Meet Our Staff
Patrice Werner, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
for Teacher Education and Academic Affairs
Dr. Werner oversees and supports the Office of Educator Preparation, manages communication regarding educator preparation to internal and external stakeholders, and supports compliance and accreditation processes for educator preparation at the state and national levels. Additional responsibilities in the College of Education include supporting academic advisors, overseeing the curriculum change process, and addressing student appeals.
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, and CAEP 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.
Michele Breeden, M.Ed.
Coordinator
Michele is full time faculty in the Curriculum and Instruction Department within the College of Education. She works as Coordinator in the Office of Educator Preparation, 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. She also holds a position as Lecturer, teaching a variety of undergraduate education courses.
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, and preparing Certification Plans.
Magdalena Ortiz
Office Manager
Magdalena is the office manager for the Office of Educator Preparation. In addition to overseeing purchasing and other administrative duties, the Office Manager processes TExES test approvals for teacher candidates.
DeLara Julian
Student Teacher Placement Specialist
DeLara 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.
Christa G. Mawyer
Travel Specialist
Christa is the receptionist for the Office of Educator Preparation. She oversees all travel requirements for OEP employees and the student teaching faculty. Mrs. Mawyer fields phone calls and walk-ins and advises prospective students on the Educator Preparation Program requirements.