Meet Our Staff
Patricia Rocha, Ph.D.
Director
As director of the Office of Educator Preparation, Dr. Rocha works with departmental leaders across the University regarding educator certification requirements, assists in recruiting students from high-needs teaching fields into teacher education, and works with school district administrators to provide field experiences for students working toward initial teacher certification.
Jim Van Overschelde, Ph.D.
Director, Evaluation and Research
Dr. Van Overschelde conducts formative and summative evaluations of the University’s 40+ initial and professional educator certification programs, leads the reporting efforts for each programs’ Texas, Title II accreditations, leads many evaluation activities designed to improve the quality of the University’s educator preparation programs and data, and works with other faculty members on research designed to improve Texas State’s programs and to inform state and federal educator preparation policies.
Leticia Botello
Coordinator
Working in close collaboration with director and staff to support the implementation of program expectations, and acts as a direct support for student teaching faculty.
Angela Leibold
Certification Officer
Angela's primary role is to recommend candidates to the State Board for Educator Certification. Other duties include advising Stand-Alone Teacher Certification students, processing applications for Admittance to the Educator Preparation Program, TExES test approval, and preparing certification plans.
Magdalena Ortiz
Office Manager
Magdalena is the office manager for the Office of Educator Preparation. The Office Manager oversees purchasing, hiring of faculty and staff, and other administrative duties.
VACANT
Travel Specialist
The receptionist for the Office of Educator Preparation. Oversees all travel requirements for OEP employees and the student teaching faculty. Fields phone calls and walk-ins and advises prospective students on the Educator Preparation Program requirements.
Leticia Patterson
Student Teacher Placement Specialist
Leticia works with school districts throughout the state of Texas and university departments regarding student teacher placement. She also oversees 30-hour Observation arrangements for post-baccalaureate students.