Born and raised in Mercedes, Texas, Teresa Cadena graduated from Weslaco High School in 1968.  In 1971, she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pan American College.  

 

In 1974, she received her Master of Arts degree from Texas A & I University in Kingsville and in 1983, she received her Doctorate in Education degree from the same school. Dr. Cadena has taught for the English Department since 1973.