On September 1, 2023, the Minute Maid Park lights shined brightly on the world of education as Justine Sanchez, a dedicated educator at YES Prep, was honored as the ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month. The recognition came during a Houston Astros v. New York Yankees game, underscoring her remarkable contributions to the field of education.
For 12 years, Sanchez has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students as a 6th grade math teacher at YES Prep Southwest Secondary. For her, it is not just about numbers—it is about creating a foundation of knowledge and nurturing a love for learning that will guide her students on their educational journey.
“I love teaching 6th grade math because it is the start of lots of different math skills that students are going to build on throughout their math careers,” says Sanchez. “I also love teaching 6th graders because they are so excited to learn!”
Yet, Sanchez's dedication to education goes beyond the classroom. She served as the grade level chair and currently leads Southwest Secondary's yearbook program, providing students with a creative outlet and the opportunity to capture and preserve the moments that make their school years memorable.
Originally from Los Lunas, New Mexico, Sanchez attended Texas Christian University (TCU) where she studied middle school math education and political science. Her journey as a spirited Horned Frog and commitment to excellence in teaching led her to also earn a master's degree in education from TCU.
As a visionary always striving to reach new heights, Sanchez embodies the spirit of a true Maverick at YES Prep Southwest Secondary, and her boundless dedication and passion have not gone unnoticed. During the 2021-22 school year, her students achieved the highest results in STAAR scores for sixth grade Math within the district. In 2022, she was honored with the prestigious Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award for her innovative and results-oriented teaching. She also earned the Exemplary teacher designation through the Teacher Incentive Allotment, ranking among the top 20% of educators in the state of Texas.
Sanchez's story is a testament to the incredible dedication and passion that YES Prep teachers have brought to their classrooms every day over the past 25 years. With unwavering dedication, passion and a love for learning, YES Prep teachers empower Houston students to succeed in college and to pursue lives of opportunity.
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ConocoPhillips partners with the Houston Astros to recognize Houston-area math teachers who go above and beyond to help their students excel. Each month during the baseball season, the ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month program recognizes a teacher who hits home runs in the classroom. Learn more.