Serena Sanchez is a 2025-2026 Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow. She is an 11th grade special education teacher leader and the Hope Squad mentor at IDEA Harlingen College Prep in Harlingen, Texas. She oversees the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate services, as well as supports staff, ensures legal compliance, and fosters collaboration between families, educators, and service providers. Serena was named Teacher of the Year (2024-2025) and Teacher of the Month (September 2024, March 2023, and April 2022). She began her teaching career as co-teacher for a life skills unit in middle school and has since taught various grades 6-11. She earned her BS in rehabilitative services and master’s in special education, both from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley.
