Welcome College of Education Community!
Welcome to the Staff Spotlight, where we celebrate the amazing people who make our college such a vibrant and supportive community. Each month, we’ll feature a dedicated staff member, sharing what inspires them and how they help our college thrive. Be sure to revisit the Staff Spotlight to meet more of the remarkable individuals whose stories remind us why our college is such a special place.
This month, the College of Education spotlights Darlene Higuera in our Staff Spotlight. A Tucson native and alumna of the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University, Darlene has over 16 years of classroom teaching experience as Student Support Coordinator for TRIO Teacher Prep. She mentors preservice teachers, supports first-generation college students, and teaches the TLS 197 Student Success course, continuing to impact future educators.
Staff Spotlight - Darlene Higuera
Darlene Higuera
Student Support Coordinator
"As a first-generation college student, I connect with our TRIO students and provide them with a space to encourage, advise, and influence them in their academic experiences as future teachers."
Please share a little bit about where you grew up and what brought you to Tucson (if you were raised here, what is something that you enjoy about Tucson?).
I am proud to be born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I am a proud University of Arizona and Northern Arizona alumni! There are many things I enjoy about Tucson: the breathtaking scenery, especially when taking walks or hiking, the amazing food like Sonoran dogs and the variety of pasties, and the diverse individuals that make Tucson the perfect "smallest big city.”
How long have you worked at the college or university, and can you share a little bit about your job within the college?
In the fall of 2021, I began working with SSS TRIO teacher prep part time as a Student Support Specialist while working full-time as a classroom teacher in the Sunnyside Unified School District for 16 years. As a classroom teacher, I supported the University of Arizona College of Education preservice teachers as a mentor teacher for many years. This is where my passion for teaching and impacting students influenced me to continue my career- supporting pre-service teachers. My current role as the Student Support Coordinator with TRIO teacher prep uses my classroom experiences to support preservice teachers with mentorship and support services. As a first-generation college student, I connect with our TRIO students and provide them with a space to encourage, advise, and influence them in their academic experiences as future teachers. My role extends to supervising student teachers within the Tucson districts- another position I happily gravitate to as I provide feedback and experience to promote effective growth. Additionally, I am the instructor for the TLS 197 Student Success course, where I continue to provide support and guidance to our freshmen.
"In the past, I have completed 3 half marathons and 2 mountain races- never finishing first but ALWAYS finishing!"
What's one part of your job that people might not realize or understand about what you do daily?
Though many of my student meetings are heartfelt, I often meet with students who are struggling in a variety of areas as they navigate their academic journey here at the University of Arizona. Working with TRIO, we support students who are first-generation, low-income backgrounds, or have a documented disability. Our students overcome obstacles where they need extra support and attention. Using the resources on campus is helpful when assisting the needs of our students. We are consistently reaching out to resources/ departments to meet our student needs.
If there's a favorite place you enjoy on campus and around Tucson, please share what makes it special.
On our campus, I enjoy the view of Old Man on University Street. The green grass and beautiful trees are refreshing and peaceful. I appreciate the views from Saguaro National Park West. My time spent hiking in these areas is covered by many cacti, gorgeous mountain views, and breathtaking sunsets!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
During my spare time, I love spending time with my family- my loving husband and two girls. We enjoy playing games and movie nights. I enjoy walking and hiking with family and friends. In the past, I have completed 3 half marathons and 2 mountain races- never finishing first but ALWAYS finishing!
