When Starlashia Nelson-Jones first stepped into a classroom in 2015 as a pre-K paraprofessional and teacher's aide, she discovered something that would shape the rest of her career: the power of strong foundations. 

Those first two years ignited a passion for teaching that has only grown stronger with each new opportunity. 

Today, as a pre-K teacher at YES Prep North Forest Elementary and a newly recognized Level IV educator, Nelson-Jones looks back on a journey defined not by shortcuts, but by continuous growth and an unwavering commitment to her students. 

"My journey has not always been easy," she said. "But every step has prepared me for where I am now." 

That journey has taken her through nearly every stage of early elementary education. After serving as a Special Education Assistant while earning her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Sam Houston State University, she officially became a classroom teacher in 2019. 

She began teaching Kindergarten before transitioning to first grade later that same school year, earning Rookie Teacher of the Year along the way. Over the years, she has taught pre-K through second grade, with each classroom adding new lessons that shaped her as an educator. 

In 2021, her commitment to high-quality literacy instruction earned district-wide recognition when Amplify selected her classroom to be recorded as a model for educators using its reading curriculum. 

But one decision would bring her full circle. "In 2024, I said 'Yes' to YES Prep and returned to teaching pre-K, where my heart has always been," she said. 

Her first year at YES Prep challenged her in new ways. After earning a Level III observation score, she set a personal goal to reach Level IV. 

"Through hard work and reflection of every piece of constructive criticism from my coaches, I continued to grow both personally and professionally." 

That willingness to embrace feedback has become one of the defining characteristics of her teaching. 

She credits the coaches and colleagues at YES Prep with helping her rethink both education and leadership. 

"Their constructive feedback, encouragement, and support have helped me grow as an educator and reminded me that leadership is about being willing to learn, reflect, and continuously improve for the success of students." 

That same philosophy now shapes the experience she creates for her youngest learners every day. For Nelson-Jones, success in a pre-K classroom extends far beyond learning letters and numbers. 

"Student success in my pre-K classroom looks like growth, confidence, and curiosity," she said. "It means students are building foundational skills, learning through play, becoming more independent, and feeling excited to come to school each day. Success is also shown when students feel safe, loved, and proud of the progress they make both academically and socially." 

Her own school experience taught her why those relationships matter. She remembers the teachers who made her feel seen and believed in her, especially Mrs. Fuller and Mrs. Robichaux. 

"They created a safe and welcoming environment where we all felt valued and capable of succeeding." 

Today, she strives to create that same environment for every child who walks into her classroom. Over the years, she says she has grown in confidence, leadership, and instructional practice. She has become more intentional about meeting the needs of every learner, partnering with families, and designing engaging, student-centered experiences that help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. 

That mindset aligns with what she found at YES Prep North Forest Elementary. 

"I would describe the culture at YES Prep North Forest Elementary as supportive, growth-focused, and student-centered," she said. "Teachers and leaders truly work together to ensure students are successful while also encouraging educators to grow professionally. The environment pushes you to be your best while also providing coaching, collaboration, and support every step of the way." 

One of her favorite parts of teaching is celebrating how far her students have come. 

Whether through themed classroom days, milestone celebrations, or pre-K graduation, she loves creating moments that allow students and their families to celebrate their accomplishments together. 

"Seeing their excitement and confidence makes those traditions meaningful for both the students and their families." 

As she begins another school year at YES Prep, Nelson-Jones continues to approach her work with the same mindset that has guided her since 2015: keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing in every child. 

And now, as a Level IV educator, every step of that journey has led to this moment.