Dream Program Cohorts
Meet Our Cohorts
The Dream Program invests in pre-service and early-career educators of color who are ready to grow as literacy professionals, researchers, and leaders in Texas. Get to know the educators in our current and past cohorts.
2026-2027 Cohorts
Krysta Lopez
8th Grade ELA | First Colony Middle School, Fort Bend ISD
Krysta Lopez is a first-year 8th-grade ELA teacher at First Colony Middle School in Fort Bend ISD. Next fall, she will teach English I at Lamar Consolidated High School. She earned her
bachelor's degree in English with a 7–12 teaching certification from the University of Houston-Downtown and is pursuing a master's in Curriculum and Instruction with an English specialization at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
In addition to teaching, Krysta coaches volleyball and tennis and was named Teacher of the Month in her first year. Her path to education is deeply personal — raised in a single-parent, economically disadvantaged household and becoming a mother at 16, she was uplifted by educators who believed in her, and she is now committed to being that same source of encouragement for her students. Krysta is passionate about helping students find their voice through literacy and building the confidence they need to succeed in and beyond the classroom.
Martha Santamaria
English II | Alief Taylor High School, Alief ISD
Martha Santamaria is a second-year English II teacher at Alief Taylor High School and a proud University of Houston graduate. A TCTELA member and Quill Ambassador, Martha is deeply engaged in the professional ELA community and actively seeks opportunities to grow alongside fellow educators. She is also an experienced DonorsChoose grant writer, collaborating with organizations to secure resources and opportunities for her students.
In her classroom, Martha champions differentiated instruction and choice-based book clubs, fostering a structured, engaging environment where every student is challenged to exceed expectations. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping students become their best selves, emphasizing growth and long-term success over minimum requirements. Martha remains committed to connecting research to practice and amplifying diverse voices in education as she continues to refine her craft.
Past Cohorts
Karla Cardenas
Elisa Ramirez
Cyndol Davis
Andrew Martin
