Educator Advisory Council for the Houston Region
August 31, 2023 by EdTrust 
August 31, 2023 by EdTrust
Amid persistent teacher vacancies and increasing numbers of under-prepared and uncertified teachers, local leaders must find effective ways to increase the quality and diversity of the teacher workforce. When creating and implementing policies that affect classrooms, it’s imperative that educators have a seat at the decision-making table.
That’s why The Education Trust in Texas created the Houston-area Educator Advisory Council.
Local classroom teachers, school and district leaders, and teacher preparation leaders in the field are shaping and advancing a policy agenda that addresses the unique needs of local school systems. Learning from each other, as well as advocacy leaders, subject matter experts, practitioners, and policymakers, these leaders serve as the voices of their own lived experiences, research, and recommendations.
2025 Cohort
Dr. Marissa Moreno
Dr. Marissa Moreno serves as Associate Vice President of Transfer & Educational Partnerships at Lee College, where she leads initiatives to improve postsecondary access and success. She also serves as Vice-Chair of NACEP’s Research Commission, focusing on national dual credit policy.
Stephanie Valdez
Stephanie Valdez is a bilingual educator and instructional leader in Houston ISD. A first-generation college graduate, she champions culturally responsive teaching and educator development to advance equity across Texas schools.
Dr. Monea R. Beene
Dr. Monea Beene is an Associate Principal focused on supporting students with nontraditional academic paths. She is also the founder of MRB Educational Consulting, advancing equity and systems-level change in K–12 schools.
Shanna Snow
Shanna Snow is a veteran educator and District Program Facilitator for Secondary ESL in Houston. She brings two decades of experience in mental health, special education, and bilingual instruction to her work advancing equitable outcomes for diverse learners.
Vanessa Morales
Vanessa Morales is Dean of Instruction at YES Prep and a Teach For America alumna. A Rice University graduate, she has spent over a decade expanding access to high-quality math instruction and co-founded a nonprofit focused on college readiness.
Dr. Fay Lee
Dr. Fay Lee is Dean of Social Sciences and Business at Lone Star College-CyFair. With a background in teaching, research, and teacher preparation, she focuses on advancing equity, access, and student success in higher education.
Kelsey Partain
Kelsey Partain is a senior at the University of Houston pursuing a degree in education. A proud Houston native, she is passionate about advocating for equity and ensuring all students thrive regardless of background.
Dr. Stacey L. Edmonson
Dr. Stacey Edmonson is Dean of the College of Education at Sam Houston State University. She serves on several national education boards and has authored over 85 publications on educator ethics, leadership, and legal issues in education.
Uma Pillai
Uma Pillai is a junior at the University of Houston majoring in Teaching and Learning. She is passionate about student voice, equity, and culturally responsive education, and brings a research-driven mindset to the council.
Dr. Britine Perkins
Dr. Britine Perkins is an Assistant Professor and Interim Director at Prairie View A&M University. A longtime educator and advocate, she focuses on preparing culturally proficient teachers and increasing teacher diversity in urban schools.
2024 Cohort
Aletha Williams
Aletha Williams is a lecturer at Texas Tech University and founder of Katy ISD Equity 4 All. With 18 years of experience in STEM education, she champions equity and diverse student representation.
Amber Thompson
Amber Thompson is a clinical full professor at the University of Houston focused on teacher preparation and science education. She leads various programs and supports educator development statewide.
Yujin Seo
Yujin Seo is a Multi-Classroom Leader at Klein ISD, where she teaches and mentors. A Teach For America alumna, she promotes student leadership and coaches academic teams.
Heather Alarcon
Heather Alarcon is a human resources coordinator at Goose Creek CISD, supporting teacher recruitment and development. She is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Ashanna Morgan
Ashanna Morgan is a student teacher at the University of Houston-Downtown and former banker. She is passionate about equity and ensuring every student has a fair opportunity to succeed.
Sierra Joseph
Sierra Joseph teaches AVID at Ronald Thornton Middle School and is known for creating an inclusive and inspiring classroom. She has been recognized for teaching excellence.
Maiya Moore
Maiya Moore is an assistant principal at Edison Middle School in Houston with 16 years of experience. A public health graduate and HISD alumna, she leads with a student-first mindset.
Dr. Ugochi Emenaha
Dr. Ugochi Emenaha is Associate Director of the MAT program at Rice University. A published author and speaker, she advocates for literacy, equity, and culturally responsive teaching.
Phonisha Hawkins
Phonisha Hawkins is Director of Instructional Excellence in secondary math at KIPP Texas. With dual master’s degrees, she supports teacher growth and critical thinking in the classroom.
Shontel Newsome
Shontel Newsome is an equity-driven educator with over 15 years of experience. A first-gen college graduate, she values collaboration and building strong relationships with students and families.
Raven Coleman
Raven Coleman is Program Manager for Teacher Certification at Lone Star College. With a background in higher education and psychology, she’s committed to improving educator pathways in Texas.
Dr. Beverly Sande
Dr. Beverly Sande is an associate professor at Prairie View A&M University with 26 years in education. She researches inclusive practices and redesigns teacher education programs to support diversity.
2023 Cohort
Dr. Viveca Allen-Grant
Dr. Viveca Allen-Grant is Director of Certification at Texas Southern University with 40 years in education. She leads educator prep programs and researches effective STEM and tech integration.
Italia Cea
Italia Cea is a bilingual education leader in Aldine ISD with three decades of experience. She specializes in Montessori, literacy, and inclusive program development.
Dr. Kelli Charles
Dr. Kelli Charles is Director of High School Curriculum at Spring ISD. With a career in school leadership across Louisiana, Kansas, and Texas, she focuses on teacher development and school turnaround.
Shea Culpepper
Shea Culpepper is Director of Teacher Education at the University of Houston. She leads a nationally recognized residency model and teaches math education while coaching other educator prep programs.
Brandon Jenkins
Brandon Jenkins is a first-year teacher in Galena Park ISD and a University of Houston-Downtown graduate. A student leader, he advocates for equity and public education.
Valerie Nguyen
Valerie Nguyen teaches 2nd grade at KIPP Sharp College Prep. With international teaching experience, she fosters inclusive classrooms rooted in cross-cultural understanding.
Dr. Brenda Rangel
Dr. Brenda Rangel is Assistant Dean at Rice University’s Glasscock School. With 25 years in education, she leads outreach and mentoring programs supporting emerging education leaders.
Brionne Roberts
Brionne “Bri” Roberts is Managing Director of Special Populations at YES Prep. A seasoned special education leader, she’s also founder of EPIC Consulting and a champion for equity.
Jose Sanchez Garcia
Jose Sanchez Garcia is a recruiter for Lamar CISD with 14 years of experience in teaching and HR. A first-gen college graduate, he supports diverse talent recruitment in public education.
Ruth Stephen
Ruth Stephen is a high school Director of Instruction and Latinos for Education Fellow. With 20+ years in education, she advocates for multilingual learners and teacher leadership.
Marjorie Yap
Marjorie Yap is a teacher specialist in Houston ISD. With experience in data, debate, and policy, she is a Teach Plus Policy Fellow dedicated to student-centered practices.
The Education Trust in Texas advocates for equitable education for historically-underserved students across the state. We believe in centering the voices of Texas students and families as we work alongside them for the better future they deserve.