For Erkenis White, success in the classroom begins with the belief that students can achieve more when someone is willing to challenge them, support them and believe in what they can accomplish. 

Now in his fourth year at YES Prep, White teaches 11th grade English III, Intro to Rhetoric and Composition, at YES Prep Gulfton. He also serves as an English III Course Facilitator and will step into a new leadership role as 11th Grade Level Chair for the 2026–2027 school year. 

A Level IV and TIA-designated educator, White has built his teaching practice around high expectations, equitable access and a commitment to helping every student grow. 

Inspired by the Teachers Who Believed in Him 

White’s path to education began with his own experiences at North Forney High School, where teachers supported him, pushed him to succeed and genuinely cared about his education. Those relationships inspired the kind of teacher he wanted to become. 

“I pour so much into my students because I understand the impact a caring and supportive teacher can have on someone’s life. The educators who invested in me helped shape the successful person I am today, and I want that same success for every one of my students. Teaching is more than a job to me, it’s my passion, my purpose, and my craft.” 

That sense of purpose also drew him to YES Prep in 2022 and its commitment to ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education, college readiness and opportunities to pursue their goals. 

Setting the Bar—and Helping Students Surpass It 

When White arrived at YES Prep Gulfton, he recognized the challenges his students faced, including language barriers, foundational skill gaps and low incoming academic data. Rather than lower expectations, he set a goal for his students to lead the district academically. 

They did. 

His students ranked No. 1 across YES Prep on both districtwide Common Assessments during the school year—the fifth consecutive year White’s students have achieved a top district ranking. His students also led the system in academic growth on the second assessment, with 67% demonstrating growth, and 72% earned a score of 3 or higher on their AP exam. 

Those results extended across student groups. Eighty-three percent of White’s Special Education students demonstrated academic growth, while his Emergent Bilingual students grew at a slightly higher rate than students who were not Emergent Bilingual. 

For White, those results reflect a classroom where high expectations apply to every student. 

“Success is not only about meeting goals it’s about exceeding them. My goal is to challenge, support, and empower my students to reach levels they may not have thought possible, while helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.” 

Growing From Teacher to Leader 

White began his YES Prep journey at Fifth Ward in 2022 unsure of what to expect—from classroom management and student relationships to what his academic data might show. He jumped in with an all-or-nothing mindset and told himself, “Let’s go for it.” 

Since then, he has grown from classroom teacher to Course Facilitator and now 11th Grade Level Chair. 

White credits English Director Faith Brantley and Content Specialist Joan Gray with helping him think beyond his own classroom and embrace a broader vision of leadership. 

“Their influence has shaped not only how I approach education but also how I lead, collaborate, and continue to develop as an educator and leader.” 

He has also learned to embrace the fact that developing as an educator never really stops. 

“Growth is a continuous journey, and I am still learning, developing, and challenging myself to become even better for my students, my colleagues, and my community.” 

Building Connections That Last 

For all the academic accomplishments, some of White’s favorite classroom moments have nothing to do with assessments. 

Each year, he has students sign a shirt or canvas that he keeps for each junior class he teaches. They also take pictures together, creating memories he can revisit long after the school year ends. 

“When I see the shirt, canvas, or photos, I'm transported back to those special moments in time, reminding me of the joy and connection we share.” 

Those relationships are also part of what White describes as the family-oriented culture he has experienced throughout YES Prep. 

Someone Saw His Potential 

One YES Prep relationship, in particular, changed the trajectory of White’s career before it had even begun. 

When White interviewed with YES Prep, he planned to teach middle school. Antonio Castillo, now Head of Schools, took the time to understand his “why.” After White was hired at YES Prep Fifth Ward, Castillo called with a change of plans: he believed White was a stronger fit for 11th grade and could make an impact with juniors. 

Years later, that decision has helped shape White’s journey. He has taught 11th graders, become an English III Course Facilitator and is now preparing to lead an entire grade level at his campus. 

“I will always cherish and honor Mr. Castillo because he saw greatness in me. He saw my potential, and he believed I could do meaningful work within the YES Prep organization. That is something I will never forget.” 

The belief Castillo once showed in White is the same belief White brings to his students today—challenging them to see what they are capable of and giving them the support to reach it.