Teach For America Houston: 2023-2024 Yearbook

2023-2024 Yearbook

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I am thrilled to present Teach For America Houston's 2023-2024 Yearbook. Yearbooks have always been a cherished reminder of the connections and moments that shaped a year. For me, they captured the joy of reflecting on a chapter filled with growth and memories. As you explore the pages of this yearbook, I hope you feel pride and excitement, knowing that your support was instrumental in the success we’ve achieved this year. If you’re reading this, it’s because your contributions played a vital role in ensuring TFA Houston continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact on our students. Thank you.

Within these pages, you’ll find stories and data that showcase the extraordinary progress we've made, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our TFA community. Our greatest achievement remains ensuring a high-quality education for students in underresourced schools. With the strength of our team – over 230 corps members and over 1,800 alumni in the region – we are making real change happen.

In Houston, our bold goal is to double the number of students in our impact districts who meet important academic benchmarks in 3rd grade reading and 8th grade math. To get there, we’re recruiting top-tier talent, supporting alumni who continue to lead in education, and extending learning through our Ignite program.

The collective power of this community is what fuels our progress and sets our students on a path of endless possibility. Houston is stronger together, and I am deeply humbled to be part of this movement. I invite you to continue supporting and celebrating with us as we shape the future, together.

Yours in the movement!

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Tiffany Cuellar Needham Executive Director Teach For America Houston

By 2030, twice as many children in communities where we work will reach key educational milestones, indicating that they are on a path to economic mobility and co-creating a future filled with possibility.

Recruit Teachers and Leaders Develop Teachers and Leaders Retain Teachers and Leaders

Build knowledge of evidence-based teaching practices Build knowledge of new school models improving student outcomes Build on school day learning with high-dosage tutoring

Build authentic partnerships Collaborate to increase exceptional, diverse, and equity-oriented talent Collaborate to expand evidence-based teacher efficacy practices

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Teach For America Houston (TFA) is a leadership development organization that recruits the top talent our city needs to tackle the education crisis head-on. We find and develop exceptional leaders to teach in high-need classrooms across our city and support them throughout their career journey as education champions.

Our corps members and alumni commit to creating opportunities for the next generation so all children can lead, learn, and contribute to a thriving Houston.

Corps Members, Alumni, and Ignite Fellows

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Students Impacted in TFA Teacher Classrooms Each Day

OUR CORPS OUR ALUMNI

232 32%

~20,000 93%

Students 2023-2024 Of Corps Members Who taught by Corps Taught STEM Corps Members Members

From underrepresented backgrounds

1,800+ 130+ Alumni Across Houston

School and School Systems Leaders

~70%

Of alumni continue to work in education after their time in the corps

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At Teach For America Houston, we know our corps members (CM) move on to become policy and changemakers in many fields on a local and national level and that begins with their experience in the classroom.

We deeply value the corps member experience inside and outside the classroom. Throughout the year, corps members enjoy social events, receive professional development aligned to their interests, and have the opportunity to meet education leaders across Houston.

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Of CMs feel like they are building important skills to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education

Of CMs report they are effectively contributing to the effort to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education

Of CMs are committed to working, now, and in the future, to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education

Of CMs report working in partnership with families and community members

Growing up in a low-income community, I saw firsthand the struggles students face when resources are scarce. One summer, my high school needed a tutor for summer school, offering me volunteer hours in exchange. I spent over 240 hours helping classmates, and it was the best decision I ever made. Watching students grasp challenging concepts ignited my passion for teaching, a passion that led me to UCLA and eventually to Teach For America.

While at UCLA, I met TFA ambassadors who shared the organization’s mission to help students from underserved backgrounds. It reminded me of the pride I felt helping my classmates graduate, and I knew I wanted to make a difference in the same way.

One of my biggest surprises as a teacher was learning that teaching is more about classroom management than instruction. I started teaching ESL students, though I didn’t speak Spanish. The bond we built as I learned their language and they learned Biology created a mutual respect that transformed the classroom environment. By the end of the year, the Biology pass rate tripled.

These experiences taught me that education is about more than lessons; it’s about connection, understanding, and helping students see the potential within themselves.

Hung Kuang (Alex) Chui

TFA Houston ‘22 High School ESL Biology Sam Houston MSTC High School 8

Inspired by the passion of their students, many Teach For America alumni continue their purpose-driven careers by teaching in high-need schools beyond their two-year commitments.

Others pursue impactful positions within the various sectors that work to break down inequities and co-create positive change for children and their communities. Together, our alumni share a lifelong commitment to expanding access and opportunity for all children.

Teach For America Alumni Teachers

Teach For America Alumni Principals & Assistant Principals

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Teach For America Alumni School Systems Leaders

Teach For America Alumni Elected Officials Shaping Policy Across Houston

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ertson (‘23) ndria Ror b Ke’ShuNe the Year w Teache of SD

Narda Tor res (‘17) 2023 Kind e Teaching A

Taylor Glass ('22)

New Teacher of the Year Shearn Elementary Sc hool, HISD

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r Excellenc e in ward Winn er!

Young Elemen

'23) disone(ar a M r e Somm eacher of the Y New T l, HISD h Schoo Furr Hig

tary School, HI

Sarah Honore (‘04) 2023 Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award Winner !

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Our second annual Ignite Potential Luncheon, chaired by Sangita and Colin Pogge (TFA alum and board member), was a powerful gathering that showcased the heart and strength of our community.

We united with our dedicated partners and supporters to reflect on the growing impact of Teach For America Houston. We proudly celebrated Janet Clark for her outstanding contributions to education and welcomed Rice University President, Reginald DesRoches as our keynote speaker. His thoughtprovoking message on the power of education, from his personal experience and working alongside Teach For America, inspired attendees.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this event unforgettable, filled with stories of collaboration, celebration, and inspiration. With over 260 attendees, each united by a shared commitment to the transformative power of education, we raised over $438,000 to fuel our mission.

The day stood as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together and reaffirmed our collective determination to build a brighter future for students across our community.

Save the Date: This year’s Ignite Potential Luncheon: Inspiring Excellence is on February 19, 2025.

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Teach For America Houston is deeply grateful for the support of the following individuals, corporations, and foundations that contributed $250+ to our efforts in our most recent fiscal year (June 1, 2023-May 31, 2024). $100,000+

H-E-B (multi-region support) Kinder Foundation MD Anderson Foundation OneStar Foundation Samuels Family Foundation Texas Education Agency The Brown Foundation The Meadows Foundation (multi-region support)

$25,000 - $99,999

Asha and Farid Virani C.T. Bauer Foundation CFP Foundation ConocoPhillips Cynthia and Ben Guill EOG Resources Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Janet F. Clark John P. McGovern Foundation Rockwell Fund, Inc. Sarah and Doug Foshee Vivian L. Smith Foundation

$10,000-$24,999

Centerpoint Energy Chinhui and Edward R. Allen, III Claire and Joe Greenberg Etoile Acad Charter School - Hornwood Florence Langford George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation GRITS Foundation Jarrett Whitaker Jeri and Marc Shapiro Lisa and Will Mathis Maconda and Sacha Abinader Melbern G. and Susanne M. Glasscock Foundation Sangita and Colin Pogge The Clayton Fund, Inc. The Hevrdejs Foundation The Tapeats Fund Virginia A Clark

$5,000-$9,999

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Jennifer and Gregg Costa Andrea Alexander Annie and Bob Graham Carla Knobloch George Hagle J Squared Family Foundation Jenny and Chris Johnson Josephine and Richard Smith Karen and Larry George

$5,000-$9,999

Katherine Reid Kathy and Brian Reid Katy and Michael Casey Kimberly J. Sterling Lori and Robert Sherman Mike & Rhonda Stewart Molly and Jim Crownover Nancy O'Connor Paige and George Hagle Posey-Glickert Foundation Scurlock Foundation Shawn L. Raymond Sis and Hasty Johnson The Mendelsohn Family Fund The Willard and Ruth Johnson Charitable Foundation Tommy Inglesby and Rebecca Seidl-Inglesby

$1,000-$4,999

Adam Carlis Adriana and Eduardo Nunez Aig Inc. Anna Charlton Barbara Jenkins Gibbs Caitlin and Ryan Pickard Calpine Corporation Cathy and Joe Cleary Celestine Vettical Deborah Cannon Emily and David Sheeren Evans Family Giving Fund Harry S. and Isabel C. Cameron Foundation Jeffrey and Margaret Tucker Kate and Malcolm Hawk Kathleen and Robert L. Clarke Kathryn and Richard Rabinow Kristen Harrison-Habich and Bob Weylandt Liz and Steve Bender Mark Ware Michael Cancienne Miguel Bolio Morgan and Christopher Hollins Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Griffiths Mr. Suhail A. Sikhtian Nancy Manderson Nicole Soussan Paula and Reginald DesRoches R Hewitt Pate Robert H. Blocker Robin and Lela Gibbs Sandy and Chris Domingo Sue and Ron Pogge Susan and Barrett Reasoner Suzanne and Robert Nimocks Sylvanus Polky Tiffany and Paul Needham Toby Reiff

$999-$250 Aaron Miller Realty Abenaa Brewster and Dr. Robert Satcher, Jr. Agatha and Gus Brann Alexandra Callan Allison Chavez Allison Connally Anne and Les Csorba Anne Caroline Fant Anne-lise and Ryan Fishman Ashley Horstman Barbara Clark Becky Gorham Bernadett and Scott Peak Burke Butler Caroline Stickell Cathryn and Doug Selman Charlie Schwartzel Christine Markham Clare and Jim Doyle Doreen and Jon P Fjeld-Hansen Elizabeth H Crowell Elizabeth John Erica and Mark DiBella James Hernandez Jason and Priya James Jennifer Del Tatto Jenny and Jim Elkins Family Fund Jill L. Hoogendyk Julia Guez and Elizabeth Ballard Julie and Logan Browning Karol and Daniel Musher Kasia and David McCormick Kate DeLoache Lenox and John Reed Lori Geiger Louie Layrisson Mary Beth Gracy Mary Kay Casey Matthew Winger Megan Joseph Michele and Brian Herod Mr. & Mrs. Derek Hollingsworth Mr. & Mrs. William Gregory Mrs. Nancy P. Thompson Ms. Tarah Burris Nikki and Alex Kamkar Patrick Callahan Phoebe and Bobby Tudor Prathap Joseph Ryan Malphurs Selma and Kyle Lawrence Sharon Chen Sherene Flemmings Shibani Shinde Patil Susan K. Sclafani Tatianna Yale Walter A Baker Whitney Hill Yini and Dane Collette

School Partnerships

eon Lunch

State (TEA & Americorps)

Corp orat e

Individuals

Foundation

Revenue * 1% Individuals 6% Corporate 26% Foundation 43% State (TEA & AmeriCorps) 16% School Partnerships 8% Luncheon *Only local fundraising revenue is reflected in this report.

Management, General, & Fundraising Recruitment and Selection Community Programming

Expenses

s rvice ort Se p p u ni S Alum

37% Recruitment and Selection 31% Pre-Service and Ongoing Training 6% Alumni Support Services

Pre-Service and Ongoing Training

3% Community Programming 23% Management, General, & Fundraising

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Ben Samuels

We hope you enjoy this yearbook which reflects the remarkable progress we’ve made together. Each milestone we’ve reached this year is a testament to the collective commitment we share to ensure every child across Houston has access to an excellent education, regardless of their zip code or background.

We, the board chairs of TFA Houston, have chosen to dedicate our time to TFA and its mission because we strongly believe that education is the linchpin of all our efforts towards progress and growth in the region.

Houston is a unique place, rich in culture and potential. It is also a city that faces significant challenges, especially in education. Yet, when we look at the progress we’ve made over the past year, we are filled with immense pride. We are not just addressing those challenges; we are reshaping the narrative for what is possible for our students. This is because of you—our supporters, donors, educators, and community partners—who continue to invest in the future of our children.

The strength of our community is our greatest asset. It is the force that drives us forward and fuels the dreams of the next generation. As we continue this journey, we are confident that, together, we will continue to empower our students to achieve great things.

On behalf of the Teach For America Houston Board thank you for your partnership, your investment in us, and your belief in the future we are building together. We look forward to all we will accomplish in the year to come, together.

In partnership,

Ben Samuels & Farid Virani Regional Advisory Board Chairs Teach For America Houston 17

Board Co-Chair Director, Samuels Family Foundation Community Leader Former CEO, Victory Packaging

Farid Virani

Board Co-Chair Founder & CEO Prime Communications

Josephine Smith

Founding Board Chair Community Leader, Former Educator

Sacha Abinader

Managing Director, Accenture

Andrea Alexander

Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Office, Coterra

Deborah Cannon

Former President & CEO, Houston Zoo

Gregg Costa

Partner, Co-Chair of the Global Trial Practice Group Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, LLP

Paula DesRoches

Healthcare Consultant and Nurse Practitioner, Houston Methodist Associate, Rice University

James Hernandez

Of Counsel, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Tommy Inglesby

Managing Director, Accenture

Chris Johnson

Managing Member, Johnson & Lindley, LLC

Caitlin Pickard

Vice President, Investment Management Division, Goldman Sachs & Co.

Colin Pogge

Shareholder, Daly & Black

Dr. Robert Satcher

Faculty Physician, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Doug Selman

Community Leader Former Vice President, Research and Development ExxonMobil Chemical Company

Lori Sherman

Former President, Sun Coast Resources, Inc.

Thank you for making the 2023-2024 school year one to remember! Your support of Teach For America Houston has been instrumental in our ability to recruit, develop, and empower corps members and alumni who are driving lasting change in public education across our community. As we look towards the next year, we remain focused on attracting top talent to our region while deepening our support for a growing alumni network that is dedicated to expanding opportunities for all students in our city.

We can do more together than we could ever do alone. We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership in our essential work!

Stay Connected With Us www.teachforamerica.org/houston

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