At YES Prep, great teaching doesn’t go unnoticed—and it certainly doesn’t go uncelebrated. Through our Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, we recognize and reward educators who drive student achievement, build powerful relationships, and model excellence every day in the classroom.
This blog series honors our TIA and Level IV educators—those who consistently set the bar for instructional excellence and impact. Each spotlight highlights their unique journey, approach to teaching, and the lasting connections they’ve built with students and colleagues.
Today, we’re proud to feature Cassie Harper | YES Prep Northwest Secondary | 4 Years at YES Prep | TIA Masters and Level 4
From Unexpected Beginnings to Unshakable Purpose
Cassie Harper didn’t always envision a future in education. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she had plans to work abroad after college. But when the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted those plans, Teach For America offered her a new opportunity: an ESL teaching role in Houston. What began as a pivot soon became a calling.
“I ended up falling in love with teaching,” Cassie shares. “My students are the one and only reason I work so hard. They are my absolute motivation, and I put them first at all costs.”
Today, she serves as an 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at YES Prep Northwest Secondary, where she’s taught for one year, going on her second. Before joining YES Prep, she taught 8th grade ELA at Northbrook Middle School and was also the founding dance coach of the Northwest Flairs. Cassie has remained deeply involved in campus life, serving as a course facilitator, a member of the campus advisory council, and a mentor to countless students through her leadership in the performing arts. Her passion and dedication have earned her both TIA Master and Level IV designations.
Cassie’s impact is also measurable: she achieved 101% growth on Student Expectations (SEs), led her students to 90% growth on the STAAR exam in just her second year of teaching, and coached her dance team officers to a 1st place finish at a regional competition. These accomplishments are a testament to her high expectations, structure, and relentless belief in student potential.
The Power of One Teacher: A Full-Circle Moment
Cassie’s journey was profoundly shaped by her high school English teacher, Mr. Olin. “He encouraged me to go to college when I didn’t even want to,” she says. “He sat me down and taught me how to apply and get financial aid.”
Now, she teaches the very same novels he introduced to her—Lord of the Flies, Romeo and Juliet—honoring his legacy with every lesson. “He recently passed,” she adds, “but he was very proud of the work I was doing when we had a moment to reconnect and chat.” That full-circle experience fuels her commitment to students who, like her, need someone to believe in them first.
Demystifying Greatness: Structure, Consistency, and Compassion
At the core of Cassie’s teaching philosophy is the belief that consistency is a form of care. “For me, it’s all about structure,” she says. “My kids and I have an amazing relationship, but they also know the expectations in my class are high.”
She describes herself as a “warm demander”—firm, fair, and deeply supportive. In her classroom, students know what to expect and feel empowered to meet those expectations. This blend of warmth and rigor has helped students thrive both academically and personally under her guidance.
The Power of Professional Relationships
Cassie credits much of her growth to the people she’s worked alongside at both Northbrook and Northwest. “My Director of Instruction, Kim Cao, helped me grow as an educator and as a critical thinker in my own ELA skills,” she says.
She also highlights colleagues Rosa Gutierrez and Katrina Abe, who influenced her teaching style. “They inspired me immensely to be a firm but loving teacher. They helped me craft my teaching style—whether they know it or not.”
Why YES Prep?
“YES offers students the opportunity that so many ISD schools fail to provide—a post-secondary plan,” Cassie explains. “Our families know that YES will set their children up for success with a plan when they leave. Not all schools can promise that.”
Beyond academics, it’s the culture of the district that stands out to her. “The tight-knit community of this large district is what makes it feel familial and welcoming—for both staff and students.”
Advice to Future Teachers
Cassie is honest about the challenges of the role, but also about its purpose. “The work is incredibly challenging and at times feels impossible,” she says. “But the rewards are high. Lean into your discomfort and learn from your failures—because only through our mistakes do we grow and learn. That’s a lesson we model for our students.”
Stay tuned for more stories in our TIA-Level IV Teacher Spotlight Series as we continue to highlight the extraordinary educators transforming lives across YES Prep.