Mission
TriPoint Academy provides opportunities for students to understand how the world around them is interconnected, as well as how they have an impact on the world they live in by providing a rigorous interdisciplinary academic focus integrating the arts and natural world exploration through critical thinking (rigorous academics), change (service learning), and connections.
Vision
At TriPoint Academy we firmly believe that all children can reach their full potential if provided with a comprehensive approach to supporting their needs as they work toward becoming an independent learner. This approach includes creating learning experiences that intertwine content, the arts, nature, and service. We believe students need strong relationships that are representative of a family. With our belief in a strong academic foundation, we push students to think deeper about their content by incorporating global themes and generalizations through open ended and abstract thinking to ensure they are prepared to step responsibly into the world around them.
Values
Critical Thinking
Change
Connections
Our Team
Dr. Megan Correia - Founder / Director of Schools
Megan was a high performing teacher in Rhode Island and San Antonio. With both high achievement and student growth, she has a deep understanding of what quality curriculum and instruction look like. Alongside high quality instruction, Megan has implemented social-emotional learning and project-based learning into her educational philosophy as methods to ensure the needs of the “whole child” are met, while providing students with 21st century skills that help students understand their ability to make change in the world around them. Megan established herself as a teacher leader, through coaching and mentoring, as well as curriculum development for the district. Educational experiences in a variety of contexts have strengthened her belief that all students deserve a quality education rooted in strong curriculum and instruction.
After being named Lamar Teacher of the Year in 2019, she received her doctoral degree at Walden University, completing her EdD in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Since joining the School Innovation Collaborative, she has designed and implemented numerous academic programs including a comprehensive literacy program aligned to the science of teaching, schoolwide intervention systems, blended learning structures, an afterschool program, and an additional school year days program. She has also successfully launched the Teacher Incentive Allotment in two different districts.
As a parent of three children, Megan understands that every child has unique needs. Each child deserves their needs to be met and their strengths to be celebrated. In addition to her education experiences, Megan holds a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies, as well as an Associates in accounting.
Douglas Dawson - Executive Director
Doug is a experienced systems-level leader driven by his background as an educator. He is a thought leader in launching district partnerships and designing innovative network models. Over the last two years, Doug has supported districts across the state to launch over 20 new partnership networks that have increased access to great schools for thousands of Texas students and families.
Doug’s journey in education began as a Teach for America Corp member in Dallas, TX where he served as a middle school teacher in a Title I school. Upon completing his corp experience, Doug completed his MBA at Rice University as part of the university’s education entrepreneurship program (REEP). He also served as a teacher and administrator with YES Prep Public schools, leading the launch of Fifth Ward High School.
Prior to launching the School Innovation Collaborative, Doug served as the Assistant Director for the Texas Education Agency’s Division of System Support & Innovation where he designed and launched multiple state-wide education reform initiatives aiming to empower school leaders and educators.
Victoria Martinez - Founding Learning Facilitator
Victoria Martinez educates tomorrow's future. She graduated with a masters degree in Education from Texas State University and a bachelors in psychology from Texas A&M International University. She has worked with Aric Bostick, one of the nation’s top motivational speakers and success trainers, author of the book "Fired Up! Success". She was trained in Steven Covey's 7 Habits in 2009 and has created a classroom environment in which the habits are a common language. Her personal struggles in school and life have brought her to a path of enlightenment. She has taken the scars placed on her and turned them into a driving force for change. She has made it her mission in life to motivate educators to leave marks, not scars, on students. Marks that remind them that anything is possible as long as they put first things first and believe they can reach their goals.
George Avery, previous parent of one of her students, best described Victoria as "a standout in the school community by traversing beyond expectations in her classroom teachings." She has impacted the entire school campus and community by setting the example and raising the bar of what it means to be an Educator. Victoria Martinez is unequivocally a “Firework”. Her work has recently extended beyond the classroom by forming lifelong relationships with experts in various fields in order to connect students with real-world experiences so that they can turn around and give back. She is ready to revolutionize education so that students can learn in a natural way that meets all of their needs and close gaps and help them understand 21st century soft and hard skills in order to become productive citizens of society equipped with goals and ambitions.
Kevin Pendleton - Creative Coordinator
Kevin is an Artist born in Laredo, Tx and raised in Benavides, Tx. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art at Texas A&M University - Kingsville and is currently a graduate student in the Educational Leadership program at TAMUK.
Prior to his role at Tri Point, Kevin has had a multitude of experience in different industries ranging from sales, design, trades and education; and much of his professional experience has had significant overlaps. He spent seven years as a Teacher's Assistant to internationally acclaimed artists Fulden and Charles Wissinger where he began developing his interdisciplinary approach to the arts and teaching. He moved on from TAMUK to Benavides ISD where he taught in service of 1st-12th grade students for two years, weaving student interests with the arts, research, and social/emotional development.
Kevin strongly believes in the arts and project-based learning as a foundation for targeted growth in academic areas. His program development at BISD was predicated on isolating key overlaps in state standards and student learning outcomes across disciplines as an intentional approach to guide students towards mastering content.
Vanessa Puente De Leon - Learning Facilitator
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. During my college years, I went to the University of the Incarnate Word where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. While working with at-risk youth at RYMA and working closely with Boerne Independent School District, I decided to go back to school to become a teacher. While working on my post-baccalaureate in Education, I also received my Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of the Texas at San Antonio.
As an educator, I will be going on my 17th year of teaching. Teaching was my second profession and didn't start right away into it, but I have always been told since the beginning I was a natural at teaching students. I have had the pleasure of working in grades Pre-K to 5th grade in various capacities. I have served as a mentor, curriculum writer, instructional specialist, and instructional coach.
During my time outside of the classroom, I enjoy doing things with my husband and two kids. We enjoy movies, music, trips, and just relaxing by the pool. Things that I like to do by myself are reading books and going to concerts to see some of my favorite musicians in action!
I strongly believe the foundations in the early years are necessary for a successful future in education and I can't wait to work back in the classrooms with students!
Nelissa Guerra - Learning Facilitator
I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas but was raised in Benavides, Texas. I grew up with a love for nature and spent most of my life hunting and fishing with my dad. Some of my best memories have been in a hunting blind or out on a pier late at night catching fish. With that passion I decided to pursue a Bachelors degree in Agriculture - Range and Wildlife Management at Texas A&M University - Kingsville. Upon graduation I worked at a Veterinary clinic where I spent 3 years helping animals and their owners. After 3 years I decided to take some time to raise my son and work on one of my other passions which is art. For the last couple of years I have worked as a wildlife artist capturing the beauty of all that nature has to offer through oil paintings as well as a recent discovery of soft pastel art! In my spare time I love spending time with my family, and going on adventures. Majority of the time you can catch us fishing, hiking or just enjoying the time we get together. I am extremely excited to start this new journey of educating the next generation of students so that they too can be passionate about nature and their education!
Kathia Garibay - Learning Facilitator
Kathia Garibay's journey is truly inspiring! Her multidisciplinary background in Music and Business from UIW in 2019 has equipped her with a unique perspective. Let's delve into her story:
- **Diverse Experiences:** Kathia's work with children and families across various settings demonstrates her commitment to making a difference. From running the meal program at The Gathering Place to serving as a substitute teacher in NISD, she solidified her passion for education. Most recently, she has been working with the TOPP program through Region 20, at Promesa Academy. She served as a Kindergarten Teaching Resident. She is excited to start her teaching journey at Tri Point Academy!
- **Teaching Philosophy:** Kathia's teaching philosophy reflects her desire to be the teacher she wished she had while growing up. As a neuro-spicy individual (a term that resonates with her own experiences), she understands the need for personalized approaches to learning.
- **Lifelong Learning:** Kathia's curiosity and creativity drive her lifelong learning journey. She embraces each experience with an open mind, constantly seeking growth and understanding.
- **Education as a Calling:** Her struggles in education led her to discover her true calling—to become a teacher. Kathia recognizes that teaching extends beyond academic content; it's about shaping young minds and fostering holistic development.
Kathia has a blended family with two boys of her own and two from her husband, and her family is a diverse array of cultures from Puerto Rican, Mexican, Italian to Guatemalan! When she’s not working she enjoys watching her sons play soccer, her step children perform, and hunting or hiking with her husband.
Kathia Garibay's story exemplifies resilience, empathy, and a passion for education. As she continues her journey, she leaves an indelible mark on those she encounters. 🌟
