Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Four Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) teachers recently earned Master Degrees in Mathematics through the Harvard Extension School Math for Teaching Graduate Program Cohort VI & VII in partnership with the Texas Graduate Center (TGC).
Albesa A. Pedraza from PSJA Memorial Early College High School, Evan A. Curtis from PSJA Early College High School, Moises Diaz from PSJA T-STEM Early College High School, and Karina Bazan from PSJA Early College High School were among two cohorts of Rio Grande Valley teachers who recently graduated with a Master of Liberal Arts in Mathematics for Teaching from Harvard Extension School.
“The program gave me a different perspective to teaching because I had not been challenged before the way that I was throughout the program, with that challenge I was able to gain a different appreciation for my students,” said Bazan.
Pedraza and Curtis were among seven educators who graduated apart of cohort VI in 2020. Most recently, Diaz and Bazan graduated as part of cohort VII in 2022.
“I am beyond grateful to PSJA for all the opportunities they have provided in my education. PSJA has opened many doors for me, such as being a part of Gear Up to being a part of this program,” Pedraza said. “These things have enabled me to gain knowledge and insight on different teaching strategies.”
The Harvard Math for Teaching Graduate Program is designed for secondary mathematics (or related field) teachers in Region One GEAR UP high schools. It is a rigorous course of study that allows teachers to complete a master’s degree within a three-year time frame.
“I am very grateful to my school district for offering this program that has made me a better math teacher for my students,” said Curtis. “I have gained so much knowledge and experience in how to think about problems and insight into the art of teaching. I believe when the district invests in their teachers, it pays off through a higher quality of education for our students. By making me a better teacher, our students benefit.”
Since the program’s inception in 2015, 12 PSJA ISD Educators have earned master’s degrees.
“Congratulations to our four educators for completing this rigorous program,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “We commend you for your dedication and drive to continue growing as educators to help further impact student academic success.”
