(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — June 24, 2025) — For most people, becoming a multimillion-dollar business owner would mark the peak of a career. But for Jesus “Jesse” Alvarez, the journey came full circle—back to where it all began: the classroom.
Alvarez, now in his 15th year as a business teacher and golf coach at Irvin High School, started his professional life in education. He began teaching over 50 years ago, and from the very start, he knew he had found something special.
“I used to be a teacher during the 1970s, and I truly loved it,” Alvarez said. “I loved teaching and coaching.”
But seven years into his career, opportunity knocked. With a dream of starting his own company—and no financial backing from the banks—Alvarez turned to family for help. Thanks to a certificate of deposit from his in-laws, he launched a business that would grow into a multi-million-dollar operation within five years. Alvarez expanded into refrigeration, construction, meter reading services, and even helped found United Bank, where he served as chairman for a decade. His success earned him the title of Texas Businessman of the Year.
Still, something was missing.
“I got tired of the business world,” he said. “In business, a lot of people think they already know everything. But in the classroom, kids are hungry for knowledge—and I love making sure that younger generations are prepared for the real world.”
When Alvarez returned to teaching, he chose Irvin High School, not far from where his journey began. He only planned to stay for a few years but found himself renewed by the energy of the students and the support of school leaders.
“When I was first hired at Irvin, I said I’ll do this for five years. But the second year, the principal asked me for five more,” he recalled. “I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to give you as many years as I can, and as long as I’m happy, I’m going to do it.’ So far, I’m very happy—and that’s thanks to principals like Mr. Bobby Stives who support you.”
Now in his 15th year at Irvin, Alvarez shows no signs of slowing down. He teaches business courses, coaches golf, and leads student volunteers during tax season, helping families across the community with free tax preparation services.
“People ask me, ‘Why are you teaching when you were a businessman making more money?’” Alvarez said. “I tell them, not everything is about money. I enjoy teaching—that’s my lifeblood.”
His greatest reward? Seeing his students succeed.
“I tell my students, if I see one of you become successful, then I’ve done my job,” he said. “That, to me, is better than anything else.”
For Alvarez, success is measured not in profit margins, but in the impact left on young lives.
“I truly enjoy helping students,” he said. “Their minds are perfect for acquiring knowledge that will help them become successful. I want to make sure they understand that what they’re learning is going to stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
As El Paso ISD continues to inspire the next generation of leaders, role models like Jesse Alvarez remind us that some of the most powerful lessons come not from textbooks, but from those who choose to lead with purpose, passion, and heart.