UT Tyler University Academy Teacher Nationally Recognized by Project Lead The Way

October 14, 2024 | Hannah Buchanan

Oscar Urieta, a high school biomedical science teacher at The University of Texas at Tyler University Academy – Tyler, was named a 2024-25 Outstanding Teacher by Project Lead The Way.

He is one of only 103 selected from nominations across the U.S. to earn the honor, which recognizes remarkable K-12 teachers across PLTW’s pathway programs in computer science, engineering and biomedical science.

“Teachers like Oscar Urieta are leaders in their fields, and their continuous success is evident in their ability to embrace innovative minds while building relationships with tomorrow’s leaders,” said Dr. Jo Ann Simmons, University Academy superintendent. “We value Mr. Urieta’s expertise and celebrate with him.”

Urieta joined University Academy in 2016. He serves as the high school University Interscholastic
League Academics science coach on campus and was also part of the Texas Teacher Residency
Program at UT Tyler.

“Mr. Urieta’s dedication to his students, innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment
to creating an inclusive and empowering classroom environment make him truly exceptional,” said
Dr. Kelly Dyer, campus director.

The UT Tyler University Academy is a K-12 public university laboratory charter school with
campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine. UT Tyler UA offers STEM curriculum in a hands-on
learning environment. Currently serving more than 1,200 students, the district is the only PLTW
Distinguished District statewide and one of 20 nationwide. All three campuses are recognized as
Distinguished PLTW high schools. For more information, visit uttua.org/.

Project Lead The Way is a mission-driven organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and
teachers in schools across the United States. More than 12,000 elementary, middle and high
schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For additional
information, visit pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/national-awards-winners.

With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT
Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 10,000 students.
Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has
unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent
patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World
Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.