For Elisa Espinoza, a Prekindergarten Bilingual teacher at YES Prep Hobby Elementary, teaching has always been about people first. 

It's about creating spaces where students feel safe. It's about helping children discover their confidence. And it's about building the kind of relationships that can change the trajectory of a child's life. 

After 21 years in education and five years at YES Prep, Elisa's passion for teaching remains as strong as ever. 

Finding a Place That Shared Her Purpose 

When Elisa arrived at YES Prep in 2021, she was searching for something deeper than a new job. 

After years in education, she found herself questioning whether the environment around her still reflected the values that first drew her into teaching. She wanted to be part of a school community that cared about students as whole people—not just test scores. 

A lifelong friend encouraged her to learn more about YES Prep, and one conversation changed everything. 

"It was Mrs. Diana Rios' passion in her voice, assertiveness in her vision, and purpose in her mission that encouraged me to join YES Prep," Elisa recalls. 

That conversation led Elisa to YES Prep Hobby Elementary, where she quickly found a community aligned with her own beliefs about education. 

"It was the best decision I made for my well-being as well as my career," she says. 

Today, she continues to see YES Prep's commitment to students reflected in every corner of the organization, from campus leadership to classroom teachers, to district staff. 

Inspired by the Teachers Who Never Gave Up on Her 

Like many educators, Elisa's journey began long before she ever stepped into her own classroom. 

As a child, she played school in the garage with her Barbies, imagining herself as a teacher one day. But it was the educators she encountered throughout her own schooling who transformed that childhood dream into a lifelong calling. 

There was Ms. Mendoza, her first-grade teacher, who taught her that books could open doors to entirely new worlds. 

There was Miss Tart, a long-term substitute teacher who encouraged her to dream beyond her circumstances. 

And there was Mrs. Garcia, her senior-year accounting teacher, who challenged her to think about how education could create opportunities for entire communities. 

"My inspiration to be a teacher comes from teachers who showed compassion and determination," Elisa says. "They dedicated their time to me as a struggling student." 

Those lessons stayed with her. Now, more than two decades later, she sees herself in many of the students who walk through her classroom doors. 

"As a teacher of 21 years, my students are now my inspiration. I see their struggles and turn them into smiles." 

Building Success Through Purpose and Positivity 

Teaching young learners comes with challenges. Every day presents new opportunities to problem-solve, adapt, and respond to student needs. 

For Elisa, maintaining a positive perspective begins with remembering why she chose this profession in the first place. 

"To be great in any profession, you have to like your job. I mean genuinely enjoy the work you do," she explains. 

While not every day goes according to plan, Elisa approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. Rather than focusing on obstacles, she focuses on impact. 

"My why is that I love to work as a teacher," she says. "I care about how I impact the lives of my students." 

That mindset has helped her earn recognition throughout her career, including being named Bilingual Teacher of the Year twice in her previous district and earning a TIA Recognized and Level IV designation at YES Prep. 

But for Elisa, success isn't measured by awards. It's measured by the growth, confidence, and joy she sees in her students every day. 

A Partnership Built on Trust 

One of YES Prep's core values is Building Transformative Relationships, and nowhere is that more evident than in Elisa's classroom. 

For the past four years, she has partnered with Teacher Assistant Karla Morel, creating a collaborative environment that benefits every student they serve. 

Together, they plan lessons, practice instructional strategies, discuss classroom routines, and ensure they remain aligned in their goals for student success. 

"Being aligned builds a common goal for the success of our students and shows them that both of us work together for them," Elisa says. 

She describes Morel as an invaluable partner whose dedication and care help create a nurturing learning environment every day. 

"Karla is an asset in my classroom. Her love and attention to our students makes our days flow, and together we provide an effective learning environment for our students." 

Their partnership serves as a powerful reminder that great teaching is often a team effort. 

Growing as a Leader While Remaining a Teacher 

Throughout her time at YES Prep, Elisa has embraced opportunities to grow beyond her classroom. 

As a Grade Level Chair, Teacher Advisory Committee member, mentor, and instructional coach, she has helped support fellow educators while continuing to sharpen her own practice. 

She credits YES Prep's coaching, leadership opportunities, and professional development with helping her grow as both an educator and leader. 

"YES Prep's coaching and professional development have transformed my career and opened opportunities to take on leadership roles and collaborate with others across the district," she says. 

That commitment to developing educators from within is one of the reasons YES Prep continues to attract and retain exceptional teachers like Elisa. 

Advice for Future Educators 

When asked what she would tell someone considering a career at YES Prep, Elisa is honest. 

Education is changing, she says, and students need educators who are willing to embrace challenges, work hard, and stay committed to making a difference. 

"To work at YES is to make a commitment, to accept the challenge, pivot the problems, and stamp solutions," Elisa says. 

She believes the organization's culture, collaboration, and mission-driven approach create an environment where educators can thrive while making a meaningful impact on students and families. 

"Our success is only as strong as our supports," she says. "And here, we are all focused on the same mission." 

Building the Foundation for a Lifetime of Success 

Every day, Elisa welcomes some of YES Prep's youngest learners into her classroom. 

For many, pre-K is their very first school experience. It's where they learn to trust, explore, communicate, and believe in themselves. 

Through compassion, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to her students, Elisa helps create that foundation. 

And just as the teachers who once inspired her helped shape her future, she is now doing the same for hundreds of children who will carry her lessons with them long after they leave her classroom. 

Because sometimes the most powerful work in education begins with a smile, a caring relationship, and a teacher who believes in what a child can become. 

At YES Prep, teachers like Elisa Espinoza demonstrate the power of excellent teaching and transformational relationships. Through the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, we are proud to recognize educators whose impact extends beyond the classroom and helps create pathways to opportunity for all students. 

Interested in joining a team that invests in educators and develops leaders from within? YES Prep is currently hiring Bilingual Education and Special Education teachers who are ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of Houston students. Explore opportunities and learn more about joining the YES Prep team.