Idee Tezeyombi was born in Congo, Africa, and moved to America with his family when he was eight years old. He grew up in southwest Alief, where he spent most of his life. He attended Chambers Elementary, Owens Intermediate, Killough Middle, and Hastings High School. After graduating from high school in 2010, he went on to attend Houston Community College, where he earned his associate degree before transferring to the University of Houston – main campus and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.
His favorite memory from his time in Alief was the support and care he received from many teachers and staff. Being part of the ESL program was a valuable experience, and he is truly appreciative of everyone who played a role in his academic journey. He was also involved in Students for Christ at Hastings, which helped him stay grounded in his faith. He gives a special shout-out to Ms. Walker and Ms. Ferrera, the educators who sponsored the organization.
During college, Tezeyombi began volunteering at the Alief Family YMCA as a basketball coach and later worked as a referee and childcare assistant. Through God’s providence, he developed an interest in working with kids and mentoring them. The opportunity to influence the next generation and show them that with effort, discipline, and wise decisions, they can make a difference became his inspiration for the work he does today.
Tezeyombi currently teaches 7th and 8th-grade ESL Newcomers and Beginners, as well as Teen Leadership and Skills for Adolescence electives. He enjoys guiding students through the process of learning a new language, encouraging them to put in effort, stay motivated, and have fun while learning. What he loves most is inspiring students to reach their potential—whether it’s learning a new instrument, trying a new sport, or improving academically.
The most important lessons he took from his time in Alief were resilience and diligence. As a teenager, he struggled to pass the TAKS test, but with the encouragement of his teachers, he continued to improve and eventually succeeded. Later, while preparing for his teacher certification exam, he faced challenges once again. It took multiple attempts, but his determination helped him pass. These experiences taught him that even when things don’t go as planned, resilience and diligence make all the difference.
Tezeyombi feels blessed, humbled, and grateful to be able to impact his community. Walking through the hallways of Killough Middle is always a full-circle moment for him. If someone had told him back then that he would one day be teaching in the same class he once sat in, he probably would have laughed. He is thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives every day.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, sharing the Word, playing Uno, and relaxing together. His other hobbies include playing basketball, being involved in his church community, and hanging out with friends and family.
He stays connected to Alief ISD by participating in district and community events—whether it’s supporting students at sports games, writing recommendation letters, or volunteering when possible.
His advice to current students considering a career in education is simple: go for it. He believes that the feeling of giving back to the same district that helped shape you is unmatched. While teaching can be challenging, he praises the incredible support system in Alief. For those who want to impact the next generation in a positive and meaningful way, he says, “Just do it.”
Tezeyombi defines success as the ability to serve others. He believes that taking time to help someone in need is deeply fulfilling. He is grateful to work in a district that allows him to serve through teaching and is most proud of engaging in meaningful work and building genuine relationships with staff, students, and parents.
Looking back, he credits Alief ISD with shaping him in many ways. The district’s diversity taught him to respect people from all cultures. His teachers gave him confidence, direction, and a model of what it looks like to care for students beyond academics. Their example planted seeds that grew into his career as an educator.
His message to current students, staff, and alumni is, “Education is about learning, just like life. Continue learning and growing as long as it is called today. Be blessed!”