Eric Pacheco

Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary
Houston Independent School District

Eric Pacheco is a third-grade math and science teacher at Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary School, an IB World School in Houston ISD. He has eight years of teaching experience. Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from The University of Texas at Arlington, and he is a Teach For America Houston 2018 Corps member.

Eric builds strong relationships with students and families and creates a classroom culture rooted in belonging, respect, and high expectations. His student-centered approach develops students’ critical thinking, confidence, and independence in mathematics. Since joining Houston ISD, every one of his third-grade students has achieved at least 1.9 years of growth in math on end-of-year MAP assessments, with students also averaging 1.8 years of growth in science.

Beyond the classroom, Eric mentors new and veteran teachers and has served as Summer School Principal. He founded the Rodriguez Elementary Art Car Club, engaging 40 upper-elementary students in designing and building a drivable art piece featured in the Houston Art Car Parade. In 2024, he received the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award.