At YES Prep, great teaching doesn’t go unnoticed—and it certainly doesn’t go uncelebrated. Through our Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, we recognize and reward educators who drive student achievement, build powerful relationships, and model excellence in the classroom every day. 

This blog series honors our TIA and Level IV educators—those who consistently set the bar for instructional excellence and impact. Each spotlight highlights their unique journey, approach to teaching, and the lasting connections they’ve built with students and colleagues. 

Today, we’re proud to feature... 

Njoroge Kabugu 

YES Prep Northwest Secondary | 11 Years at YES Prep | TIA Recognized & Level IV Teacher 

From Numbers to Nurturing Minds: A Journey of Purpose 

Before ever stepping into a classroom, Njoroge Kabugu was working in finance and accounting in the corporate sector, but his career—and his calling—shifted when he attended graduate school in Massachusetts, focusing on education policy. 

While working on a teacher evaluation project with Chelsea Public Schools, a principal he collaborated with shared a powerful insight that changed everything: there was a critical shortage of Black male math teachers. 

“That insight shifted my path,” Njoroge shares. “I applied to both KIPP and YES Prep, interviewed with both, and ultimately chose YES Prep.” 

In 2014, he began his teaching career at YES Prep Fifth Ward, teaching 6th grade math. The leap from corporate finance to public education was major—but it was grounded in a growing sense of mission. “Reading about No Child Left Behind and the inequities in education policy made me want to support schools at a systems level,” he explains. “But when I learned about the urgent need for Black male educators, I knew I wanted to be directly in the classroom, impacting students every day.” 

Demystifying Greatness: Lessons That Stick 

Now a Geometry teacher at YES Prep Northwest Secondary, Njoroge has taught everything from Math 6 and 7 to Algebra 1 and a financial literacy elective called Money Matters. Over time, he’s developed a reputation for bringing difficult content to life. 

“One of my greatest strengths as an educator is my creativity in making complex lessons relatable and engaging,” he says. “I connect challenging academic content to real-life situations, helping students grasp difficult concepts with ease.” 

He often uses quotes and analogies to leave a lasting impression. One favorite among students: “You can take a camel to the oasis, but you cannot make it drink.” This metaphor serves as a reminder of personal accountability—a core theme in his classroom, where academic growth and character development go hand in hand. 

“I strive to make my classroom a space of holistic growth,” he adds. “I know that a single interaction can shift a student’s perspective and open doors to new possibilities.” 

Transformative Relationships: The Power of Not Giving Up 

While Njoroge has formed many powerful relationships over the years, one in particular stands out. 

During his first year of teaching, he worked with a student who challenged classroom norms. After connecting with the student’s family, it led to improved behavior but decreased engagement. Still, he remained consistent, caring, and unwavering in his expectations. 

At the end of that year, the student’s family specifically requested that she remain in Mr. Kabugu’s class because of the trust he had built. The next year, everything changed. “She returned with a renewed attitude and quickly became a model student—advocating for classroom norms and helping set the tone for positive behavior,” he recalls. 

Years later, he was invited to her high school graduation. “Her mother and grandmother told me it was my refusal to give up on her that made the difference. That student is now a registered nurse.” 

The experience reminds him that every student, no matter how challenging, is capable of growth when met with consistency, high expectations, and belief. 

Why YES Prep? 

For Njoroge, YES Prep stands apart for its academic rigor, its values and professional culture. 

“YES Prep allows you to have the autonomy to run your classroom based on your strengths, and the feedback you receive is focused on helping you grow,” he shares. “Your success in the classroom gives you the freedom to make choices that benefit your students. There’s also a strong emphasis on removing barriers to success which makes our work even more meaningful.” 

Advice to Future Teachers 

Njoroge leaves future educators with a quote and a charge: 

 “When you get the chance to sit under an apple tree, don’t leave without tasting the fruit,” he says. “Likewise, when you're given the opportunity to teach, use it to make a lasting impact—helping students grow into significant human beings who pursue paths and careers you may never walk yourself.” 

Stay tuned for more stories in our TIA-Level IV Teacher Spotlight Series as we continue to highlight the extraordinary educators transforming lives across YES Prep.