2024-2025 YEARBOOK
E T A B L E
Executive Director
ence
Program p
boration isory Board: 2025-2026
Hello,
Ana D. González
Executive Director
Teach For America Rio Grande Valley
P.S. Once again, check out some video spotlights about the incredible work happening at Teach For America RGV and in our community. Scan QR Code to Learn
By 2030, twice as many students in our Rio Grande Valley Impact Districts will achieve college and career readiness success, indicating that they are on a path to economic mobility and a future filled with possibility.
OUR 2030 GOAL
Our community wants our students to have choices and options post-high school that prepare them to be competitive and earn a livable wage in the career of their choice.
ABOUT US
2024-2025SchoolYear
p y y corps members, alumni, and Ignite Fellows (tutors) work hand-in-hand to expand opportunities, ensuring all children across the Valley have the chance to learn, lead, and thrive.
~6,600+
Students Impacted in Corps Member Classrooms Each Day
476
Corps Members, Alumni, and Ignite Fellows
8,500+
Students Impacted in Alumni Classrooms Each Day
372
Students Impacted in Ignite Fellow Tutoring Sessions
EXPERIENCE THE CORPS
At Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, many of our corps members (CMs) go on to become changemakers across a wide range of fields—both locally and nationally—and it all starts with their time in the classroom.
Their experiences, inside and beyond those four walls, shape their journey. That’s why we prioritize comprehensive supports and services that help them thrive. Throughout the year, corps members participate in engaging social events, access professional development tailored to their interests, and connect with education leaders from across the Valley.
98.7%
of CMs feel like they are building important skills to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.
97.3%
of CMS feel they are effectively contributing to the effort of ensuring all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.
98.7%
of CMs are committed to working, now, and in the future, to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.
96%
of CMs report working in partnership with families and community members.
Joining Teach For America was
one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made.
Joining Teach For America was one of the easiest decis
After working at the federal level, I realized that while impact, it often feels distant. I wanted something more p could see grow and be part of every day. Teaching was way I could build the legacy I want to leave behind.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that more than instruction. Anyone can plan a lesson, but wit relationships, there is no real impact. My students don’t c until they know how much I care and when they feel th high expectations.
A moment I’ll never forget came when my very first group of students, the class of 2025, returned before graduation to thank me. Some had been labeled troublemakers, others top achievers—but all told me I had played a key role in their success.
This year, my AP Environmental Science students and I launched the E.A.R.T.H. Club, creating a legacy of sustainability, research, and discovery. For me, teaching is more than lessons—it’s about changing lives.
Patricia Danielle Hernandez Howard Rio Grande Valley ‘23 Biology, Pre-AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science at Donna North High School
LEADERSHIP ALUMNI
Teach For America Alumni Teachers
Driven by their classroom experience, many Teach For America alumni choose to continue teaching in high-need schools beyond their two-year commitment or step into leadership roles at every level within local school districts and systems. Others take on influential positions in sectors dedicated to advancing positive change for children and communities. No matter the path, our alumni share a lifelong commitment to expanding access and opportunity for all students.
100
“Ouralumninetworkripplesthrough generations.”
2
Teach For America Alumni Principals
Teach For America Alumni School Systems Leaders
5
“Our alumni leaders grow as not only teachers but also educational leaders.”
The Ignite Fellowship is a tutoring corps designed to expand the support we provide to students across the Valley. Since its launch, Ignite has helped students make significant progress in reading and math through personalized, high-impact tutoring. Fellows build strong relationships that accelerate learning and nurture a deeper sense of belonging in the classroom. We also partner with one district to provide mentors for 8th graders, helping them make informed decisions that set them on the path toward their college and career goals.
100%
of Ignite Fellows felt like they contributed to student learning and built positive relationships with their students.
100% of Ignite Site Leaders (veteran teachers) said Fellows (tutors) had a positive impact on student learning AND sense of belonging.
8,960
Ignite Fellows Students Taught by Ignite Fellows
COMMUNITY
We continued to evolve our Mindful about Education and Leadership Development (MELD) initiatives, creating spaces for educators, community members, and school partners to engage in meaningful conversations about the needs of their communities. Our MELD initiative provides opportunities for participants to address the most pressing challenges in education, while fostering collaboration and personal growth.
We are proud to have partnered with the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) to host a Youth Panel. Students shared their perspectives and experiences in making decisions about their future and the ways in which current systems were or were not assisting them in achieving their goals.
We continued our “Community of Learning” series focused on how to best attract, develop, and retain a newer generation of educators. Our Mindful Educator Summit continues to increase in attendance ources for sustainability, and ultimately retaining and Conversation convenings and look forward school year. It takes all of us having a shared r 2030 goal.
COLLABORATION Partner Districts
Our annual Honor Roll celebration was a vibrant reflection of the incredible spirit of our community. Together, with devoted partners, cherished friends, and steadfast supporters, we proudly recognized this year’s outstanding honorees: Educational Champion – Dr. Annabelle Palomo, Institutional Catalyst – Region One Education Service Center, and Alumni Leadership – Pablo Mejia (RGV ’99).
The evening brimmed with inspiring classroom stories, heartfelt tributes, and joyful moments. Every guest made a meaningful difference for our students. With 450 friends and supporters united by a shared belief in the life-changing power of education, we raised over $230,000. The night was a testament to the strength of our community, their unwavering commitment to our mission, and a powerful reminder of our dedication to building a brighter future through education.
EducationalChampion AlumniLeadership
InstitutionalCatalyst
OUR PARTNERS
$1,000-$4,999
Alonzo and Yolanda Cantu
Ambiance Flowers and Rentals
Ambrosio and Cristina Hernandez
Annabelle Palomo
Anne Mahle
Atlas, Hall, & Rodriguez, L.L.P.
Back Office Risk, Inc
Bert Ogden Auto Group
Bill and Margie Martin
Teach For America Rio Grande Valley 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, 2024-May 31, 2025).
OUR FINANCIALS
Fiscal Year 2025
June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025
Management and Fundraising
State (TEA & Americorps)
School Partnerships
Corps Member Recruitment, Selection, and Matriculation
Corps Member Preparation, Training, and Ongoing Development
FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
What stands out most to us is the unwavering commitment that defines our network—corps members, alumni, educators, donors, and partners— who all share a vision for a future where every child thrives. This shared belief in possibility is what inspires us to keep pushing forward.
Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Your trust and support are the foundation of the work ahead, and we are excited to continue breaking new ground alongside you. Together, we are not only shaping outcomes—we are shaping the future of the Valley.
Deborah Cordova
Regional Advisory Board Chair, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley
Our Regional Advisory Board 2025-2026
DeborahCordova
Board Chair Partner, Walsh, McGurk, Cordova, and Nixon
ChristianCorrales
Board Vice-Chair
Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
A.RaquelLimas
Board Vice-Chair
Director of Operations, Con Cariño Primary Home Care
RoseBenavidez
President, Starr County Industrial Foundation
DanielClark Partner, Clark Chevrolet/Clark-Knapp Honda
RebecaLópez
Director, RGV Focus Strategy, Educate Texas Communities Foundation of Texas
JuanLoya RGV Market Executive PNC Bank
MarilynOsborn Education Consultant
RobertRosell Vice President, Community Development Officer PNC Bank
DanielSilva President South Texas Vo-Tech, Brownsville
Our Friends of the Board
traordinary! Your partnership with Teach For America oping, and empowering the corps members and alumni ation across our community.
bringing exceptional talent to Valley classrooms and hat is expanding opportunities for every student in our ked in the report. One final highlight shares the huge uture.
Together, we can achieve more than any of us could alone and we are deeply grateful for your continued trust, investment, and belief in this mission.
www.teachforamerica.org/ri
www.instagram.com/tfa
www.facebook.com/tfargv
ONE DAY, all children will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.