As we close out this year’s TIA – Level IV Teacher Spotlight Series, we are proud to feature educators who exemplify what it means to lead with excellence, build lasting relationships, and leave a legacy that reaches far beyond the classroom. These teachers, recognized through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, are making a difference through their instructional impact, leadership, and service.
Our final spotlight highlights James T. Sheridan, an AP English Literature teacher at YES Prep East End Secondary, whose 16-year journey with YES Prep reflects the heart of our mission and the strength of our community. The blog below is shared in his own words.
James T. Sheridan: Teaching, Coaching, and Creating a Legacy at YES Prep
YES Prep offered me the tremendous opportunity to join the Southeast campus in 2009 as a high school teacher—my first role teaching beyond middle school. What drew me in immediately was the vision of like-minded, hard-working staff all pulling in the same direction. Having worked in other schools where that sense of unity wasn’t always present, YES Prep felt like a place where my work would be aligned with my values, and where I’d be part of a team that recognized the importance of that work by truly valuing me.
Since then, YES Prep has been a place where I’ve been able to grow, refine, and define who I am as an educator and coach. I’ve become the AP English Literature teacher I am today because of the space YES Prep gave me to develop. I’ve also had the privilege to lead adult teams as a course facilitator, coach cross country and track for middle and high school boys and girls and bring traditions like the Shakespeare Festival and the Houston Rodeo Run volunteer program to life—traditions that have made this work more personal and more joyful.
Making Connections That Matter
One of my daily priorities is greeting my students at the door, saying their names, asking them about their lives, and building authentic, meaningful relationships. I want my students to know they are seen and heard. I get to know them—their families, their work schedules, their stories—because knowing them makes me a better teacher and mentor.
Coaching Beyond the Finish Line
One of my most transformative experiences at YES Prep was coaching Joe Balderas. Joe joined the Southeast cross-country team as a 7th grader in 2009. With relentless dedication and the trust of his family, he rose to become a district and state champion. In 2014, he led the team to a TCSAAL State Championship before graduating from YES Prep Southeast with the class of 2015. Coaching Joe was a highlight, but seeing who he’s become is even more rewarding.
Joe graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology-Sport Administration, coached cross country at Southeast, worked in the private sector as an Assistant Fitness Manager, and now is the Assistant Coach for Cross Country and the Head Distance Coach for Track at St. John’s—ironically, the same school where I once brought him for summer running camp. We recently stood on opposite sidelines, cheering on his sister Danielle at a meet between Southeast and East End. Back in 2009, Danielle was an infant in a car seat while their mom dropped Joe off for 5:30 a.m. practices. Today, she’s one of the top runners and top students in our district, headed to college next year.
To witness Joe’s coaching expertise—now far beyond my own—and to see him dedicate his life to helping young people achieve their goals is deeply inspiring. His story, and the story of his family, is a reminder of the power of relationships and the generational impact of our work.
Why YES Prep Is the Place to Teach
YES Prep is the place to teach because of the powerful relationships that are possible when students, families, and educators unite around a shared purpose. Teaching siblings, cousins, and neighbors across generations is a unique privilege, and it’s deeply rewarding to serve a community that deserves an excellent school.
YES Prep also empowers teachers to find their own paths—whether through leadership, curriculum development, or program creation. I’ve had the chance to put my personal stamp on the work, and that’s part of what keeps me here. We don’t just teach; we build, we grow, and we create something lasting together.
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As we close this year’s TIA-Level IV Spotlight Series, we celebrate the remarkable educators whose dedication, innovation, and impact have earned them this well-deserved recognition. The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program continues to elevate and reward teachers who are transforming classrooms and changing lives every day.
We are proud to honor this cohort and the legacy they’re building at YES Prep. As we look ahead to the next group of outstanding educators, we invite passionate teachers to join our mission. Explore open positions and join us at our upcoming Signature Hiring Event—an opportunity to meet our team, learn more about our culture, and take the first step toward a career that makes a difference.