UTA student, Army vet begins mission to teach
A 52-year-old Army veteran is training to teach elementary school—and help address Texas’ teacher shortage
image: Army veteran Rafael Renteria is pursuing his passion to become a teacher at age 52.
Credit: Herschel Heath, UTA
Rafael Renteria served 20 years, two months and 22 days in the United States Army.
“Deuces are wild,” he said with a smile.
This Saturday, he’ll join millions of fellow veterans and active-duty soldiers in celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary.
Those two decades of service shaped him into the passionate, hard-working person he is today. Renteria enlisted in July 1991, just months after the first Gulf War ended, and later deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks. He retired in September 2011.
Now, at age 52, Renteria is pursuing a new mission: teaching the next generation.
“I want to teach third or fourth grade—those are really formative years,” he said. “I want to help shape kids in a healthy, supportive way. I don’t want to impose who they should be; I want to help them discover who they want to be and understand the consequences of those choices. I always tell my son: Be good. Be kind. Be respectful. Those are the values I want to pass on to my students, too.”
He’s on track to earn a sociology degree and an early childhood teaching certificate by 2027, with the goal of leading his own classroom in a Texas public school soon after.
Renteria recently sat down to share his journey to UTA, the support he’s received from its nationally recognized Military and Veteran Services office, and why he’s stepping up to be part of the solution to Texas’ ongoing teacher shortage.
What drew you to UTA?
I was drawn to its multifaceted student body, which included a large veteran population and many individuals from communities like the one I grew up in. I looked at a bunch of schools in Texas, and I didn’t know what to expect. All of them were great options but when I got the acceptance letter from UTA, it made me feel like I had value—like I belonged.
How has your experience been at UTA?
It’s been great. I’m earning a bachelor’s in sociology, which is a subject I fell in love with after taking a few classes, especially one taught by Dr. Beth Shelton. This degree really complements my education certificate, too—it’s all about young folks and how to help them. The Military and Veteran Services office has been fantastic too, but it goes beyond just veterans. Everyone’s here for the same reason—to get an education. And UTA supports every student, not just veterans.
How did you develop a passion for education?
It has really built over time. My parents always emphasized the importance of education. My oldest brother is an agricultural engineer in Mexico, and I always admired how he carried himself and valued education. My wife has also been very influential in pushing me, telling me I had too much potential not to use it.
What do you hope to do beyond teaching elementary school?
Eventually, I’d like to get involved with education policy. I want to help remove barriers— especially for families like mine growing up. I was born in a small town of Mexico—Rodeo, Durango—and we moved to Oak Cliff when I was 4 years old. There were a lot of low-income families and not a lot of direction when it came to college. So I want to be a resource for parents who want to help their kids succeed but don’t know how.
Looking back on your service, what does it mean to you as the Army celebrates 250 years?
Everything I have—family, friends—I attribute to my service. Without it, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. The Army is 250 years old—that’s incredible; that’s a long time. Every branch matters, but the one you serve in is always the best in your heart. Go Army!
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.