CUE April 2026 Newsletter

Congratulations to CUE’s Spring 2026 Grads

The UNC Center for Urban Education is grateful to four of our spring 2026 graduates for sharing their thoughts on what they’re looking forward to in their careers and how the Center helped them prepare. Meet Janel Dominguez, David Rodriguez, Janai McDonald, and Kim Mendoza, all Elementary Education majors. All four graduates are happy to have positions lined up at Denver-area schools in the fall!

2026 graduate Janel Dominguez (second from right) with her siblings

Janel Dominguez

Janel Dominguez is looking forward to giving her students the tools they need to accomplish their dreams. “I want to create an environment full of humble, critical thinkers who truly believe in themselves and what they are capable of achieving,” said Dominguez. She is excited to see her students transform and grow into amazing individuals, both academically and personally.

“As someone who is bilingual, I look forward to creating a space where students feel represented, valued, and understood by their teacher. I want them to see themselves in me and know that their identities and experiences matter,” she explained. “I am most excited to live out my dream career, make a meaningful impact, and change lives. I want to be the teacher I needed when I was growing up.”

Dominguez reported that the Center taught her that no matter how difficult something feels in the moment, she will always find a way to get through it, even when she feels like giving up. “As a first-generation college student, I faced many moments where I felt overwhelmed, but those experiences taught me resilience and perseverance. As a future teacher, I know I will continue to face challenges and obstacles, but CUE has provided me with the knowledge, confidence, and resources I need to overcome them,” Dominguez said.

For people considering a career in teaching, she offered, “While the job can be challenging at times, it’s important to remember that a teacher can become a very meaningful part of your students’ lives. Have patience, have fun, and let your personality shine in the classroom. Every day is different when you’re a teacher, and that’s what makes it so special. Embrace those moments, build strong relationships, and never lose sight of the impact you have on your students.”

2026 graduate David Rodriguez with his family

David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez is looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships with students and making a positive impact on their growth in and out of the classroom. Over the years of working with students, he said what stands out is how much influence consistent support and structure can have. “I’m excited to keep growing as an educator and take on more leadership opportunities where I can support not just students, but the staff and school culture,” said Rodriguez.

One of the most important lessons he is taking away from his education at the Center is the importance of meeting students where they are and understanding their backgrounds. “Working with culturally and linguistically diverse students requires patience, flexibility, and strong relationship-building. I’ve learned that students respond best when they feel respected, understood, and supported, and that building those connections is just as important as delivering content,” Rodriguez explained.

As far as advice for people considering a career as a teacher, he reiterated the fact that relationships are everything and students learn best when they trust you and know you care about them. He also said it’s important to be patient and consistent. “Working with students can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding,” said Rodriguez. Lastly, he advised being open to learning every day. “Teaching is a career where you continue to grow with your students.”

2026 graduate Janai McDonald

Janai McDonald

Janai McDonald is looking forward to building strong, meaningful relationships with students and being someone they can trust and feel safe with. Whether she’s teaching in a classroom or providing counseling services, she wants to support students academically, emotionally, and socially.

“I’m especially excited to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued, because I know how much that can impact their confidence and success,” said McDonald. “I also look forward to helping students grow into who they are, guiding them through challenges, and celebrating their progress along the way.”

A valuable lesson McDonald learned at the Center for Urban Education was the importance of culturally responsive teaching and understanding students’ lived experiences. “I learned that every student brings their own background, identity, and story into the classroom, and it’s my responsibility to honor that in the way I teach and support them,” she said.

The program also reinforced how critical equity is in education and to make sure all students have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. “From a counseling perspective,” said McDonald, “I’ve learned how important it is to approach students with empathy, patience, and an understanding of the challenges they may be facing outside of school.”

2026 graduate Janai McDonald with Denver-area students she counsels

The advice McDonald would give to people considering a career as a teacher, counselor, or school leader would be to go into this field with an open mind and a genuine passion for working with young people. “This work is not always easy, but it is incredibly meaningful,” she said. “Be prepared to learn just as much from your students as they learn from you. It’s also important to prioritize relationships—students need to know you care before they can fully engage.”

From a counseling and leadership perspective, she advised always leading with empathy and fairness and to advocate for students, especially those whose voices are often overlooked. “Take care of yourself too,” she added, “because you can’t pour into others if you’re running on empty.”

2026 graduate Kim Mendoza with her students at Fox Hollow Elementary in Cherry Creek Schools

Kim Mendoza

Kim Mendoza is proud to come from an immigrant family with roots in Guatemala—a background that has deeply shaped who she is and why she chose to become an educator. Because she grew up bilingual and is a former multilingual learner, she developed a strong passion for supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

She is looking forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and creating a classroom where they feel safe, seen, and valued. She is especially excited to support students as they take risks in their learning, discover their strengths, and begin to see themselves as capable, lifelong learners.

“I look forward to making a lasting impact on my students’ lives, inside and outside the classroom,” said Mendoza. “I want to create a space where students feel confident to share their ideas, embrace mistakes as part of learning, and develop a genuine love for learning that stays with them beyond my classroom.”

At the Center, Mendoza learned how essential it is to truly know your students’ backgrounds, experiences, and identities and to use that knowledge to make learning meaningful and inclusive. The program reinforced the idea that equity in education is not just a goal, but a responsibility, and that every student deserves access to high-quality instruction and opportunities to succeed.

For those considering a career as a teacher, Mendoza’s advice would be to enter the profession with passion and purpose. “Teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires patience, flexibility, and a strong commitment to your students,” she said. “Be willing to learn every day, not just about teaching, but from your students as well. Build relationships, stay reflective, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Most importantly, remember that the impact you have on your students can last a lifetime.”

Congratulations to all of our spring 2026 graduates!