YES Prep Public Schools
Diego Roman

Teacher Incentive Allotment & Level IV Teacher Spotlight Series

Years at YES Prep: 3  

Current Courses Taught: Bilingual Math, Science and Social Studies

Designation: Level IV teacher and TIA Exemplary

I’m Diego Roman, and I teach fourth grade bilingual math, science and social studies at YES Prep North Central Elementary (NCE). I come from a family of eight and, though I was born in Texas, my first language is Spanish. I spent my childhood in a small town in Northern Mexico, about sixty miles from the U.S. border. My English-learning journey began when I moved to the United States at 19 years old. 

After earning my GED two years later, I pursued higher education, first at Houston Community College, where I earned an associate degree in science, then at the University of Houston-Downtown, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Later, I completed my Master of Education in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Sam Houston State University. 

My teaching career began as an elementary Spanish teacher at a dual language school in Houston ISD, where I taught Spanish to English-speaking students and English to bilingual students. Inspired by the high percentage of Limited English Proficient (LEP) students at my school, I decided to become a certified bilingual educator. I’ve been teaching bilingual students for more than a decade now. 

Inspiration to Teach 

My journey to becoming an educator was rooted in my family’s story. My parents, who grew up in a small village in Zacatecas, Mexico didn’t receive any formal schooling and were monolingual Spanish speakers. As the youngest child in a medium-sized family, I grew up surrounded by my older siblings and parents, learning from them while also teaching them. 

I realized at an early age that my mother had not been formally educated. I often created multiplication and division problems for her to solve, and by sixth grade, I had taught her how to write her name in cursive, perform basic arithmetic, and even compose letters to her family. Her unwavering desire to learn and my determination to help her are what inspired me to become an educator. 

Finding My Place at YES Prep 

I learned about YES Prep through a former colleague who was part of the founding team at NCE. She believed I would be a great fit for a fourth-grade position. In 2022, I joined YES Prep as a bilingual math teacher, and I’ve been teaching the same grade and subject ever since. 

From my first week, I noticed how much NCE leadership values professional growth. My principal serves as my coach, meeting with me weekly to review lesson plans, discuss data, and provide invaluable feedback after classroom observations. This culture of growth extends to my colleagues, who are eager to collaborate and share best practices. I feel supported and valued in my role, which has been crucial for my development as an educator. 

Why Bilingual Education Matters 

I chose to become a bilingual educator because to make a difference in the Hispanic community. Teaching core subjects in my students’ native language allows me to help them reach their full potential and close academic gaps. During their English Language Development block, I use scaffolded instruction to shape their attitudes toward acquiring a second language. 

One of my most memorable moments was working with Isaac, a student who struggled with solving word problems. By turning a subtraction problem into a real-life scenario involving money, I saw him light up with understanding for the first time. His excitement and engagement in class showed me how impactful real-life applications can be in boosting students’ confidence and participation. 

Recognition Through TIA 

Being recognized and rewarded through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) has been a game-changer for my career. Knowing that my teaching is making a measurable impact motivates me to keep learning, growing, and striving to help my students achieve their goals. TIA recognition also reinforces my commitment to staying in the classroom, where I can continue inspiring my students to become global citizens. 

To aspiring high-performing educators, I would advise focusing on maximizing your time at work. Use your planning periods wisely to grade, plan, or contact parents to avoid taking excessive work home. Build strong relationships with your students, colleagues, and administrators, and embrace change. Most importantly, become a data expert to inform your teaching, reteach when necessary, and provide differentiated instruction to meet your students’ needs. 

Sparking My Career at YES Prep 

The transition within the bilingual program in fourth grade, where students shift from bilingual to monolingual instruction, has given me the unique opportunity to teach bilingual students in a challenging yet rewarding environment. Teaching bilingual students in math, science, and social studies keeps me on my toes, but the professional development opportunities and resources YES Prep provides make my job easier and more fulfilling. 

I’m especially grateful for the school’s vision of equitable access to education that supports college readiness. At YES Prep, I find myself at the intersection of Spanish and English instruction, working with rigorous, technology-based curricula to prepare my students for college and beyond. 

Why teach bilingual education at YES 

For those considering joining YES Prep, I see endless opportunities for growth. The district’s culture of promoting from within is evident, with colleagues advancing into leadership and administrative roles. Bilingual educators are highly valued and benefit both financially and personally from the meaningful work we do to close academic gaps and champion social justice. 

I’m incredibly thankful for YES Prep—for their support, for the opportunities they’ve given me, and for their commitment to our students, families, and educators. Being part of this team has been a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference. 

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:  

TIA @ YES Prep 

Teacher Development and Evaluation at YES Prep 

 


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