At YES Prep, the journey to becoming an exceptional educator begins with Teaching Excellence (TE)—our in-house alternative certification program designed to transform aspiring teachers into highly effective classroom leaders. This January, we proudly celebrated a new cohort of teachers who have successfully earned their Intern and Standard Certificates, marking a significant milestone in their careers and reinforcing YES Prep’s commitment to excellence in education. 

Developing High-Impact Educators 

For over twenty years, Teaching Excellence has provided first-year teachers with the coaching, mentorship, and professional development needed to accelerate their effectiveness in the classroom. The program offers: 

✅ Induction Training – A three-week summer intensive to prepare teachers for the first day of school. 

✅ 1:1 Coaching & Mentorship – Direct support from experienced instructional coaches and mentor teachers. 

✅ Ongoing Professional Development – Asynchronous coursework, in-person training, and quarterly Teacher Development Saturdays. 

✅ Certification Pathway Support – Guidance through certification exams and field-based experiences to meet state requirements. 

By investing in new educators from the start, YES Prep ensures that students receive high-quality instruction from well-prepared teachers who are equipped to make an impact from day one. 

Recognizing the January 2025 Certified Teachers 

This cohort represents a diverse group of educators committed to shaping the future of YES Prep students. Through their dedication and hard work, they have fulfilled pre-service requirements and are now leading classrooms across our campuses. 

Intern Certificates – January 2025 

These teachers have met the initial certification requirements and are actively developing their craft with continued support from the Teaching Excellence program. 

• Alejandra Alvarez (SpEd EC-12, Northside Secondary) 

• Gabriel Arzate (Art EC-12, Brays Oaks Secondary) 

• Cristian Contreras (SpEd EC-12, North Forest Secondary) 

• Arushi Dheer (Science 4-8, Northline Secondary) 

• Scarlett Gutierrez (Science 4-8, North Central Secondary) 

• Giselle Heredia (PE EC-12, Hobby Secondary) 

• Molly Harris (Dance 6-12, North Forest Secondary) 

• Lissett Montalvo (ELAR 7-12, East End Secondary) 

• Diego Ramirez (Tech Apps EC-12, Hobby Secondary) 

• Yadhira Ramirez (LOTE Spanish EC-12, Southeast Secondary) 

• Brenda Rivas (ELAR 7-12, East End Secondary) 

• Jasmine Rivera (SpEd EC-12, Northside Secondary) 

• Charity Sanders (Science 4-8, White Oak Secondary) 

• John Velasquez (SS 7-12, West Secondary) 

• DeMarcus Woodley (SpEd EC-12, Northwest Secondary) 

Standard Certificates – January 2025 

These teachers have successfully completed all certification requirements and are now fully certified educators at YES Prep. 

• Thomas Brewer (ELAR 7-12, Gulfton) 

• Sammone Daviss (SpEd EC-12, North Forest Elementary) 

• Sehar Javeed (Core Subjects EC-6, North Central Elementary) 

• Noemi Madrid (ELAR 7-12, Southwest Secondary) 

• Krista May (ELAR 4-8, Gulfton) 

• Steven Nathan (PE EC-12, Fifth Ward Secondary) 

• Cindy Orellana (SpEd EC-12 & Core EC-6, Southside Elementary) 

• Amy Portillo (ELAR 4-8, Northwest Secondary) 

• Adrian Regalado (ELAR 7-12, Southeast Secondary) 

• Chantelle Smith (SpEd EC-12 & Early Childhood EC-3, Southeast Elementary) 

• Rafael Soto (Life Science 7-12, Northwest Secondary) 

• Armando Turrubiates (ELAR 7-12, Hobby Secondary) 

• Terrance Wicks (ELAR 7-12, Northline Secondary) 

• Andy Yanez (ELAR 7-12, Southeast Secondary) 

The Future of Teaching Excellence 

These teachers are not just stepping into classrooms—they are stepping into leadership roles that will shape the next generation of YES Prep students. Their success highlights the power of strong preparation, ongoing mentorship, and a commitment to excellence in teaching. 

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For more details on the program, visit YES Prep’s Teaching Excellence page. 

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Are you a passionate educator looking for your next opportunity in Houston? Join us for our Talent Tailgate at Saint Arnold Brewery on Saturday, March 22nd—a unique recruitment event where you can connect with our team in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy great conversations, refreshments, and the chance to learn more about how you can make an impact in the classroom. Whether you're an experienced teacher or just starting your journey in education, this is your opportunity to explore rewarding roles, ask questions, and see if our school community is the right fit for you. 

Bring your resume, your passion for teaching, and let’s chat about your future! RSVP HERE!