Bachelor's in Elementary Education - 2015
Master's in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision - 2018
Juan Renteria knew from a young age that he wanted to earn a higher education. As a first-generation college student, Juan's parents instilled in him a deep sense of gratitude toward education.
Upon graduating from the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education (JRCoE), Juan has served as a 5th-grade teacher at Truman Elementary for Norman Public Schools. Juan also currently teaches for the JRCoE. Most recently, Juan was selected as one of only 80 teachers across the United States to participate in the 2024-2025 Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program. Juan had the opportunity to represent the United States during the past year as a Fulbright Teacher in Peru.
My time at OU will always hold a special place in my heart. I learned and grew and was challenged in so many ways. I loved being Dr. Aiyana Henry's student and learning all about the importance of family partnerships. I was grateful for the time I was able to spend with my cohort in classes and in different school settings. Lastly, I will never forget my student-teaching experience as it brought me to Truman Elementary.
The JRCoE does a pretty great job of exposing you to different educational settings. From rural to urban to suburban and beyond, I was able to learn from different educators who worked in diverse communities. I visited schools in Norman, in Blanchard, and in Oklahoma City. These experiences were instrumental in helping me solidify where I wanted to teach and what kind of supports I would need as a first-year educator. Additionally, the faculty and staff at the JRCoE were pivotal in inspiring me to be the best teacher that I could be.
For current JRCoE students, I would encourage them to really embrace this season of life. Being a university student is so special, and walking through this season with your friends is such a transformative experience. Trust it!
For future JRCoE students, focus on your education. Push yourselves academically and socially so that you can better prepare for university-level course and opportunities. We want future educators who are bright, warm, and able to inspire others to greatness. Cultivate your skills and talents so that when you make it to OU, you thrive!
To this day, Dr. Aiyana Henry continues to play a pivotal part in my life. She served as my instructor in my undergraduate years and has stayed with me as I transitioned into the classroom and even into my adjunct instructor season. She has bee a constant source of love and support and most importantly, inspiration. Her wisdom and kindness has helped shape me as an educator and her continual investment in my life has allowed me to thrive to this day. I am so grateful for her leadership and for her ability to sow seeds of hope.
