Longhorns in Residence is UT Austin’s first teacher residency program, designed to prepare teachers through a year-long, immersive placement in local elementary schools. Residents work alongside established mentors while learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience. They will complete the course not just with a certificate, but also a deep, practical understanding of the modern classroom. National research shows that teachers from programs like Longhorns in Residence enter the school system better prepared and more likely to stay—two outcomes Pan cares deeply about.

"I wholeheartedly believe in public education as a right for everyone," Pan says. "I want to elevate our teachers as the professionals they are and as vital members of our society."

Pan’s journey to the classroom began almost by accident. As an English major at UT Austin, she was curious about teaching and met with a College of Education advisor about earning a teaching certificate. That decision led to a student teaching placement at O. Henry Middle School in Austin ISD, where she discovered a passion for education that would shape her career.

After earning her B.A. in English with honors, Pan spent three years teaching English Language Arts at Barbara Bush Middle School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where she earned Teacher of the Year recognition. She continued her career with roles in educational publishing and professional development in New York City before returning to the classroom to teach reading.

Her professional path includes work as a literacy specialist for Scholastic Education, as a mentor for early-career teachers in the Texas Education START program, and as a mentor coach in the Texas Education THRIVE initiative. Along the way, she earned her Master of Education in Language and Literacy Studies from UT Austin, further cementing her connection to the university and the city she calls home.

When asked about her teaching style, Pan’s answer comes quickly: It’s all about helping each other. "My strength is in building relationships, so my teaching style reflects that strength," she explains. "I focus on building a community with a goal that this is a forever teacher support system."

That sense of community provides the foundation for tackling the challenges of teaching head-on. In her courses, future educators learn how to plan, deliver, and reflect openly on their lesson plans. This often includes critique, but it’s always with the aim of growth. "It’s a very personal experience to plan a lesson, have someone observe the lesson, and then reflect and receive honest feedback," Pan says. "That feedback can feel critical, but it’s not as part of the learning process for developing strong educators."

Her past role as mentor and coordinator   was anything but a desk job. On any given weekday, Pan might have been in the classroom running a group lesson so a teacher could observe, sitting in on a Professional Learning Community meeting to offer ideas for meaningful activities or delivering a bag of water bottles, candy and gift cards to give teachers a morale boost. 

"Jen has been very impactful in not only my life but in my students’ lives," one mentee said. "They look forward to seeing her, and I get to watch her teach and learn from her."

Others credit Pan with helping them self-reflect, manage anxiety and keep a positive outlook—especially during the COVID pandemic. "As a new teacher, I really feel like we didn’t get to see what most new teachers get to see," one of her mentees explained. "Jen and the START program [were] instrumental in helping me maintain that love for teaching amidst obstacles."

Colleagues praise the same qualities. "Jen is one of the best instructional coaches I’ve seen. She leads with curiosity and care, helping those she supports grow their skills and their confidence in teaching," said LeAnne Hernandez, Director of Texas Education START and Texas Education THRIVE.