At YES Prep, great teaching changes lives, and we proudly celebrate the educators who go above and beyond to ensure every student in Houston receives an excellent education. In this next installment in our TIA-Level IV Teacher Spotlight Series, we celebrate, Jeni Rainey.
Kindergarten teacher Jeni Rainey has been at YES Prep Southeast Elementary for only two years, but her impact has been undeniable—and she’s taking that excellence with her to her next chapter as a founding teacher at YES Prep White Oak Elementary. As a Level IV & TIA Exemplary educator, Jeni’s dedication to student growth is reflected in her class’s results: an impressive 88% meeting reading goals and 71% meeting math goals on the MAP assessment this year.
Finding a Place to Grow
Jeni’s journey to YES Prep has been one of persistence, adaptability, and a drive for growth. After graduating from the University of Houston–Downtown in 2018, she began her teaching career and quickly earned her master’s degree—all while navigating the challenges of a global pandemic. She taught in two districts and three schools before finding her professional home at YES Prep.
“One thing I felt I was missing before was personal growth,” Jeni shares. “When I came to YES, the culture was immediately different. I was given opportunities to grow and continue to develop as an educator and a leader within both my campus and the greater system community. That growth has been invaluable to me and to the students I teach.”
Creating a Classroom Where Students Feel at Home
Her commitment to her students is rooted in her own educational experiences. Having once been told to “pick safer schools” when applying to college, Jeni made a promise to never limit a student’s ambitions.
“Nobody rises to meet low expectations. I encourage students to take risks with their learning and set ambitious goals that stretch them beyond what they think they can do.”
In her classroom, Jeni is intentional about making every student feel valued and at home. She displays student drawings behind her desk, keeps family photos in the calm-down corner, and ensures access to learning for all—whether that means creating visual aids for English learners or developing scaffolds for students who need extra support.
For Jeni, supporting her team is just as important as supporting her students. She believes in being the kind of colleague who steps in to give a teammate a break, helps assess their students, or even orders coffee on a hard day. She credits former Southeast Elementary Principal, now founding White Oak Elementary Principal, Matthew McMahan, for embodying that same spirit from her first interview onward.
“Matt made Southeast feel like a place where teachers could be themselves. He’s someone I’ve cried with over students, celebrated wins with, and gone to countless times for honest advice. He’s a relentless cheerleader for both staff and students.”
Her advice for educators considering a move to YES Prep
“Take the risk. I was incredibly unfulfilled in my career before I came here, but I’ve had so many opportunities for growth and leadership that I’d been searching for. Make the leap, and tell your leaders what you hope to get from the experience.”
One of Jeni’s favorite things about teaching at YES Prep is the holistic way her work is evaluated.
“At YES, my ability as a teacher is rated on more than a single surprise walkthrough. I have multiple opportunities to demonstrate growth and receive feedback throughout the year. This approach gives me time to reflect, improve, and refine my craft, just like we want our students to do.”
With her next chapter at White Oak Elementary on the horizon, Jeni Rainey continues to prove what’s possible when high expectations meet the right opportunities to grow—both for students and for teachers.
Learn More About the Teacher Incentive Allotment at YES Prep
The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) at YES Prep is a recognition program committed to celebrating and rewarding exceptional teaching while supporting professional growth. Through the TIA program, educators have a clear pathway to earning meaningful financial rewards, advancing their career, and staying in the classroom where they make the greatest impact.
Discover how YES Prep supports teacher excellence, invests in ongoing development, and empowers educators to reach their full potential. Visit our website to explore program details, success stories, and resources for current and future teachers.