Alverio proves dreams are worth the wait

Priscilla Alverio stood in her third grade classroom last year, lesson plans piling up, her son's busy schedule demanding attention, and four college courses weighing on her mind.

When she disappeared from her online classes for two weeks, Dr. Albert Talley, San Jacinto College's senior director of child development and education programs, showed up to check on her.

"I literally started crying," Alverio recalled. "I told him, 'It's just a lot for me right now. I'm sorry I didn't reach out.'"

Rather than judgment, she received support. Her professors helped her create a plan to catch up, and in May 2025, the 28-year-old graduated with her bachelor's degree in early childhood education and teaching from San Jac — more than a decade after she first started taking dual credit courses through Pasadena Memorial High School.

“Whenever I hear about students like Priscilla who may be struggling, I always take an interest. Sometimes students only need to know that someone is in their corner and wants to see them succeed,” said Dr. Talley. “Our students are going to make an even bigger impact on children in our community if they leave San Jac knowing how much we have invested into their success.” 

Alverio’s story reflects the challenges many non-traditional students face and the flexibility San Jac's Bachelor of Applied Science in education offers. The program, which launched in spring 2024, provides an affordable pathway for students to earn bachelor's degrees without transferring to a four-year university.

Now in her second year teaching third grade math at Beta Academy, Alverio balances her career with being a single mom. When her son was born in 2016, her studies slowed, but she refused to quit.

"I made sure that I went to at least one class every semester," she said. "I just slowly tried to get it done. I knew I couldn't stop."

In 2019, she began working as an infant and toddler teacher while continuing her studies. She earned her associate degree in early childhood education in 2021 and was accepted to the University of Houston-Clear Lake. But when advisors recommended taking additional transferable classes, she returned to San Jac to pursue its new Bachelor of Applied Science in education with an emphasis in early childhood education.

"I love online school, and I'm able to manage it well," Alverio said. "It just fits my life better."

She had already completed most of the required classes for the bachelor's program, the cost difference was significant, and the familiarity with professors she already knew also factored into her decision.

"It is so much more affordable than going to a university," Alverio said. "That is one of the biggest things for me, especially as a single parent."

While working as an administrative assistant to the dean at Beta Academy, Alverio substituted and taught reading classes before becoming a full-time third grade teacher. The hands-on experience, combined with her coursework, created unique learning moments.

"Everything I was learning was happening in the classroom daily," Alverio said. "When I see my scholars have those light bulb moments, I'm so grateful for my education because it's helping them as well."

Through it all, she embraced an important lesson: "As long as I'm always doing my best in the present moment, then it is okay," she said. "You can't worry about what will happen tomorrow. Just focus on today."

Alverio had a full circle moment when Tiffaney Carr, her own third grade teacher, sent a box of math books for her classroom with a note of encouragement.

"I cried when I saw it," Alverio said. "This was my third grade teacher, and now I'm a third grade teacher."

Her lifelong dream of teaching — which began when she made her little sister play school and taught her about photosynthesis — now drives bigger aspirations. Alverio hopes to work toward advanced degrees and eventually open a bilingual school.

For now, she focuses on building the kind of classroom and becoming the kind of educator her students deserve.

"I believe that we need more educators who care. I want to be the teacher who makes everyone feel welcome," she said. "My scholars deserve a teacher who not only educates them but also teaches lifelong lessons. I want to help build a strong foundation in each child I work with."

Learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Childhood Education

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.