UT Elementary School continues to serve as a model for school-based social work, offering one of the most sought-after Master of Social Work (MSW) internship placements in Texas. The program owes its strength and reputation to the leadership of Andrea Menchaca, LMSW, and the foundational work of Kathy Armenta, LCSW, ACSW.
Armenta, a retired clinical professor from the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, has been involved with UT Elementary since its inception. She served on the school management board and played a key role in designing a comprehensive school social work program that supports not only students and families but also future social workers.
“What we are doing here is trying to develop an internship program that demonstrates for other educational settings throughout the state of Texas how best to train the next wave of school social workers,” Armenta said.
Armenta, a strong advocate of social work services in schools, provided consultation and guidance on the scope of the role and goals for the program. Menchaca, whose role now includes both direct services to students and oversight of the intensive internship program, has been working towards bringing those goals to fruition. Interns receive training in individual counseling, targeted interventions and group-based services that promote students’ emotional and behavioral well-being.
Armenta remains deeply involved, meeting with interns each semester to offer mentorship, answer questions and share real-life insights from her career. She is widely recognized as a trusted advisor and valued resource.
“Students are often lined up to get this internship. It’s competitive,” Armenta said. “There is a huge list of places you can go for internships, but the UT students know about this place. They understand the direct university connection plus the support.”
Menchaca ensures each intern’s experience is customized to their professional goals, creating a supportive learning environment that blends practice with policy. She has brought in mental health leaders from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, and organized alumni panels featuring former interns now working as school social workers.
Ariana Cruz, an MSW intern from the University of Texas in her final placement, chose UT Elementary because of its research-based approach. “It is OK to try different things for each student and to have flexibility to cater to each student’s needs,” Cruz said.
Kimberly San Juan, a first-year MSW student at Texas State University and an Austin native, said her internship has taught her the importance of collaboration. One key takeaway came from Armenta herself: “Everyone is the client — not just the kids.”
As the interns approach graduation, both Menchaca and Armenta provide guidance on licensure, clinical supervision and job placement.
“We are very fortunate to have Kathy Armenta for consultation, introductions and mentorship,” Menchaca said.
Under Menchaca’s leadership and with Armenta’s ongoing consultation, UT Elementary’s internship program stands as a model for how schools and universities can work together to train the next generation of school social workers while addressing the needs of their communities.
