Dr. Paula Gama Garcia

Dr. Paula Gama Garcia has a diverse work experience that spans over multiple industries and roles. Dr. Paula Gama is currently serving as the President of CollegeSpring, a position they began in 2023. Prior to this, they held various roles at Teach For America, including Senior Vice President of Operations from 2017 to 2023, and Executive Director of the Rio Grande Valley regional office from 2014 to 2017. During their time at Teach For America, Dr. Garcia successfully secured $1.2 million in funding and played a key role in improving educational outcomes for students.

Before joining Teach For America, Dr. Garcia worked as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Raymondville Independent School District in 2013 and as a Project Manager for Early College High School Expansion at Educate Texas from 2009 to 2013.

Prior to that, they served as the Founding Principal of an elementary program at IDEA Public Schools from 2004 to 2009. This role involved designing and launching the flagship campus in Donna, Texas.

Dr. Garcia's early experience includes serving as a Summer School Director for Teach For America from 2001 to 2003.

Dr. Paula Gama Garcia holds an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, which they obtained from 2010-2012. Dr. Paula Gama also has a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, earned from 2000-2003. In addition, Dr. Gama Garcia possesses a Texas Superintendent Certificate from the State of Texas.