Jeanna Peña grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and spent her formative years exploring the Rio Grande Valley Delta and Laguna Madre. She spent her summers volunteering with the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network on South Padre Island, venturing south into Mexico’s cloud forests with the Gorgas Science Society, and trekking through jungles in Central America.

She holds two degrees from Texas A&M University, a B.A. in Political Science with emphasis in International Studies and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Multicultural and Urban Education. Her teaching certifications include core subjects Bilingual and ESL, Spanish, Art, Montessori, and Educational Administration.

Jeanna currently works as a teaching artist and sculptural ceramicist on South Padre Island after relocating from and teaching in the Houston area for over two decades. She is thrilled to be home and looks forward to contributing to the community that has inspired her.  

Her most current work can be seen at The Art Lounge and Rockport Center for the Arts. She is passionate about promoting global understanding and environmental awareness through the arts. An award-winning educator, Jeanna’s honors have included: Research Delegate to Cuba with the National Art Education Association, National Gallery of Art Teacher Fellow (Washington, D.C.), National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow (Antarctica and Galápagos), Fulbright Scholar (Argentina), Campus Teacher of the Year, District Teacher of the Year, Regional Teacher of the Year (Texas Region IV-Houston), and Merit Artist 2025 (Rockport Center for the Arts).