Erica Jazmin Villarreal, Science Teacher

Ms. Erica Villarreal began her teaching career in 2019 and, in her second year, returned to her alma mater, Channelview High School. In her third year, she began teaching AP Environmental Science and environmental systems classes, where she has taught more than 400 students over the past four years.

Ms. Villarreal covers a wide range of topics, including ecosystems, biodiversity, human population dynamics, Earth’s systems and resources, land and water use, agricultural practices, energy, pollution, and national and global policy. She regularly takes students into the field—kayaking and cleaning waterways at Greens Bayou, restoring prairies with the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, testing water quality along the ship channel, visiting farms to study agricultural practices, and exploring local wetlands, marshlands, and beaches. These experiences allow students to see ecosystems, pollution, and conservation in action.

Partnering with a Rice University professor, she brings 5–6 students each summer into a research lab. One of their research projects included collecting soil and water samples along the ship channel in search of microorganisms that could break down rubber, offering students firsthand experience with cutting-edge environmental science.

In addition to her classroom instruction, Ms. Villarreal extends environmental education through her role as faculty sponsor of the Interact Club, a Rotary International youth service organization. Under her leadership, membership grew to over 200 students who volunteer almost every Saturday during the school year. With an average of 35 student participants per project and approximately 40 projects annually, students contributed thousands of service hours addressing community and environmental needs. Projects include local cleanups, tree plantings, and prairie restorations that provide students with hands-on conservation experience. Through rigorous instruction and meaningful service opportunities, Ms. Villarreal has empowered students to connect environmental science concepts to real-world challenges, fostering a culture of stewardship and leadership that reaches well beyond the classroom.