Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) is celebrating a significant milestone in its commitment to innovative teaching and learning as six district educators have been accepted into Texas Tech University’s prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Blended and Personalized Learning.
This achievement stems from a strategic partnership established through the district’s participation in the Texas Education Agency’s Blended Learning Grant initiative. The collaboration began after district representatives attended an informational session at the Blended Learning Grant Fall Summit. As part of PSJA ISD’s Blended Learning Grant implementation launched in Fall 2025, an inaugural cohort of 13 educators enrolled in Texas Tech University’s Blended and Personalized Learning Graduate Certificate Program.
Upon completing the 15-hour graduate certificate, participants were offered the opportunity to apply their coursework toward an advanced degree. Today, nearly half of the inaugural cohort has earned acceptance into the university’s doctoral program, demonstrating both the rigor of the certificate program and the dedication of PSJA ISD educators to continuous professional growth.
The six educators accepted into the PhD program include:
- Jessica Moore, Middle School Science Coordinator
- Kimberly Ortega, Middle School RLA Coordinator
- Karla Rodriguez, Elementary English Language Arts Coordinator
- Jonathan Chapa Trigo, Reed-Mock Elementary Teacher and Campus Instructional Technology Leader (CIT)
- Valentin Guerra, Instructional Technology Integration Specialist
- Senyda Elizondo, Director of Technology
“This partnership has played a significant role in supporting our district’s blended learning goals,” said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias. “The program’s content is highly relevant, timely, and directly connected to the work being implemented through our grant initiative, allowing participants to immediately apply research-based practices in their educational settings.”
The collaboration with Texas Tech University aligns with PSJA ISD’s ongoing efforts to expand innovative instructional practices, personalize student learning experiences, and build leadership capacity throughout the district. Through the graduate certificate program and subsequent doctoral opportunities, participating educators have gained advanced knowledge and research-based strategies that directly support classroom instruction and student achievement.
“Being part of the Blended Learning Cohort has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to grow professionally while gaining a deeper understanding of how blended learning can transform teaching and learning across our district,” said Director of Technology Senyda Elizondo. “Through the cohort, I’ve had the opportunity to connect research to practice, collaborate with colleagues who share a passion for innovation, and apply what we’re learning in real time. The experience has strengthened our collective vision for student-centered learning and has helped us create meaningful opportunities that support both educators and students throughout PSJA.”
PSJA ISD remains committed to cultivating partnerships that empower educators, enhance instructional practices, and create transformative learning opportunities for all students.
