Shirley Castillo, Connecting Cultural Traditions in an International Family
Shirley Castillo, Instructor at IDEA Donna College Prep, is a proud Uruguayan who is passionate about connecting and celebrating many cultural traditions with her children, who were born in different countries. Castillo often shares these unique family traditions with her scholars. Our teachers at IDEA come from various cultural backgrounds and are an integral part […]
Celebrating Facilities Appreciation Day
Our IDEA facilities team consists of our amazing custodians, facilities managers, regional managers of facilities and construction, and HQ staff who go above and beyond to ensure academic excellence by making sure our campuses are running smoothly and students are getting the best educational experience possible. Maria Raygoza, Custodian at IDEA Bluff Springs For IDEA’s […]
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Moment of Reflection with Jose Luis Vasquez
For Hispanic Heritage Month, IDEA is highlighting its Latinx staff members who continue to proudly uphold the cultures and traditions that make them who they are. Jose Luis Vasquez, Managing Director of Alumni Affairs at IDEA, recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices of his predecessors that afforded him the opportunities he has today. As we […]
IDEA Staff Spotlight: Ligaya Roa
We sat down with Ligaya Grace Roa, Distinguished Master RISE Teacher at IDEA Academy La Joya. Ligaya and her husband, Merpu, founded the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce RGV Chapter where she currently serves as a board member. She is also the co-founder of EstherUP and a member of FemCity RGV. We had a wonderful time […]
SUEperwoman: Bringing Joy and So Much More from the Philippines to the Rio Grande Valley
An IDEA staff spotlight on Sue Gayle Devaras-Marticio We sat down with Sue Gayle Devaras-Marticio, an advanced and AP (Advanced Placement) Physics Teacher at IDEA College Preparatory San Juan. Sue is currently participating in a teacher exchange program from the “beautiful Archipelago, The Pearl of the Orient – Philippines!” Sue has two amazing children, Mary […]
National School Counseling Week Spotlight: Kristal Cooks
IDEA is proud to celebrate National School Counseling Week 2022 February 7-11, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within our schools. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve success in school and in life. We […]
Celebrating Black History Month: A Team & Family Interview with College Counselor Vickie Walls
Vickie Walls served as a founding teacher at IDEA Bridge College Preparatory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana when the school opened in 2018. A former social studies course leader, humanities teacher, and sponsor of Student Government Association and National Beta Club, Vickie recently transferred to become the college counselor at IDEA Bridge College Preparatory. Vickie wears […]
Celebrating National Special Education Day 2021: IDEA Teachers Share Their Passion for Student Success
National Special Education Day is celebrated every year on December 2! This day commemorates the anniversary of our nation’s first federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed by President Ford on December 2, 1975. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act made public education available to all eligible children with disabilities across the nation and ensured special education and related services were provided for […]
Honoring Veterans Day: IDEA Spotlights Special Education Teacher Anthony Sanchez
Voices of IDEA provides an opportunity to highlight and amplify diverse voices among IDEA’s Team & Family. From students, to staff, family and partners, Voices of IDEA profiles the impact, experience and perspectives of individuals who shape our mission and support scholars on the road to and through college. In this Voices of IDEA feature, […]
All Voices Are Important: Spotlight on Annemarie Donnelly, Director of Advocacy
Meet Annemarie Donnelly, proud Mexican American and director of advocacy at IDEA Public Schools! In her role, Annemarie has the honor of making sure our families, teachers, and staff have their voices heard at every level of government and in policy-making decisions. She also participates in IDEA’s monthly affinity groups – celebrating identity and creating opportunities to learn about others. Annemarie […]
