Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD is proud to celebrate the graduation of three staff members from the Grow Your Own Program. PBTISD founded the Grow Your Own program to financially support its staff members interested in pursuing higher education. The district fully funds and supports our staff in their academic journey. This December’s graduates all started at PBTISD as paraprofessionals and heard their calling to education as teachers. Learn more about our graduates below:
April Luevanos - 1st-grade teacher, Austin Elementary
Ms. April has been an employee at PBTISD for 11 years. She previously worked as an aide for the special education department before becoming a teacher. Ms. April obtained her Bachelor's in Early Education.
What inspired you to get your degree?
Mrs. Bana Armstrong had so much faith in me and encouraged me that my passion for education should not go to waste.
What would you tell someone interested in the Grow Your Own program?
Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. We are blessed to be in a district willing to help you accomplish your goals and further your education. If you are a Pecos native, this program is for you; we are rooted here, so why not help grow our community?
Would you like to go for another degree?
Yes, I plan to take a deep breath first. Then, I will embark on my next adventure for my master's in hopes of becoming a behavioral specialist.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want to thank all my colleagues I have worked with throughout the years; your belief in me has gotten me here. You all have motivated me, and I am forever grateful for you all—peace, love, and namaste.
Amanda Perez - 2nd-grade teacher, Zavala Elementary
Mrs. Perez has been an employee at PBTISD for four years. She previously worked as a speech aide before entering the classroom. Mrs. Perez obtained her Bachelor's in Education (EC-6th)
What inspired you to get your degree?
My sister. She just graduated with her Master's in Education last weekend from UTSA, and she went through a lot while trying to obtain her bachelor's and master's. I thought to myself, all she's been through and she's still going, I can do it too. A true inspiration!
What would you tell someone interested in the Grow Your Own program?
Take advantage of it!! So thankful for the Grow Your Own Program!! It would be amazing if more districts offered this program.
Would you like to go for another degree?
I have been considering pursuing my master's, but I haven't decided yet.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Achieving a bachelor's degree within three years was tough but worth it. Working, attending school full time, and all other mom/wife duties were challenging, but I am forever grateful for PBTISD and this amazing opportunity!
Keena Mendoza - 5th-grade teacher, Zavala Elementary
Mrs. Mendoza has been an employee at PBTISD for five years. When she first joined the district, Mrs. Mendoza started as an attendance clerk and recently worked as a special education inclusion aide. Mrs. Mendoza obtained her Bachelor's in Multidisciplinary Studies and Education.
What inspired you to get your degree?
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a child. When I became an inclusion aide, it inspired me to follow my dreams.
What would you tell someone interested in the Grow Your Own program?
I would tell someone considering joining the Grow Your Own program to go for it. This program is amazing and allows you to focus on your education without worrying about tuition payments. If it were not for this program, I would have never followed my dream.
Would you like to go for another degree?
Yes, I would love to get my master's degree in counseling one day.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank the school district for this opportunity and for allowing me to have my own classroom this school year.