UT Tyler education faculty to serve on TEA committee

TYLER – Dr. Yanira Oliveras, an associate professor of education with The University of Texas at Tyler College of Education and Psychology, has been selected to serve on the Texas Education Agency Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System Stakeholder Advisory committee. T-TESS is designed to improve teaching practices and student outcomes through a comprehensive evaluation process. Oliveras will contribute her insights and expertise to TEA as a committee member.

“This appointment recognizes Dr. Oliveras’ expertise, leadership and commitment to advancing
educator evaluation and growth across the state,” said Dr. Neil Gray, UT Tyler professor and interim
dean for the college.
Oliveras joined UT Tyler in 2014. With more than 30 years of experience in education, including 20
years as a primary school teacher and principal, she currently teaches graduate-level instructional
supervision and curriculum and instruction courses at UT Tyler. She co-founded UT Tyler’s Doctor of
Education in school improvement degree and serves as the academic adviser for EdD students. Her
research interests include instructional leadership development, teacher appraisal, and the impact
of learning spaces on student engagement and teachers’ instructional practices.
She was instrumental in the development of the “Teaching-to-Learn in Belize” study abroad
program, which provides job-embedded professional development to in-service teachers in remote
villages in Belize.
Oliveras holds doctoral and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction from Pennsylvania State
University.
The Texas Education Agency oversees state primary and secondary public education and strives to
improve outcomes for all public-school students by providing leadership, guidance and support to
school systems. To learn more, visit tea.texas.gov/.