MEET OUR TEXAS FELLOWS

School: McCool Academy
 District: Lubbock ISD
 Launch Year: 2020-2021
 Model: STEAM/PBL

The Commander William C. McCool Academy is Lubbock ISD’s newest magnet middle school with specialized programming that integrates science and technology, interpreted through engineering and the arts, based on mathematical elements. The McCool team is proud to have received a “B” rating in their first year of accountability in the 2021-2022 school year and are excited for what next year will bring.

School: Hall Success Academy
 District: Aldine ISD
 Launch Year: 2020-2021
 Model: Blended Learning

Hall Success Academy empowers students for success through an accelerated and innovative learning experience as they progress toward graduation and beyond.  Our team provides students in grades 8-12 with a personalized blended learning experience as they acquire skills and knowledge to maintain the pace for promotion.  Our primary focus is to assist students with recovering credit and graduating on time. 

School: PTECH Healthcare
 District: Victoria ISD
 Launch Year: 2020-2021
 Model: PTECH/Healthcare

Starting at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, VISD’s P-TECH EAST Healthcare and Engineering programs is committed to providing a college-going and work-based learning environment where students earn a high school diploma, industry-based certifications, and college credits.  We blend high school and college coursework, providing students the opportunity to earn an industry certification and college hours toward an associate degree or bachelor’s degree at no cost to the student or his/her family.

School: Carmona
Harrison Elementary

 District: Lubbock 
Launch Year: 21-22
Model: Agri-STEM

s a Lubbock native and product of the district and community she now serves, Alma understands the power and importance of bringing innovative new models to the children she does. A 25-year LISD veteran, Alma is married to Ricky Cunningtubby and is the proud mother of two children. Alma received her bachelor’s and master’s from Lubbock Christian University and her educational doctorate from Texas Tech University.

Rating after 2/3 completed years of fellowship: C

School: La Promesa 
High School

 District: Aldine ISD
 Launch Year: 21-22
 Model: Newcomer

riginally from México, Ana Flores-Bolívar has worked in education for over a decade. She started her teaching career as a bilingual teacher in Aldine ISD in 2006 before taking on leadership roles at the campus level. Her most recent position was serving as the principal at Orange Grove Elementary School. She holds a master’s degree in education from St. Thomas University and a law degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.

Rating after 2/3 completed years of fellowship: B

School: Stroman 
STEM Academy

 District: Victoria 
 Launch Year: 21-22
 Model: STEM/PBL

Denise Moreno is the founding principal of Stroman STEM Academy.  She holds over two decades of educational experience, most recently as the principal of Falfurrias Junior High School. She was previously with VISD as the principal of Patti Welder Middle School and Shields Elementary. Moreno holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Rating after 2/3 completed years of fellowship: Not Rated (Senate Bill 1365)

School: Young Women 
Leadership Academy

 District: Aldine ISD
Launch Year: 21-22
Model: Single-gender

Jericah Jackson is the founding principal of Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA), focused on college preparatory academics for girls in Grades 6-12, emphasizing STEM, college readiness, responsible leadership, and health & wellness. Jericah holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University.

Rating after 2/3 completed years of fellowship: A

School: Lyles Collegiate 
Intermediate School

  District: Garland ISD 
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: College Prep

Ansil Howard is the founding principal of Lyles Collegiate, which focuses on preparing students for rigorous courses in high school, college, and their careers. Before his work at Lyles Collegiate, Ansil was the principal at Ethridge Elementary and served as an Assistant Principal at both Lyles Middle School, Rowlett High School, and Richland Collegiate High School.  Ansil earned a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Lamar University.

School: Coyle Technology
Center for Math & Science

District: Garland ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: STEM

Duke Barnett has served as an educator in Garland ISD as a math teacher, middle and high school coach, district facilitator, curriculum writer, and head of school. This school year will mark Duke’s 18th year in Garland ISD, now serving as the leader of Coyle Technology Center. Before joining the Coyle family, Duke served as an Assistant Principal at Garland High School, supervising math and special education. He received his master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

School: K-8 Tech Prep
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District: Manor ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: STEM

Eddwina Flowers is the proud Founding Principal of K-8 Tech Prep, whose mission is to prepare all students in their chosen high school pathways and beyond through engaging, differentiated, collaborative, and data-driven instruction. During Eddwina’s 18 years as an educator, she has taught grades 5-8, served as assistant principal, and completed four years as a principal. Eddwina is excited to start her 5th year as head of school, serving as the founding leader of K-8 Tech Prep.

School: Impact Leadership 
Academy at Wilson

District: Aldine ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: Single Gender

Jonathan Kegler is the founding Principal of the Impact Leadership Academy at Wilson. Jonathan is a transformational leader who has led three different low-performing schools and turned each one of them around.  He is an innovative leader that created a set of No-Box-Thinking principles to empower and motivate others to reach their maximum potential.  Jonathan has been married to his high school sweetheart Tangela for 16 years, and they have a 15-year-old son named Jameson, who is one of the top-rated Point Guards in the Class of 2025.

School: Club Hill 
STEM Elementary

 District: Garland ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: STEM

Kerstin Allen has served in Garland ISD for 15 years, starting her career at Hickman Elementary, where she served students in primary and intermediate grade levels for eight years.  Kerstin served as a Title-1 Interventionist and Instructional Support Teacher at Kimberlin Academy before transitioning into school leadership. Mrs. Allen looks forward to serving the students and families as the founding Principal of the new Club Hill STEM Elementary. Kerstin earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and her master’s degree in Educational Administration.

School: Premont
Montessori Academy

District: Premont ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: Montessori 

Bio coming soon!

School: PSJA 
Collegiate

District: PSJA ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: College Prep

Mari Saenz is the founding principal of PSJA Collegiate School of Health Professions.  Mrs. Saenz is establishing her district’s first 6th-12th grade early college campus, focused on health professions. She has 30 years of experience in education as a health careers coordinator, teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. Mrs. Saenz has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree from The University of Texas-Pan American. 

School: Roosevelt 
Elementary School

 District: Edgewood ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: Dual Language

Patricia Ortiz is the Principal at Roosevelt Elementary School. After graduating from Pomona College with a bachelor’s in Psychology, Patricia started her career as a college administrator at the Claremont Colleges, where she was an Assistant Director of Admissions and Associate Dean of Students. After earning a master’s degree in Education, she became a bilingual teacher for five years. Patricia then served as a Curriculum Instructional Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal at the San Antonio ISD.

School: Edna Primary
School

 District: Edna ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: STEM

After graduating from Southwest Texas State University in 1998 with a bachelor’s in Exercise Sports Science, Patrick Parsons spent his first thirteen years teaching and coaching at Wharton ISD.  In 2011, Patrick completed his master’s in Educational Leadership at Lamar University.  Patrick spent the next three years in various administrative roles at Wharton ISD.  He then transitioned to administrative roles at Edna ISD, where he was appointed to design and lead Edna Primary into the future. 

School: Glen B. Couch 
Collegiate Prep

 District: Garland ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: College Prep

Sharika Fairfax has been dedicated to the field of education for 18 years. She earned a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master’s in Educational Administration. Sharika has served young learners as a teacher in special education, ELA and reading, health and PE, and as a campus instructional coach. In 2017, she transitioned into school leadership and served as an assistant principal at Lyles Middle School. Today, Sharika Fairfax is the founding principal of Glen B. Couch Collegiate Prep Elementary.

School: Handley STEM 
Elementary

 District: Garland ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: STEM

Sharonda Brown, a native of Dallas, Texas, is the proud principal of the new Handley STEM Elementary in Garland ISD. She is entering her 17th year in education. Throughout her tenure, she served as an Assistant Principal, Instructional Design Facilitator, Instructional Support Teacher, and classroom teacher. Sharonda holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, both from the University of North Texas.

School: Crowley 
Montessori Academy

 District: Crowley ISD
 Launch Year: 2022-2023
 Model: Montessori

Veronica Delgado has been an educator for 24 years. She believes in educating the whole child and discovering children’s talents and strengths to foster their potential. As a first-generation college graduate of immigrant parents, she understands the value an education can provide. Education, hard work, determination, and goodwill toward others are values she instilled at a young age. These same values continue to guide her today in all walks of life. Veronica has a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a master’s in Educational Administration.

School: Sidney H.
Poynter Elementary

 District: Crowley ISD         
 Launch Year: 2023-2024
 Model:    

Bio coming soon!

School: Hoffman 
College Prep

     District: Aldine ISD         
 Launch Year: 2023-2024
 Model: College Prep

Jeana Adams-Morrison has been an educator for 23 years. She served as the principal of Reed Academy for Engineering before becoming the principal at Hoffman Middle School. Her goal as the instructional leader of Hoffman is to provide a safe and engaging learning environment for all students. Jeana earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the same university.

School: Harry H. 
Rogers Middle School

 District: San Antonio 
 Launch Year: 2023-2024
 Model:    

Julie May is the Principal of Harry H. Rogers Middle School. She has been an educator since 2000 and has served as a teacher, Math specialist, assistant principal, and head of school. She brings a well-versed background in special education, mathematics, and data analysis. Julie graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio, earning a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in Educational Psychology and Special Education.

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