About
In the late 18th century, the colonial patriots were willing to fight to pursue civil liberties. Similarly, each day we are in a fight to pursue academic excellence for our scholars. We strive to build the capacity of our teachers who ultimately have the greatest impact on scholar achievement. We believe that the best instruction is first time instruction.
Patrick Henry has teachers and support staff that are committed to every scholar.
Follow us on Twitter: #patriotpursuit
Kenneth Parreno
8th Grade Science Teacher
I am a Latino first-generation college graduate. My family immigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador, and they raised me to appreciate how education can open up pathways to opportunity. I attended Harvard College, where I had the opportunities to research in psychology, meet people from around the world, and work to foster community on campus. After working in student life at Harvard for a few years, I decided I wanted to give back to the community that raised me, and I hoped to teach students who grew up with similar backgrounds as I had. I joined Teach for America as a 2013 Corps Member, and I am now teaching for my third year at Patrick Henry Middle School (Houston I.S.D.), a school with a population of 98% students of color and 95% of whom are economically disadvantaged. Having taught sixth grade science my first year, I have moved up with my students each year to teach them in the next grade level. Now, I am preparing them for success in high school and beyond.
Isa Simmons
7th grade Social Studies teacher
When I was younger I took a tour the House of the Representatives. I stood at the speaker’s rostrum where every president since Wilson had stood. “I belong here” I thought to myself. I want my students to have experiences like this. I’m a history teacher and I work for Title I school in the heart of Houston. Most of my students will be the first in their families to attend college. They live in a city that is frequently derided and rarely ever "chosen." My students work constantly to defy expectations. They are gifted. They are hardworking. They are all college-bound.
Patrick Henry Middle School
7th grade History Teacher
We call ourselves Patriots. In the late 18th century, the colonial patriots were willing to fight to pursue civil liberties. Similarly, each day we are in a fight to pursue academic excellence for our scholars. We strive to build the capacity of our teachers who ultimately have the greatest impact on scholar achievement. We believe that the best instruction is first time instruction. Patrick Henry has teachers and support staff that are committed to every scholar. Follow us on Twitter: #patriotpursuit
