This week’s Star Educator, Dr. Diego Linares, is a seasoned educator with experience helping schools meet their full potential. When Linares was named principal of Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center High School in 2022, he was more than prepared to help guide the school into a successful future. 

Linares holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universidad Santo Tomas in Bogota, Colombia, a master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston at Clear Lake, as well as a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UH. He began his teaching career at Alief ISD as a bilingual teacher and then assistant principal of a high school. He moved on to be an elementary school principal in the Stafford Municipal School District, where he was named Principal of the Year. 

Linares was instrumental in leading Scarborough High School out of Improvement Required (IR) status, and also served as principal of Raines High School in Katy ISD. 

In 2023, Linares was presented with the chance to opt Sam Houston into HISD’s New Education System (NES). Linares said that there was a sense of urgency in the decision, and saw it as an opportunity to increase student outcomes and provide greater support for teachers. He saw immediate buy-in from his teachers and staff and credits their trust in him as a leader with the success on their campus. 

Learn more about Principal Linares and how he strategizes for success for his students and his staff below:

Favorite subject in school: Math.

Favorite book: Monday Morning Mentoring.

Favorite thing about Houston: The diversity of our city is remarkable. There’s excellent food from all over the world everywhere.

Goal for your students and staff this upcoming school year: Houston MSTC High School will become a TEA A Rated campus by increasing our student achievement using High Quality Instruction every day.