Alexis Helfenstein

Alexis Helfenstein is a Program Specialist in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University. She graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Human Biology and a B.S. in Psychology with a specialization in Bioethics, Humanities, and Society. She obtained her M.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University in College Station. Alexis began her career in education as a Teach for America Corps member in 2011, serving students on the Southside of San Antonio. Over the years, Alexis has served in various teaching roles, primarily in Math and Special Education at the secondary level. During her career in education, she has served in variety of school-based leadership roles across the K-12 spectrum, and she was the founding High School Director of Uplift Grand Preparatory. In 2022, Alexis joined staff at Teach For America and has served in various roles supporting corps members with testing, certification, and the onboarding process. She is passionate about educational equity, preparing teachers to best support diverse learners and their unique needs, and supporting teachers pursuing their alternative certification.