Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
PHARR, TX — The City of Pharr and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced a $189,000 investment to support teacher certification for residents who live and work in Pharr, expanding efforts to strengthen the local education workforce.
The funding, provided in partnership with Region One Education Service Center, will help 45 aspiring educators complete certification programs over the next two years, reducing financial barriers and expanding the pipeline of qualified teachers for local schools.
Victor Perez, president and CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, said the initiative reflects the city’s view of economic development, which includes investing in people, infrastructure, and business growth.
“Economic development is not only about infrastructure and business growth,” Perez said. “It’s also about investing in people and education.”
Perez noted that the program will help cover certification, training, and related fees so participants can focus on preparing to serve students.
The new commitment significantly expands the program. Last year, the Pharr EDC contributed $21,000 to the Region One teacher certification program, helping five aspiring teachers pursue certification. The new funding will extend those opportunities to 45 individuals over the next two years.
Dr. Daniel King, executive director of Region One Education Service Center, said the partnership represents a long-term investment in the community.
“One of the best payoffs is investing in your own people,” King said. “When you invest in your own citizens, that investment lasts.”
King noted that while communities often focus economic development efforts on attracting new industries, investments in education and professional training build lasting local capacity. Research, he said, shows that teachers who complete formal certification programs are more effective in the classroom and more likely to remain in the profession.
Dr. Alejandro Elias, superintendent of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, said the initiative helps address a critical step in the teacher pipeline.
“Everybody talks about retention, but how are we getting teachers certified?” Elias said. “This program is addressing that piece.”
Elias added that partnerships among the city, the Pharr EDC, Region One, and local school districts strengthen the education system while supporting long-term workforce development.
City leaders said the initiative demonstrates how economic development strategies can extend beyond business recruitment by investing in education and workforce preparation. By supporting residents pursuing teaching careers, the program helps ensure local classrooms are staffed by qualified educators connected to the communities they serve.
The announcement concluded with a ceremonial check presentation recognizing the partnership between the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and Region One.
