Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – More than 1,200 teachers from across Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) took part in the district’s annual Best Practices Conference 2025, held at multiple campuses throughout the district. The professional learning event showcased over 300 educator-led sessions designed to strengthen instructional practices and enhance student success.
“This is a great time to create long-lasting relationships with each other and help each other throughout the year. They are the superheroes of the classroom,” explained Stella Sanchez, PSJA Professional Development Director.
Sessions focused on a variety of research-based strategies, including social-emotional learning, technology integration, cross-curricular art projects, and the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. This year also marked an important milestone, as elementary teachers participated in the event for the first time, broadening the reach and impact of the conference.
“Our Best Practices Conference is a celebration of the incredible expertise within our district,” said Dr. Alejandro Elias, Superintendent. “By creating opportunities for teachers to share proven strategies, we are not only improving classroom instruction but also directly advancing student achievement across all grade levels.”
Teachers expressed excitement about the new ideas they can bring back to their students.
Abigail Espinoza, an 8th-grade teacher at Raul Yzaguirre Middle School, emphasized the power of creative engagement.
“One of the teachers demonstrated canvas painting in a social studies lesson, and the students can really connect with it. They will be able to remember the material much more effectively,” Espinoza said.
The PSJA Best Practices Conference has become a cornerstone of PSJA ISD’s professional development efforts, reflecting the district’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education.
