified secondary science, mathematics and computer science teachers. The program began with a $2.4 million donation from the National Math and Science Initiative and now maintains an average enrollment of 350 to 400 students annually. Learn more about the program on its website.

“I hope the program never ends,” Himler said. “I hope it stays funded forever. I hope the program continues to thrive and students keep enrolling. They keep building such positive relationships. I’m sure not everybody’s story looks like mine, but I hope a lot do, because what UTeach Dallas does is so unique. It makes me emotional because they really are like a family for me.”