The Answer - A blog about Education, Preparation, and Commitment.

Teaching Excellence: Why Years in a Classroom Don’t Always Define Great Teachers

December 08, 2011 by Nella Garcia

As the fall school semester comes to a close, teachers from all over Houston are reflecting on their work so far this year.  This is especially true at public charter schools like YES Prep, where our intensive Teaching Excellence program ensures that our novice teachers—up to a third of our overall teaching program—receive the support and development they need to perform well in the classroom.

A recent article in the Huffington Post points to an often heard criticism of charter schools, Teach For America, and of the education reform movement as a whole.  The looming questions proposed in the aforementioned article include:

-    How can inexperienced teachers effectively teach high-risk students, a group that has traditionally needed the most attention and assistance?

-    If

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“Human Talent is Both the Constant and the Differentiator”

August 29, 2011 by Brittany Baize

1,000 educators from YES Prep Public Schools, KIPP: Houston, and Teach For America gathered on Saturday, August 27^thto celebrate their collective impact in Houston public schools.  The celebration honored fifteen Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award winners – who took home a total of $225,000 in cash awards thanks to the generous philanthropy of Nancy and Richard Kinder. 

Among the special guests and speakers was Jeff Cohen, Editor of the Houston Chronicle, as well as families traveling in to surprise the award winners.  The theme of the evening was summed up when Cohen toasted attendees saying, “When it comes to facing challenges, team beats individual. ”  The three organizations collectively educate about 27,000 students in Houston and have redefined the look, feel, and achievement

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YES Prep Unveils New Core Values at All-Staff Day

August 15, 2011 by Lindsey Windham

Last Friday, over 500 YES Prep staff members gathered at Houston’s Arena Theater to celebrate the successes of the past year, reflect on our work and our purpose, and kick off the school new school year with a celebration. This is a yearly tradition that always energizes me and reminds me of what we exist to do and why YES Prep is so special. 

A central piece of the program was the introduction of YES Prep’s new core values.  For several years we had five (longer and wordier) core values that communicated the things we believe, stand for, and value as an organization.  But, this summer, we shortened them down to the true core and re-wrote them to pack a punch, be memorable, and truly represent YES Prep’s priorities as an organization.  So... here they are! At YES Prep,

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YES Prep Alumnus, Pedro Alcaraz, Welcomes New Teachers to YES Prep

July 19, 2011 by Tenesha Villanueva

YES Prep will welcome a strong force of new and veteran teachers this month.  This is the last of 3 letters from YES Prep alumni, welcoming new teachers into the YES Prep family: 

Dear New Teachers,

On behalf of all YES Prep students—former, current, and future—I would like to extend a warm welcome and congratulations! No matter if you are becoming a proud Wizard, Trailblazer, Maverick, Explorer, Cavalier, Force, Legend, or Marvel, one thing is certain: you are now part of a growing family, and this family is hungry for success!

As a former YES Prep student, I can only describe life at YES Prep by its motto: “Whatever It Takes!” When I wasn’t studying for Physics and Chemistry, I was preparing for AP exams. Then there was study hall, tutoring middle school students, student

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YES Prep Southwest Alumna, Crystal Usoro, Welcomes New Teachers to YES Prep

July 05, 2011 by Tenesha Villanueva

YES Prep will welcome a strong force of new and veteran teachers later this month.  This is the first of 3 letters from YES Prep alumni, welcoming new teachers into the YES Prep family:

Dear New Teachers,

 Welcome to the YES Prep family! My name is Crystal Usoro and I am a graduate of YES Prep Southwest’s Class of 2011. As a member of the newest alumni class, I am excited to share my experiences with you and offer some advice from a student’s perspective. 

I came to YES Prep in 2004, the year the Southwest campus opened. I had no idea what I was getting myself into by signing the contract Mr. Claflin placed in front of me during my home visit. You may feel the same way. You are about to enter an unfamiliar environment with new expectations and different teaching styles. However,

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