Meet Erkenis White – YES Prep Southeast 

Years at YES Prep: This is Mr. White's 3rd year.   

Current Courses Taught: IRC/English 3 

Courses Taught Previously: IRC/English 3 Course Facilitator

Additional Roles: Course facilitator 

Designation: Level IV teacher  

We’re thrilled to highlight Erkenis White, an outstanding educator at YES Prep Southeast who is shaping students’ lives with dedication and authenticity. With a Level IV distinction, Erkenis exemplifies excellence in teaching and mentorship. 

Driven by Authenticity and Connection 

Erkenis credits his success to building genuine connections with his students. “One tactic that I have used to become a great teacher is simply being my true authentic self and building a strong foundation from the start! Students are very good at picking up on whether their teacher is authentic or not!” he shares. Erkenis believes that establishing trust allows students to engage and thrive in the classroom. 

Top-Performing Results and Leadership 

Since joining YES Prep, Erkenis has consistently led his students to success. In his first two years at YES Prep Fifth Ward, 97% of his students earned a qualifying AP score of 3 or higher—the highest in the district. His students also ranked #1 in the district for the 23-24 school year in common assessments, surpassing district goals with an impressive score of 86%. Beyond his classroom, Erkenis has taken on a leadership role, mentoring fellow English 3 teachers as a district leader and supporting colleagues during the 2024-25 school year. 

Inspired by a Legacy of Educators 

Erkenis’ journey into education was inspired by his family and a chance encounter with YES Prep representatives at Texas Southern University. “I come from a line of educators! My grandma was a special education teacher for 30 years, and my mom has been in childcare since she was 16 years old.” This legacy, combined with his passion, led Erkenis to join YES Prep after graduation, where he thanks Mr. Tony Castillo for giving him his start. 

A Special Place to Teach 

For Erkenis, YES Prep’s commitment to student growth makes it a standout place to teach. “YES is the place to teach because students need those teachers that will not give up on them and simply push them to be the best versions of themselves!” he reflects. His bond with his students is built on shared experiences, celebrations and resilience—an impact that endures beyond the classroom. 

This spotlight is part of our ongoing series celebrating YES Prep teachers with TIA designations and Level IV distinction. Stay tuned for more stories of inspiring educators who are shaping futures every day! 

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Learn More About the Teacher Incentive Allotment at YES Prep  

For those interested in learning more about the TIA program and teacher development at YES Prep, additional information can be found on our website:  

- TIA @ YES Prep 

- Teacher Development and Evaluation at YES Prep