Our Alumni Stories series showcases short accounts from our Leadership Alumni, Charles Butt Scholars, and Scholar Alumni on the meaningful connections they’ve gained through the Leadership and Scholarship networks.

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Crystal Romero-Mueller was elated when Deniss Moreno requested her as a mentor. 

Mueller currently serves as the School Support Officer at Tomball ISD and has worked in public education in the Houston area since 1995. Deniss is a second-year Charles Butt Scholar and a University of Texas at Austin senior. 

Mueller is a mentor to five Charles Butt Scholars in total. As a tenured educator, she knows how vital mentorship and coaching are to supporting new teachers as they enter the profession. Research shows teachers are the least likely to be retained from year one to year two. Creating a learning community and tailored support for new teachers and teachers in training is a powerful retention tool.

Mueller says it’s personally rewarding as well. “Deniss has such a passion for teaching that it invigorates me when I meet with her monthly. I think about things as I’m out in the world of education that I can bring back to Deniss.”

As for Deniss, she raves about her time spent with Mueller. “She always gives the best advice and resources. She’s also become a friend and someone I look forward to talking to every month.”

Submit your own story at charlesbuttfdn.org/share-your-story.