Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (Pharr EDC) is collaborating with the Region One Education Service Center (ESC) to enhance the local workforce by investing in teacher certification. The two organizations recently announced a formal partnership that will support the accreditation of new educators, aiming to improve teacher preparation, increase retention, and enhance student outcomes in the Pharr community.
Victor Perez, President and CEO of Pharr EDC, emphasized the value of this collaboration. “It’s truly an honor to celebrate this important partnership and investment we’re making here for our community today,” Perez stated. “The purpose of this agreement is to establish a partnership and financial commitment between Region One ESC and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation to support the certification of teachers through sponsorship.”
According to Perez, the partnership represents more than just educational support—it is a strategic economic investment. “This is about investing in our people, students, and the future in education in our city and school districts. A strong public education system is essential to workforce development, talent retention, and sustainable economic growth.”
As part of this commitment, the Pharr EDC delivered a $21,000 check to Region One’s Educator Preparation and Development Program. The check, made payable directly to the program, represents a significant investment in the certification and development of future educators. The funds will be used to match a grant that Region One has received to support candidates in critical teaching areas.
Dr. Daniel King, Executive Director of Region One, praised Pharr EDC for taking a leadership role. “This initiative is very, very important,” he said. “Region One runs an alternative certification program for teachers and principals, focused on critical needs areas, especially in the core content areas.”
Dr. King pointed to research from the Texas Education Agency, noting that “teachers who go through a quality certification program get better student outcomes. They’re more likely to remain in teaching and more likely to remain in the district that first employed them.” He added that community-level support, such as Pharr EDC’s sponsorship, plays a significant role in this success.
King also acknowledged upcoming changes in state policy. “New legislation passed this session will require districts to phase out the use of non-certified teachers in core subject areas and early childhood education. Pharr EDC, you’re a step ahead,” he said. “Your contribution will have a great impact on your community.”
Marissa Falcon, Administrator for Educator Preparation and Development at Region One, shared more details about the certification process. “What I know to be true is: quality educator, quality community,” Falcon said. “Thank you for leading the way and being the very first EDC to commit to the matching funds. We are so grateful.”
Falcon explained that Region One currently offers 32 different teacher certifications and provides personalized, one-on-one support to each candidate. “Most recently, we signed on 29 future teachers. Each has already received multiple rounds of feedback and mentoring,” she noted.
Teacher candidates go through four months of pre-service coursework before they can begin classroom teaching and then continue to receive mentoring through a 14- to 17-month program. “If you are a resident of Pharr or nearby communities, we invite you to apply,” Falcon said. “And if you are a government entity ready to invest in your community, we are ready to partner with you.”
