Increase student success with Texas College Bridge

“Jose Guerra demonstrates a strong and consistent commitment to supporting student success in both academic and personal growth. He intentionally builds positive relationships with students, creating a classroom environment where learners feel valued, respected, and motivated to perform at their best. Beyond the classroom, he makes himself available for tutoring, mentoring, and academic support, demonstrating his belief that student success extends beyond regular instructional time. He collaborates with colleagues, communicates effectively with families, and actively participates in campus initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes.”

– Caridad Salinas (Weslaco ISD)

“Ms. Cynthia Sanchez is very patient, and every time I need help, she is always there and makes it easier to understand. She also never makes me feel dumb when I don’t understand the question. My favorite teacher ever.”

– Maura Martinez (DPISD)

“Evelyn Torres (better known as Coach Torres for soccer) is a remarkable and very caring teacher who is willing to help others in need. Coach Torres is the head athletic coordinator at our school, and she is a dedicated/hardworking coach and teacher. She believes in advancing her students and making sure they are challenged and ready to perform both in the classroom and on the field. ”

– Melissa Noel (Fort Bend ISD)

“Elizabeth Adame Humbarger at San Marcos Excel Academy exemplifies the school’s mission to provide students with a quality education grounded in discipline, strong academics, and the development of positive social skills. She is deeply committed to supporting student success by creating a structured and engaging classroom environment where safety, respect, and responsibility are consistently practiced and reinforced. Through clear expectations, consistent routines, and meaningful relationships with her students, Ms. Humbarger demonstrates her dedication to both academic growth and character development. She takes the time to provide individualized support, encourages perseverance, and models respectful behavior, ensuring that every student feels valued and capable of achieving their goals. Her daily actions reflect a genuine commitment to helping students excel not only in their studies but also as responsible and respectful members of their school community.”

– Luis Ureste (San Marcos CISD)

“Ms. Tracy Adair works tirelessly to ensure that all of our students are college-ready in Math. She is there for any and all College Bridge Math questions and supports kids when they lose hope or momentum. Additionally, she is very organized, ensuring that she is proactive in identifying students and getting them registered in the program.”

– Nadine Mihalicz

“Brikena Haraqija is one of the best overall teachers in Lake Worth High School. Ms. Haraqija sees the potential in her students and helps them to succeed in school. She sees the worth in her students. She encourages her students to do better because she knows they can. She has helped me with college meetings and prepped me to help plan out the questions to ask them. She has even helped me look for colleges, whether it is a match, reach, or safety school.”

– Madison Martinez (Lake Worth ISD)

“Tonya Garcia has ensured that students are signed up and able to log in. She helped them get started on the diagnostic and explained why TCB will benefit them even if they might not go to college right after high school.”

– Kristina Roehrig (Hallsville ISD – Texas Virtual Academy)

“Ms. Michelle Barton demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting student success by fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment. She goes beyond traditional instruction by providing personalized guidance, offering extra help outside of class, and continuously adapting her teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of each student. Ms. Barton’s dedication is evident in her proactive communication with students and families, her ongoing professional development, and her genuine passion for inspiring growth and confidence in every learner. Her consistent efforts ensure that all students have the resources and encouragement necessary to achieve their full potential.”

– Jennifer Escamilla (Crandall ISD)

“It is with great pride that I support Mr. Fernando Caldera for the Texas College Bridge Teacher Recognition opportunity, as his strong student outcomes and consistent feedback from students, families, and colleagues reflect his deep commitment to student success. He delivers relevant, interdisciplinary learning experiences tailored to diverse needs while fostering academic growth, social-emotional development, and real-world application. Beyond the classroom, his leadership in PLCs, curriculum planning, data analysis, and advocacy for Texas College Bridge has positively impacted hundreds of students and strengthened college readiness across campus.”

– Joseph Cerna (Fort Sam Houston ISD)

“James Dunning works to keep students honest. If a student is struggling with their work, he doesn’t chastise; he helps and guides them. If a student is struggling to stay honest, he shows them how they can stay honest and how they can ask for help. He works with all of our graduating seniors to find their path to success without sacrificing their integrity.”

– Patrick Timmons (Irving ISD)

“Lisa Weber is THE expert on all things College Bridge! She is available every day to help students and has partnered with the English IV team to ensure students complete the course successfully. She works with all 1300 of our seniors this year and will ensure the majority of them successfully finish the class.”

– Diana Hood (Houston ISD)

“Jeanna Culp consistently goes above and beyond to support her students in completing the TCB English program, seamlessly integrating CollegeBridge into her curriculum so every capable student has the opportunity to succeed. She meets diverse learning needs through tiered support, dedicated Flex Time, targeted tutorials, and individualized guidance to keep students on track. Her proactive leadership and follow-through have measurably improved completion rates and strengthened students’ confidence as they transition to college-level expectations.

– Molly Morris (Greenwood ISD)

“Deserae Jenson dedicates her tutorial time to supporting students in the Texas College Bridge program. She is consistent, caring, and committed to helping students stay on track and do their very best. She truly understands how important this program is—not only for our students but also for our district’s success. Ms. Jenson takes initiative and communicates regularly with administration to make sure students are placed where they can get the most benefit. Whether that means bringing in students who need extra support or moving students who have completed the program, she ensures her time is focused on those who need her most. Her dedication makes a real difference!”

Sarah Deckard (Klein ISD)

“Brande Rollins is an exceptional TCB Math teacher who goes above and beyond to help her students succeed. She challenges her students to reach their full potential through engaging, hands-on math lessons that make learning meaningful and fun. Ms. Rollins is deeply committed to preparing her students for college, using the TCM curriculum to strengthen their skills and ensure they are ready for the TSI. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students truly make a lasting difference in their lives.”

– Kristen Lynch (Kerens ISD)

“Asma Best works tirelessly to ensure students can complete the math portion of College Bridge. She is available all day for students who need help, and she reaches out to those who are not working steadily. She is committed to all students finishing the course successfully!”

– Diana Hood (Houston ISD)

“Amanda Frazier demonstrates an exceptional commitment to our students’ success through her intentional approach to teaching Math skills and supporting every learner in her class! She is there to help make math both understandable and relevant, ensuring that students not only master the material but also gain confidence in their abilities. Her dedication helps students feel prepared and motivated for their next steps beyond high school.”

– Abby Ortega (Amarillo ISD)

“Daniel Ooi works hard in creating relevance and rigor in his TCB English class. He encourages his students, holds them accountable, and balances time online in TCB with real-world applications.”

– Margaret Hope (Abilene ISD)

“Coach Fernando Caldera is dedicated to ensuring that his students are college ready! He works hard to facilitate the students in Texas College Bridge. He goes above and beyond and brings in real-life applications to his classroom on a daily basis. He has a fabulous rapport with his students and has a way of knowing what each individual student needs to be successful in his class. Coach Caldera has made a lasting impact at our campus, and we are forever grateful for his dedication and hard work!”

– Morgan McIntyre (Ft Sam Houston ISD)

“Mihaela Munday has high expectations for her students and encourages them to do their best. Many times, she breaks down math to the very basic ideas in order to be sure students understand the foundation before moving ahead. Her dedication to the students at Timpson High School is evident not only in her classroom but also in the love she has shown to organize the “International Club”. Dr. Munday (who is Romanian-born) sets an example to all and shares her passion for other cultures with her students. The members of the club learn songs in different languages, sign and visit at the local nursing home, and meet at least twice a month. Timpson ISD is lucky to have such a talented math teacher who goes above and beyond the classroom.”

– Charlotte Metcalf (Timpson ISD)

“Jose Guerra has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting student success through his dedication, availability, and proactive approach in the classroom. Mr. Guerra fosters a positive and structured learning environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions and take ownership of their learning.”

– Caridad Salinas (Weslaco ISD)

“James Dunning has built our TCB program from a few students in random core classes to a program including all of our senior class. He attends all the TCB trainings, teaches, guides and mentors the teachers on campus, and has great conversations with students about the purpose behind TCB and the ways that it can open doors for them. ”

– Theresa Spencer (Irving ISD)

“Jennifer House is a campus resource for all things TCB. She facilitates the program with fidelity and is a great asset to our campus related to student success in the program.”

– Shonda Paris (Garland ISD)

“Valerie Muñoz has been instrumental in holding our students accountable so that they can complete the TCB curriculum. Through her interventions, classroom support, and guidance, she has helped Weslaco East High School achieve and surpass our CCMR goal. She has served as a mentor for the new teachers that we have been adding to the TCB course. Miss Muñoz is passionate about student success and she is making a tremendous difference for these students because she is bringing them one step closer to a college degree. The ripple effects of her work will be transformational for the many impoverished students in our community.”

– Homer Colunga (Weslaco ISD)

“Suzanne Day has worked tirelessly to help and support our College Bridge Students. She has been incredibly flexible with her schedule, shifting students in and out of classes to help them succeed in this class. This is a vital component for some of our graduating seniors to demonstrate that they are college ready. Through less than a third of the school years, she has assisted more than 160 students in earning their CCMR designation. And we are still rolling. She is integral in this endeavor, and she is committed to their success. We could not reach our campus and district goals without her unwavering support and continual guidance for our students. She is a role model to staff and students, and we appreciate her efforts and spirit so much. She embodies what it means to be a Plano Wildcat, and she is truly deserving of the recognition. ”

– Quincy Ham (Plano ISD)

“Mary Turner teaches both TCB Math and English. She encourages her students by taking time to build relationships with them. She shares her non-traditional college journey to show her kiddos that anything is possible. Mrs. Turner warmly welcomes everyone into TCB sessions and makes it her priority to assist them as they navigate the TCB system. She is a true TCB Champion!”

– Randi Costenbader (College Station ISD)

“Ms. Alita McCarter has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success through her leadership in the Texas College Bridge program. For the past four years, she has been the main teacher for TCB English, and for the last three, she has served as the lead teacher for both English and Math. She has ensured her school maintains completion rates above 90% each year. Her dedication extends beyond her own classroom; she actively supports colleagues by providing training, guidance, and accountability systems that sustain the program’s effectiveness. Whether assisting struggling students, mentoring teachers, or coordinating across departments, Ms. McCarter approaches every task with a spirit of service and excellence, ensuring that all students are equipped with the skills and certifications needed to thrive in college and beyond.”

– Amber Holmes-Turner (Dallas ISD)

“Janie Mauney-Rooks demonstrates her commitment and belief in her students, and the importance of Texas College Bridge – not only for the “certificate” earned, but the knowledge and college readiness it provides for our students and their future success! Mrs. Mauney Rooks has been teaching at Bruceville-Eddy High School for 35 years and has embraced many changes, demands, and expectations of teachers over the years, including adding TCB English to her rigorous schedule of courses, and she is serving our students exceptionally well through the addition of the Texas College Bridge program.”

– Stephanie Woodard (Bruceville-Eddy ISD)

“Diedra Hader has a true commitment to learning and striving to help ALL students in both English and Math. She will call, text, email, and even walk hallways to find students who need her help.”

– Frances Yarbrough (Aldine ISD)

“Ms.Rebecca Pedraza is an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. Her dedication to helping students graduate and helps them prepare for post-secondary education is exemplary.”

– Javier Gallardo (Donna ISD)

“Krystal Evans has been our TCB Rockstar! In addition to guiding her math students to successful completion of the TCB math curriculum, Ms. Evans facilitates training for teachers and administrators new to TCB and has helped ensure all of our students in Math and ELA are correctly onboarded and ready for success. She goes above and beyond as a teacher every day, and we are lucky to have her working with our learners.”

– Melinda Van Horn (Lockhard ISD)

“Mr. Cody Lovell is very dedicated and committed to ensuring students completion of Texas College Bridge. This dedication and commitment is observed in his persistent student conferences, encouraging parent communication, and informative counselor visits when needed.”

– DeShandra O’Neal (Forney ISD)

“Courtney Cooke has over the last two years expertly guided not only our English IV team, but also our students in Texas College Bridge. She is always willing to assist any student that needs help.”

– Jennifer Shock (Klein ISD)

“Rolando Gloria is a teacher who understands the students and teachers. He’s supportive and kind to all.”

– Monika Raj (Ector County ISD)

“Emily Hutchinson has worked tirelessly to make sure our students are able to get logged in to complete TCB. She monitors progress and is always helpful and willing to go above and beyond!”

– Allison Young (Stamford ISD)

“Maigyne Ishman is deeply committed to her students’ success. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and capable of achieving their goals. Her patience and thoughtful feedback help students grow both academically and personally. It’s clear her students adore her because they know she genuinely cares about them. That sense of care and connection inspires them to put forth their best effort every day.”

– Rachel Hill (Greenville ISD)

“Brenda Wohlfeil consistently provides exceptional support to our math students, guiding them through instruction with patience and clarity. She works closely with students at their desks, helping them grasp challenging concepts and ensuring they progress at an appropriate pace before each assessment. Mrs. Wohlfeil also holds students accountable for their learning and mastery of material, fostering both responsibility and confidence. In addition to her instructional support, she is our go-to problem solver for technology issues—skillfully troubleshooting challenges and training other teachers on effective solutions and workarounds. Her dedication and expertise make her an invaluable member of our TCB team.”

– Reann Carter (New Braunfels ISD)

“Ms. Upitgrove has consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment to the Texas College Bridge program through the following actions:

Active Implementation Leadership: She has ensured that ELA TCB is integrated into Foster HS’s academic support structure, aligning it with district CCMR goals.

Student Advocacy: Ms. Upitgrove prioritizes student success by promoting TCB as a resource for college readiness, encouraging participation among students who need additional support.

Her efforts reflect a clear dedication to preparing students for postsecondary success.”

– Anthony Yim (Lamar ISD)

“Our teacher, Haley Morgan, is fully present in growing students who are college and career ready. She is innovative and always looking for ways to reach and engage our seniors.”

– Shelby Vaughan (Andrews iSD)

“I cannot begin to brag about Carol Hardison. When we first started our partnership with TCB, Carol was the first to be trained. She goes above and beyond to help all students and did not care that she may have had 40 students in her classroom needing assistance with the program. She stayed after hours to ensure the completion was posted on their transcripts and grading essays. Everything is done with a smile….when I’m running around trying to gather students, she is encouraging and providing that feeling of strength to them and me. I could not have done this program without Carol Hardison. She is awesome!!!”

– Tracy Eubanks (Plano ISD)

“Aaron Engel has taught for decades & helped so many students receive CCMR credit & graduate. He is a Mentor teacher & always helps others to learn TCB & best strategies to help our students. He is the BEST! & so nice to everyone!!!”

– Kendall Hutchinson (Garland ISD)

“Coach Jarrett Farley has been an integral part of how successful TCB English has been at Newman Smith. His colleagues will go to him as the expert when they have any questions or need help navigating TCB. He assist new teachers we onboard to TCB and he will take on additional responsibilities to help kids who are lost, stuck, and those that need an extra push. He ensured any kids that were not making progress were pulled out and were given additional support to get their courses done. His support has given the students hope that they can go to college and take college level classes when they get there.”

– Tina Jain (Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD)

“Coach Alex Brownlee has gone above and beyond to ensure that her students possess the tools needed to excel within their college bridge courses and has been at their beckoning call until each student completed their respective course[s].”

– Colt Klipfel (Celina ISD)

“In her first year teaching TCB English, Delilah Alegria has truly risen to the occasion. She hit the ground running by incorporating essay practice and strengthening students’ speaking skills through preparation for interviews, speeches, and debates. She uses the curriculum daily and supports students in reaching their academic goals while thoughtfully addressing their learning styles and disabilities. In addition to this, she serves as the English department lead, seamlessly balancing both roles to create an exceptional learning experience.”

– Alyssa Mendoza (Donna ISD)

“Edward Stevenson has been integral to the success of TCB Math at Newman Smith. Colleagues regularly rely on him as the go-to expert for questions and guidance on navigating TCB. He supports newly onboarded teachers and consistently takes on additional responsibilities to help students who are struggling, stalled, or in need of extra encouragement. He also ensures students who are not making progress receive targeted support to complete their coursework. Through his efforts, students gain confidence in their ability to attend college and succeed in college-level classes.”

– Tina Jain (Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD)

“Chad Richardson goes above and beyond to help OHS students succeed. He facilitates the TCB English course, and helps our math teacher with TCB registration and reports. In addition to supporting students in TCB, he also helps them research colleges and careers, assists them with essays and applications, plans campus tours, invites college, military and local business representatives to speak in his classroom, and the list goes on. Mr. Richardson meets his students where they are helps them choose the right path for them…whether workforce, college or military, he helps them map out next steps and cheers them on as they set goals and attain them one by one!”

– Ruby Richardson (Overton ISD)

“Jessica Gluck demonstrates this commitment by building strong relationships with students and their families, setting high but achievable expectations, and providing differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs. She regularly monitors progress, celebrates growth, and uses data to guide her teaching. Beyond academics, she focuses on social-emotional learning, helping students develop resilience, empathy, and confidence. Students feel safe, valued, and motivated to succeed.”

– Doris Jones (Irving ISD)

“Michelle Chap genuinely cares about her students. In her class, they work at a pace she carefully designs, resulting in consistent success in either passing the TSI or completing College Bridge. Her leadership and commitment are a key reason our campus continues to maintain a 100% CCMR rate.

– Lesley Hash (Mansfield ISD)

“Dr. Ronald Wright is very meticulous with our students on how they progress through their Texas College Bridge English program and holds them to a specific expectation of how to successfully write their essays. He checks their essays for clarity and efficacy before he allows them to submit it into the EdReady platform. He encourages them to continue in their progress from beginning through completion. Dr. Wright truly wants every student to succeed!”

– Vonnie Anderson (Dayton ISD)

“Rebecca Pedraza is always ready to support students who need additional guidance. She understands that our high-risk population often requires greater flexibility, understanding, and accommodations, and she meets those needs through varied instructional approaches. Students consistently speak highly of her class and appreciate the support she provides as they progress through the College Bridge program.”

– Alyssa Mendoza (Donna ISD)

“Adriana Jimenez is a TCB Math teacher whose dedication and passion for her students are exceptional. She works tirelessly to support them in completing their college readiness journey. Drawing on her own upbringing as the daughter of migrant farm workers, she is deeply motivated to ensure her students have more opportunities than her family had when she was growing up.”

– Robert Blain (Aldine ISD)

“As both a TCB Math and English teacher, Kara Burns works tirelessly to help students complete all aspects of graduation requirements. She is available after school 4-5 days a week, even after athletic practices, so that she is available to help all students.”

– Sarah Felton (Garland ISD)

“Leontyne DuBose works with seniors at Wheatley High School who have been tasked with completing Texas College Bridge for their CCMR and graduation requirement. With her guidance, the students have diligently been completing Stages 1 and 2, along with the completion of the required essay. Her students’ improvement from the Median Diagnostic score to the Median Edready score is significant, and Ms.DuBose has done a fantastic job encouraging the students to complete TCB with fidelity and timeliness.”

“On our “second chance” campus, John Juneau has helped students who once struggled in traditional settings build confidence and find success in math through clear, step-by-step instruction and a belief that every student can learn. His classroom balances patience, humor, and high expectations, creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to persist and celebrate progress. Beyond instruction, his mentorship and dedication have strengthened students’ resilience, confidence, and readiness for success in school and beyond.”

– Virginia DuMond (Manfield ISD)

“Carol Haridson is dedicated to helping her students. In addition to getting students set up for the course and explaining how the program works, Carol also helps students with essays, answers any questions they have regarding their work, and helps them troubleshoot website and computer problems. If Carol doesn’t know the answer, she works tirelessly to track down information or a person who can help her students. Enrollment in her TCB class has been ongoing, so Carol has been managing all aspects of the course from beginning to end in a cyclical fashion since school started. She greets each student with a smile and makes them feel welcome in her room. Students truly appreciate the feedback and consideration Mrs. Hardison gives them; they know that she is in their corner and they respect her. Carol is an amazing teacher and we are lucky to have her.”

– Melissa Collett (Plano ISD)

“Valerie Thiry is deeply dedicated to helping students succeed with integrity through the College Bridge program at Yoakum High School. She believes that true success comes not only from academic achievement, but also from personal growth, honesty, and resilience. Valerie supports each student in developing the confidence, skills, and ethical foundation they need to thrive in college and beyond. Her commitment is evident in the way she takes time to understand each student’s goals and challenges, offering personalized guidance and encouragement. Valerie fosters a learning environment where integrity is valued as highly as accomplishment—empowering students to make thoughtful choices, take ownership of their education, and pursue excellence with authenticity. Through her leadership and genuine care, Valerie Thiry helps students bridge the gap between high school and college, preparing them to succeed both academically and personally with integrity at the core of their journey.”

– Maci McDonald (Yoakum ISD)

“Since the 2021–2022 school year, Jim Barnette has been a driving force behind the success of the Texas College Bridge Math course at Lampasas ISD. His dedication to refining our processes has led to the development of more effective grading systems that incorporate both time spent learning and time engaged in the program. Beyond his contributions to curriculum and assessment, Mr. Barnette has ignited a passion for mathematics in countless students. His guidance has empowered many to complete the College Prep Math course in the fall, pass the TSI, and advance to college-level Algebra through dual credit in the spring. Mr. Barnette brings not only a strong foundation in mathematics but also a spirit of inspiration that continues to elevate our learners and our program.”

– Lori Weinheimer (Lampasas ISD)

“I would like to recognize Rebecca Pack-Yoho for her amazing dedication as our Texas College Bridge Teacher for both Math and English! Mrs. Pack-Yoho is passionate about helping students succeed and takes the time to connect with each learner, making sure they have the confidence and support they need to reach their goals. Whether she’s guiding students through challenging lessons or encouraging them to believe in their own abilities, her positive attitude and commitment shine through in everything she does.

Through the Texas College Bridge program, Mrs. Pack-Yoho has helped countless students strengthen their skills and prepare for the next step—college and beyond. She’s always finding creative ways to make learning meaningful and relevant, and her care for her students’ growth truly makes a difference.”

– Taylor Clayton (Dublin ISD)

“Nelda Gilbert was asked to facilitate TCB a few years ago, simply because she had a computer lab. Since then, Mrs. Gilbert has taken a strong lead in assuring that our students complete the program to enable them to be college ready. She often makes room for these students during her normal class time because it works ‘best for them’. She is such a positive role model for these students and the cheerleader and support they need.”

– Kathy Fisher (College Station ISD)

“As one of our TCB Math & English teachers, Wendy Padron  is totally student centered. She focuses not only on the academic achievements of her students, but also on their character development and school involvement. Her positive attitude carries over to her students. Students enjoy being in her classroom. She gives every student the opportunity to participate. For the reluctant student, she gives support and positive encouragement to facilitate their desire to be active. Her students reflect her excitement in English through their grades and the large number of students who score 3 or better on the AP English Language and AP Literature Tests. Ms. Padron has achieved Distinguished Teacher level in the Dallas Independent School District, and I could not think of any classroom educator who devotes more time, effort and energy to the teaching profession than Ms. Padron. She is truly deserving of this honor and recognition.”

– Betty Bell (Dallas ISD)