Teach For America Rio Grande Valley 2024-2025 Yearbook

2024-2025 YEARBOOK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE

03 A Note From Our Executive Director 04 Our 2030 Goal 05 About Us 06 Our Network 07 The Corps Experience 09 Alumni Leadership 11

Ignite Fellowship Program

13 Community Collaboration 15 Honor Roll 2025 17 Our Partners 18 Our Financials 19 Our Regional Advisory Board: 2025-2026

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Hello, It is with deep gratitude and excitement that I share Teach For America RGV’s 2024–2025 Yearbook—a celebration of the impact you have helped make possible. Much like a school yearbook, these pages capture the people, stories, and milestones that defined this year. As you read them, I hope you feel immense pride knowing that your generosity has been a driving force behind every success we’ve achieved.

Because of you, more than 75 corps members and 220 alumni have taught, lead, and advocated for students across our community. Together, we are working toward our bold 2030 goal: to double the number of students in our impact districts who graduate high school college and career ready. This year, we have continued to recruit exceptional talent and support alumni leading in education and missionaligned roles, all in pursuit of expanding opportunities for students throughout the Valley.

Our community initiatives, including our first ever Youth Panel, Cafecito and Conversations, Community of Learning, and Mindful Educator Summit have continued to be an anchor for our network when it comes to gathering in support of our mission.

As we step into Teach For America Rio Grande Valley’s 35th anniversary year, I am humbled by the progress we have made together and energized by the work still ahead. Your partnership has shaped what’s possible for thousands of students over the past three and a half decades, and it will continue to light the path forward for generations to come.

Thank you for believing in our work and in the limitless potential of every child. I am inspired by all that we have accomplished together and even more excited about the bold future we are building side-by-side, as we enter this milestone year.

Juntos podemos más,

Ana D. González Executive Director Teach For America Rio Grande Valley

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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 More or Visit bit.ly/tfa-rgv-spotlights

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

Key Impact Indicators 1. Talent Leadership Pipeline

“

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.

2. Teacher Efficacy 3. Coalition Building

Impact Districts

Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/our-2030-goal

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ABOUT US 2024-2025 School Year

In the Rio Grande Valley, more than 470 Teach For America corps members, Ignite Fellows, and alumni leaders are driving change for students—whether in classrooms, on campuses, or in the community.

We recruit and prepare mission-driven individuals from all academic disciplines, professions, and backgrounds and equip them with the skills to inspire and empower every student they serve. Our 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+ 8,500+ 5

Students Impacted in Corps Member Classrooms Each Day

Students Impacted in Alumni Classrooms Each Day

476

Corps Members, Alumni, and Ignite Fellows

372 Students Impacted in Ignite Fellow Tutoring Sessions

OUR NETWORK 2024-2025 School Year

Our Corps

78

72%

Our Alumni

220

2024-2025 Corps Members

First Generation College Graduate

Total Alumni

89%

80%

Come From a Low-income Background

Come From the Valley

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Our Ignite Fellows

Campus Leaders

186 Ignite Fellows

75%

Of Alumni Continue to Work in Education After Their Time in the Corps

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School Systems Leaders

372

Students Taught

by Ignite Fellows

Learn about the impact that is possible when our teachers build trusting relationships and support student learning.

Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/tfargv-supporting-students

Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/tfargv-empower-students

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THE

CORPS

EXPERIENCE 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%

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98.7%

of CMs feel like they are building important skills 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.

97.3%

96%

of CMS feel they are effectively contributing to the effort of ensuring all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.

of CMs report working in partnership with families and community members.

Joining Teach For America was one of the easiest decisions Joining Teach For America was one of theI’ve easiestever decisionsmade.

I’ve ever made.

After working at the federal level, I realized that while policy work creates impact, it often feels distant. I wanted something more personal—something I could see grow and be part of every day. Teaching was the right fit and the way I could build the legacy I want to leave behind.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that connection matters more than instruction. Anyone can plan a lesson, but without building strong relationships, there is no real impact. My students don’t care how much I know until they know how much I care—and when they feel that, they rise to meet 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

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ALUMNI

LEADERSHIP

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

Teach For America Alumni Teachers

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Teach For America Alumni Principals

5

Teach For America Alumni School Systems Leaders

“Our alumni network ripples through generations.”

“Our alumni leaders grow as not only teachers but also educational leaders.”

Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/tfargv-paying-it-forward

Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/tfargv-growing-leaders

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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%

186

Ignite Fellows

372

Students Taught

by Ignite Fellows

8,960

Hours of additional learning provided during the ‘24-’25 school year

100%

of Ignite Fellows felt like they of Ignite Site Leaders (veteran contributed to student learning teachers) said Fellows (tutors) had and built positive relationships a positive impact on student with their students. learning AND sense of belonging.

What is it like for our Ignite Fellows and students to work together?

Learn more from Kayla and Sophia's story.

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Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/tfargv-ignite-tutors

Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/tfargv-ignite-learners

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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 towards its goal of celebrating educators, providing resources for sustainability, and ultimately retaining our top local educators. We also continued our Cafecito and Conversation convenings and look forward to many more community spaces during this current school year. It takes all of us having a shared vision and understanding of what it will take to reach our 2030 goal.

Check out a recap of the Youth Panel's top insights.

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Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/youth-panel-recap

COLLABORATION Partner Districts

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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.

Educational Champion

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Institutional Catalyst

Alumni Leadership

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OUR PARTNERS $100,000+

H-E-B (multi-region support) The Meadows Foundation (multi-region support) Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation Texas Education Agency Texas Mutual Insurance

$25,000 - $99,999

OneStar Foundation Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation Wells Fargo

$10,000-$24,999

Brownsville Foundation For Health And Education John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation Knapp Community Care Foundation PNC Bank RGV College South Texas Health System The Peter Jennings Foundation

$5,000-$9,999 Ana D. and Gilberto González American Electric Power Foundation Bank of America Chorizo de San Manuel Clark Motors Frost Bank Higginbotham James W. and Kathleen C. Collins Magic Valley Electric Cooperative Rhodes Enterprises Serafy Foundation Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies Vantage Bank Texas

$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

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$1,000-$4,999

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).

Bonnie and Nick Gonzalez Bronson del Rio and Martha Benavides Chick-fil-A Boca Chica & Mercedes City of Pharr Compassionate Care Services Con Cariño Primary Home Care Cornerstone Regional Hospital Daniel Clark David Esquivel David L. Fuentes and Yvonne Ortegon DHR Health Dora and Joe Brown Educate Texas Edwards Abstract & Title Company Ethos Engineering First Community Bank Heart Mind Money Foundation Hershal and Priyanka Patel HKC Law Firm IMAGE First Independent Insurance Agents of the Rio Grande Valley International Bank of Commerce JoAnn and Juan Gama Jordan and Mark Lewis Juan Carranza Juan Serrato Kathryn Andresen Kirby Real Estate Team Leah Wise Law Firm Lesley Chavez and Bernardo Gomez Lone Star National Bank Marilyn and Dave Osborn Maureen Ciarolla McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos SOTC Fund Melden & Hunt Inc. Memorial Funeral Home Mireles Psychological Health Services Mission Economic Development Corporation Mission Regional Medical Center Noble Texas Builders North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley O'Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo Pharr Economic Development Corporation Region One Education Service Center RGVision Magazine Rio Bank Rio Grande Regional Hospital Rio Grande Valley Partnership Foundation Rios of Mercedes Boot Company Roberto Gaitan SafeGuard Insurance SantaPaula G. and José Luis Garcia Sharon Almaguer

$1,000-$4,999

Sixto Garza South Texas College South Texas Health System Clinics Starr County Industrial Foundation Telemundo 40 Texas A&M University Texas Digestive Specialists Texas Gas Service Texas Regional Bank The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Tipton Motors Titan Fuel Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement Valley International Airport Valley Regional Medical Center Walsh McGurk Cordova Nixon, PLLC Whataburger

$999-$250

Aaron Garcia and Jessica Macias Leroy Cadena Olivia and Chuck Gomez Paulina Gonzalez Aimee and Richard Jones Aron Thorn Arturo and Sharon Cavazos D. Wilson Construction Company David and Cynthia Stevens Eduardo Cantu Ellie Torres, Precinct 4 Commissioner Jacob and Leslie Hill Jesse Barba Jessica and James Hess Juan and Elizabeth Delgado Juan Padron and Adrienne Howell Kiwanis Club of McAllen Law Offices of Aurelio Garza Lisa Chapa Maritza R. and Dustin Luebbers MEG Engineers Natalie and Luke Basham Nolan and Sandy Perez Pablo and Sylvia Mejia Paul R. and Myrna H. Rodriguez Priscilla Noriega Ramiro Garza Rebeca and Daniel Lopez Robert and Rachel Carreon Robin Lillard Steven and Dawn Gering Victor and Mary Haddad

OUR FINANCIALS

School Partnerships

Fiscal Year 2025

June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025

Event

State (TEA & Americorps)

Individuals

Corp orat e

Expenses 26% Corps Member Recruitment, Selection, and Matriculation

Foundation

24% Corps Member Preparation, Training, and Ongoing Development 18% Ignite Fellowship

Revenue *

4% Alumni Career Services 5% Community & Innovation

1% Individuals

23% Management and Fundraising

8% Corporate 19% Foundation 41% State (TEA & AmeriCorps)

Management and Fundraising

Corps Member Recruitment, Selection, and Matriculation

21% School Partnerships 10% Event *Only local fundraising revenue is reflected in this report.

Community & Innovation

Corps Member Preparation, Training, and Ongoing Development

Ign ite

Fe llo ws hi p

ices Serv reer a C ni Alum

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FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

Hello, As I reflect on the past year at Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds this work. This year’s Yearbook is more than just a collection of stories and achievements—it is a celebration of the collective power we have to transform education and open doors for every student across our region.

Serving as board chair, I witness firsthand how the dedication of supporters like you fuels real change in classrooms and communities. The Valley is a region full of both opportunities and challenges, and while educational gaps remain, our progress shows that meaningful solutions are within reach when a community comes together with focus and heart.

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

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Our Regional Advisory Board 2025-2026

Deborah Cordova

Board Chair Partner, Walsh, McGurk, Cordova, and Nixon

Christian Corrales

Board Vice-Chair Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Rose Benavidez

Education Consultant

Daniel Clark

Robert Rosell

Partner, Clark Chevrolet/Clark-Knapp Honda

Vice President, Community Development Officer PNC Bank

Rebeca López

Director, RGV Focus Strategy, Educate Texas Communities Foundation of Texas

A. Raquel Limas

Board Vice-Chair Director of Operations, Con Cariño Primary Home Care

Marilyn Osborn

President, Starr County Industrial Foundation

Juan Loya

Daniel Silva

President South Texas Vo-Tech, Brownsville

RGV Market Executive PNC Bank

Our Friends of the Board 2025-2026

Julian Alvarez III

Senior VP and Director of Business Development, Lone Star National Bank

Gina Garcia

Chief Operating Officer, MDG Investments, LLC

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Thank you for making the 2024–2025 school year extraordinary! Your partnership with Teach For America Rio Grande Valley has been essential to recruiting, developing, and empowering the corps members and alumni who are driving meaningful, lasting change in public education across our community.

As we move into the year ahead, we are committed to bringing exceptional talent to Valley classrooms and strengthening our support for a growing alumni network that is expanding opportunities for every student in our region. Enjoy your time viewing our video spotlights linked in the report. One final highlight shares the huge dreams students like Jazmin and Stephanie have for the future.

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.

Stay Connected With Us www.teachforamerica.org/rio-grande-valley Scan QR Code to Learn More or Visit bit.ly/tfa-rgv-empower-the-future

www.instagram.com/tfargv www.facebook.com/tfargv

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ONE DAY, all children will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.