At YES Prep, great teachers open doors, build confidence, and help students see possibilities for their futures. Throughout this TIA-Level IV Teacher Spotlight series, we have celebrated educators whose excellence in the classroom reflects YES Prep’s commitment to providing every student with an outstanding education. As we close this school year’s series, we are honored to spotlight a teacher whose journey spans continents but remains rooted in a single belief: education has the power to transform lives.

For Meracel Estrosas, a Level IV designated teacher at YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary, that belief began in the Philippines and has guided her throughout an international teaching career that ultimately led her to Houston. Today, she teaches Physics and AP Biology, helping students tackle rigorous coursework while building the confidence to pursue ambitious futures.

A Journey Fueled by Purpose

Long before she arrived at YES Prep, Meracel understood the life-changing impact of education.

Growing up in the Philippines, she saw education serve as a pathway to opportunity, stability, and a brighter future for countless students and families. That understanding sparked her desire to become an educator, but it was her experiences teaching in international schools around the world that deepened her commitment to the profession.

Working with students from diverse backgrounds exposed her to different educational systems, cultures, and challenges. No matter where she taught, one truth remained constant: every child deserved access to high-quality learning opportunities and educators who believed in their potential.

When she discovered YES Prep, the organization's mission immediately resonated.

“Joining YES Prep felt like a natural continuation of my journey,” Meracel shared. “It is a place where my international experience, cultural perspective, and passion for teaching come together in service of a larger purpose.”

Today, that purpose is reflected daily in her classroom at Fifth Ward Secondary.

Creating Access Through Science

For Meracel, teaching science is about far more than helping students master content standards or prepare for exams.

She believes education is ultimately about creating access.

“My inspiration to become a teacher began long before I ever stepped into a classroom as an educator,” she said. “I witnessed how education could change the course of a person's life.”

That belief extends beyond her students and into her own family. As a YES Prep parent herself, she understands the trust families place in schools and the importance of creating learning environments where students feel supported, challenged, and prepared for success.

Whether teaching complex physics concepts or guiding students through advanced biology coursework, her goal remains the same: helping students see what is possible for themselves.

“What continues to inspire me today is the impact both immediate and long-term,” she explained. “It is in the small moments, like a student finally understanding a concept, and in bigger milestones, like seeing students grow in confidence and pursue their goals.”

High Expectations Paired with Support

Meracel's classroom is built on a philosophy that combines rigor with care.

She holds high expectations for every student while ensuring they have the support necessary to meet them.

Using assessment data, classwork, and ongoing observation, she identifies learning gaps and adjusts instruction to meet student needs. Through reteaching, tutorials, and differentiated lessons, she creates opportunities for students at every level to access challenging content and continue growing.

Her approach reflects one of the core beliefs that defines YES Prep: all students can achieve at high levels when provided with the right support systems.

Rather than lowering expectations, she helps students develop the skills, habits, and confidence needed to rise to them.

That commitment has contributed to impressive results. Over the past several years, Meracel has been recognized as a Teacher of the Year at previous schools, earned Level IV designation through TIA, helped Fifth Ward achieve top district performance on multiple common assessments, and served as a Physics Curriculum Writer supporting instructional resources across the network.

The Lasting Power of Relationships

While academic achievement is important, Meracel measures success by something even more enduring: relationships.

Some of the students who have impacted her most are those who entered her classroom lacking confidence in their abilities. Through consistent encouragement, trust, and high expectations, she has watched many of them transform into students who believe in themselves and their futures.

What makes those relationships especially meaningful is that they often continue long after graduation.

Former students still reach out to share updates about college, career accomplishments, and personal milestones. For Meracel, those messages serve as reminders that the influence of a teacher extends far beyond a single school year.

“Hearing them say that I played a role in their journey is both humbling and deeply rewarding,” she said. “It reminds me that the work we do as educators extends far beyond the classroom.”

Those moments reinforce the reason she chose education in the first place: to help students realize their potential and create opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.

A Place Where Purpose and Practice Align

When asked what makes YES Prep special, Meracel points to the alignment between mission and action.

She values the network's commitment to equity, excellence, and collaboration—an environment where educators are continuously learning, reflecting, and working together to improve outcomes for students.

“Ultimately, YES Prep is the place to teach because it is a place where purpose and practice align,” she said. “Educators are empowered to make a real, lasting impact not only on students' academic achievement, but on their confidence, character, and future opportunities.”

It is a philosophy she encourages future educators to embrace as well.

Her advice is simple: believe in the mission, remain open to growth, and invest deeply in relationships.

Because when students know someone believes in them, extraordinary things can happen.

Celebrating Excellence and Looking Ahead

As we conclude this year’s TIA-Level IV Teacher Spotlight series, Meracel’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what makes YES Prep educators exceptional. They bring expertise, passion, and unwavering belief in students to their classrooms every day. They build relationships that last long after graduation. And they help ensure that every student—regardless of background—has access to the opportunities they deserve.

We are proud to celebrate Meracel Estrosas and all of the TIA and Level IV educators featured throughout this series for their commitment to excellence and their impact on students across YES Prep.

Inspired by educators like Meracel? YES Prep is currently hiring passionate teachers who believe in the power of relationships, rigor, and opportunity. Explore our current openings, including opportunities in bilingual education and special education, and discover how you can help shape the next generation of Houston students.