Houston Daily

ConocoPhillips and Teach For America Houston have reached a significant milestone in their nearly two-decade partnership, celebrating over $1 million in contributions to enhance educational opportunities for children in Houston. The event took place at Sylvan R. Rodriguez Jr. Elementary School, a partner school of Teach For America (TFA) Houston.

"ConocoPhillips has been a key part of our story in Houston," said Tiffany Cuellar Needham, Executive Director of TFA Houston. She emphasized the company's role since 2005 in supporting the recruitment and training of educators who significantly impact students across the city.

Ty Johnson, Supervisor of Sports Sponsorships and STEM Programs at ConocoPhillips, remarked on the company's commitment to community impact through education: "Our longstanding partnership with Teach For America Houston reflects that commitment—especially in the critical area of education."

The celebration included activities for students and staff, such as pizza, Kona Ice, custom sunglasses from ConocoPhillips, and branded hats from a collaboration between ConocoPhillips and the Houston Texans. The event was further enlivened by appearances from the Houston Texans' mascot TORO and cheerleaders.

ConocoPhillips is dedicated to supporting STEM education by partnering with TFA Houston to bring approximately 50 new STEM teachers annually into high-need schools throughout the region. These educators are crucial in preparing future leaders equipped for a STEM-driven world.

Sylvan R. Rodriguez Jr. Elementary School, located in Houston's Gulfton community and led by Principal Parisa Behzadi—a TFA alum—boasts 15 TFA-connected staff members contributing to notable academic improvements. During the 2024–2025 academic year, nearly 80% of its students achieved more than 1.5 years of growth in math, reading, and science on MAP assessments.