Meet Ryan Nealy – YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary
Years at YES Prep: This is Mr. Nealy's 3rd year at YES Prep.
Current Courses Taught: U.S. History, AP U.S. History, and History in Film
Additional Roles: 1th-grade Social Emotional Learning (SEL) advisory activities and work closely with our Director of Student Support to organize cultural events like the Mardi Gras Parade.
Designation: Level IV teacher
My name is Ryan Nealy, and I am a history teacher at YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary, where I teach U.S. History, AP U.S. History, and an elective class called History in Film—the only one of its kind in the district. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I coordinate 11th-grade Social Emotional Learning (SEL) advisory activities and work closely with our Director of Student Support to organize cultural events like the Mardi Gras Parade. As a military veteran, I also mentor students interested in joining the military.
From Loss to Purpose
My journey to becoming an educator wasn’t straightforward. I was still in college when my father passed away, which left me feeling lost and unsure about my future. Seeking direction, I joined the Army, and after serving, I became a police officer in Louisiana.
It wasn’t until my wife and I moved to Houston that I found my true calling. One day, while we were out shopping, I overheard a group of teenagers mixing up key events in history—World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Civil War. I joked to my wife about the state of history education in America, and her response changed everything. She said, “Do something about it.” That was the moment the light bulb went off.
Using my GI Bill, I finished my degree, graduating with honors from UHD with a degree in history. Once I had my diploma, I applied to YES Prep and began teaching in 2022 for what has become a deeply fulfilling teaching career.
Making History Relevant
In my classroom, I use my military and law enforcement experiences to bring history to life. I connect the material we cover—such as immigration, constitutional rights, and civil rights—with real-world examples, showing students how historical concepts play out in everyday life.
These stories not only make the lessons relatable but also help the material stick. My students often reference these examples in their writing, and I’ve seen firsthand how these connections deepen their understanding of U.S. history.
Recognition Through TIA
The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) has been an incredible acknowledgment of my work. Whether it’s achieving a 100% STAAR pass rate, receiving awards like the 2023-2024 Social Justice Award and Titanic Teacher Award, or creating unique electives, the recognition fuels my passion for teaching. It pushes me to continue innovating and connecting with my students in meaningful ways.
Why YES Prep?
YES Prep is more than a workplace—it’s a community. Our campuses are small, fostering a family-like atmosphere where we celebrate each other’s victories. YES Prep’s mission to prepare students for college and life after high school resonates deeply with me. Our organization provides educational opportunities to students that they might not have otherwise, and I’m proud to be a part of that mission.
If you’re looking for a place where you can make a real difference in students’ lives while being surrounded by a supportive team, YES Prep is the place to teach. The impact you make here goes far beyond the classroom—it’s transformative, both for the students and for you.
This spotlight is part of our series highlighting YES Prep teachers with TIA designations and Level IV recognition. Stay tuned for more stories of transformative educators!
----
Learn More About the Teacher Incentive Allotment at YES Prep
For those interested in learning more about the TIA program and teacher development at YES Prep, additional information can be found on our website:
- Teacher Development and Evaluation at YES Prep