Texas Border Business
Teach For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA RGV) in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation’s (CFP) Extra Yard for Teachers Week today announced that an early educator has received $250 each inrecognition of his incredible impact and unwavering commitment in the classroom. This teacher was selected for their leadership, dedication to student success, and contributions to building a brighter future for their communities through education.
The recipient of this year’s award has demonstrated exceptional teaching practices, from fostering inclusive environments and integrating innovative lesson plans to ensuring their students are equipped with the skills to succeed. This educator is a testament to the power of positive influence in education, as he went above and beyond to inspire and support students.
“The College Football Playoff Foundation is happy to provide support to expand the recruitment of great teachers. With organizations like TFA, we are supporting pipelines of teachers who are connected to their communities and will share their experience with the students they will teach,” said Britton Banowsky, of the CFP Foundation.
The 2024 award recipient:
John Froozan, TFA Rio Grande Valley 2024 Corps Member
U.S. History and Government Teacher, PSJA North Early College High School
- Froozan was recognized as an exemplary educator for his commitment to equity as core to his classroom instruction. He thoughtfully designs lessons that not only engage students but also encourage critical thinking and dialogue. His students have praised him for sparking deep reflection. John’s hands-on approach empowers students to create, research, and express themselves, fostering a classroom environment rich in student voice. Additionally, his colleagues frequently seek his guidance on lesson planning and cultivating student agency, reflecting his leadership and impact beyond the classroom.
“We are immensely grateful for the generosity of the College Football Playoff Foundation. Their support of educators across Texas aligns with our work as we continue our mission of expanding educational opportunities in the community, especially for our most vulnerable students,” said Jon Stevens, Head of Development of TFA Rio Grande Valley. “Education is a key driver of economic mobility for our young people. Our educators work countless hours educating and preparing young people for a future filled with unlimited opportunities and we are immensely grateful for partners that pour directly into our teachers,” Stevens added.
For more information about TFA, visit www.teachforamerica.org. For more information about CFP, visit www.cfp-foundation.org.
About Teach For America Rio Grande Valley
Founded in 1991, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA-RGV) works in partnership communities across the Rio Grande Valley to expand educational opportunities for children. TFA-RGV recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders who make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to end educational inequity. Today, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley is a force of over 295 alumni and corps members working throughout the region in pursuit of profound systemic change. From classrooms to school districts to the social and private sector, they are reimagining education to realize the day when every child in the Valley has an equal opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org/riograndevalley and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About the College Football Playoff Foundation
The College Football Playoff Foundation (@CFPExtraYard) is the 501(c)3 non profit organization serving as the community engagement arm of the College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) and works in partnership with institutions of higher education, sports organizations, corporations and nonprofits to support educators and improve U.S. student outcomes. The purpose of the CFP Foundation lies in supporting PK-12 education across the country. The CFP Foundation’s primary platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four core areas: resources, recognition, professional development, recruitment and retention.
