As jobs of the future continue to evolve, including those tied to innovative technologies both current and emerging, Teach Plus Texas has set an ambitious goal to ensure students graduate with the skills they need for tomorrow's careers. Teachers are uniquely positioned to shape this future workforce and serve as powerful advocates for policies that help students succeed economically.

Demonstrating their commitment to this mission, Teach Plus has selected 70 exceptional teachers across the state for its 2025-26 statewide Policy Fellowship, 2025-26 Houston Policy Fellowship, and 2025-26 Early Childhood Education Group Network Facilitators cohort, the organization announced in a September 3 press release.

Two educators from Katy ISD were named to the 2025-26 Houston Policy Fellowship list.

Building on the work of previous teacher leaders, these new cohorts will advocate for education policies that give students multiple paths to success after graduation—from ensuring high-quality classroom instruction and resources to embracing AI and other teaching innovations. Previous advocacy work included testifying at legislative committees, meeting with lawmakers, and writing op-eds in support of House Bill 2, which increases public school funding by about $8.5 billion. The new cohorts will also focus their advocacy on early childhood education and teacher preparation, compensation, and working conditions.

Throughout the program, Teach Plus develops and deepens Fellows' expertise in policy analysis, advocacy, research, and communications, equipping them with the skills to bring evidence-based solutions to the table. Each program participant was selected for their ability to articulate the needs of their students and communities and their demonstrated excellence and innovation in teaching, ensuring they can effectively advocate for meaningful changes that will benefit children across Texas.

The Teach Plus Houston Policy Fellowship

The 18 educators chosen as 2025-26 Fellows in this third Houston cohort will focus on local impact projects related to college and career readiness and early childhood education, as well as teacher preparation, compensation, and working conditions. They also will bring a Houston-specific perspective to state-level issues.

The 2025-26 Teach Plus Texas Houston Fellows are:

● Abdul Adaya, West Briar Middle School (Houston ISD)

● Laura Henry, Galena Park High School (Galena Park ISD)

● Linlan Cai, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School (Houston ISD)

● Mary Catherine Holcomb, KIPP Connect Primary School (KIPP Texas Public Schools)

● Sierra Joseph, Ronald Thornton Middle School (Fort Bend ISD)

● Dwayne Lacy, Beckendorff Junior High School (Katy ISD)

● Morgan, Kings Manor Elementary School New Caney ISD)

● Kelly Knight, Katy High School (Katy ISD)

● Aubrey Mueller, Chavez High School (Houston ISD)

● Aylyn Munoz, James DeAnda Elementary School (Houston ISD)

● Ijeoma Okatie, YES Prep West Secondary School (YES Prep Public Schools)

● Lakeisha Patterson, Deepwater Elementary School (Deep Park ISD)

● Kevin Potter, Deer Park High School (Deer Park)

● Dylan D. Smith, Cleveland High School (Cleveland ISD)

● Yujin Seo, Klein Intermediate School (Klein ISD)

● Elizabeth Spradling, Stratford High School (Spring Branch ISD)

● Phyllis Tyler, Ronald Thornton Middle School (Missouri City)

● Lindell Ware, Miller Intermediate School (Alief ISD)


"If districts are the engine of economic mobility in our Texas communities, then teachers are the fuel that powers that engine because they're the only professionals who train tomorrow's workforce. These educators work directly with students every day to build on their achievements and guide them toward good-paying careers. I want to see more students graduate with college or career credentials, and teachers are essential to making that happen," said Teach Plus Texas Executive Director Kevin Malonson.

About Teach Plus

Teach Plus is dedicated to the mission of empowering excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to exercise their leadership in shaping education policy and improving teaching and learning for students. Learn more about Teach Plus Texas at https://teachplus.org/tx/.