Carleton Posse Alum Excels in Teach for America, Leads as Middle School Principal

John Trevino, a Posse alumnus of Carleton College, is now the founding principal of Prodeo Middle Academy in Minneapolis. As an educator and administrator, John focuses his work on helping to close the opportunity gap.

Reflecting on his college experience and the support he received from his Posse, John says he is proud to have learned to view the world through a social justice lens. As a sociology major at Carleton, John focused his studies on the gaps in education between Black and white students in Minneapolis, noting discrepancies in education and problems with underfunding.

“Because of my own experiences, I understand why there can be high turnover rates for students,” John says. “That pushes me to work to change the current education system.”

He remembers struggling at times while at Carleton, but received support from the Carleton community, including his Posse and other Posse Scholars on campus.

In 2019, John became the founding principal for Prodeo Middle Academy.

After completing his undergraduate degree in 2012, John stayed in Minneapolis and served as a corps member for Teach For America. He taught in elementary schools before moving into an assistant principal role.

In 2019, John became the founding principal for Prodeo Middle Academy. As the school’s leader, he works to make sure the environment provides space for all students to learn and engage with one another through a range of academic approaches.

“You deserve to learn,” is the student-centered message John says is always in the back of his mind. “You deserve to use this experience to become a better student.”

In an extension of his undergraduate studies at Carleton, John continues to examine how low-level education and lack of appreciation can negatively impact a student’s learning. He tracks and evaluates data to see what can be done to continue to provide a quality education to the students of Minneapolis. He requires his teachers and leadership teams show encouragement and appreciation for all students.

“The grapple is the fruit,” John says, explaining his methods to encourage students at Prodeo Middle Academy. “Through frustration and challenge, there is progress and an answer.”

By Oberlin College Posse Scholar Ariana Cervantes.