Author Archives: HISD Communications

Michelle Turek named new principal of Herod Elementary

Michelle Turek has been selected as the new principal of Herod Elementary School. She began her career in education as a high school English teacher and has taught English in both middle and high schools. Ms. Turek was an instructional specialist and then an assistant principal at Deady Middle School. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Roberts Elementary. She received her bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Houston-Downtown and her master’s in academic leadership and supervision from the University of Texas at Arlington.

 

Berzayda Ochoa named new principal of Davila Elementary

Berzayda G. Ochoa poses for a photograph, April 4, 2016. (Houston ISD/Dave Einsel)

Berzayda Ochoa has been selected as the new principal of Davila Elementary School. Ms. Ochoa just completed her fourth year as dean of instruction at Navarro Middle School, previously known as Jackson Middle School. She began her educational career in HISD in 2007 as a bilingual elementary school teacher. Ms. Ochoa, who is a graduate of HISD schools, holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Mayra Hernandez named new principal of Edison Middle School

Mayra Hernandez poses for a photograph, September 2, 2015. (Houston ISD/Dave Einsel)Mayra Hernandez has been named principal of Edison Middle School after serving as the principal of Davila Elementary for the last three years. Under her leadership, Davila transitioned from an “Improved Required” School to a “Met Standard” school. She began her HISD career at Sherman Elementary as a teacher before becoming a teacher specialist and later a reading interventionist. In 2012, she became assistant principal at Davila Elementary.

Hernandez received her associate of arts degree from Houston Community College and her bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies from University of Houston-Downtown. She has a masters in educational leadership from Sam Houston State University.

Dimitrie Rainey named new principal of Alcott Elementary

Dimitire Rainey poses for a photograph during the Professional Learning Series at NRG Center, June 15, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)Dimitrie Rainey has been selected as the new principal of Alcott Elementary School. She began her career as a fifth–grade math teacher in Virginia’s Prince William County School District, and also worked in the District of Columbia School District and Maryland’s Prince George County School District. Rainey began her HISD career as a fifth-grade math teacher and department chair at Blackshear Elementary School. Over the next 10 years, she served HISD as a middle–school math teacher, dean of students, and assistant principal. Most recently she was assistant principal at RP Harris Elementary School.

Dimitrie received her bachelors of arts in elementary education at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and her master’s degree in administration and supervision from American College of Education. 

 

Elizabeth Garcia named new principal of DeChaumes Elementary

Elizabeth Garcia, DeChaumes Elementary (Houston Independent School District)Elizabeth Garcia has been selected as the new principal of DeChaumes Elementary School. Garcia began her career in education as an elementary-school teacher and has taught reading and English in both middle and high schools. She taught for five years in Colombia, South America, before joining HISD and building a successful newcomers’ program at Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center. While at Sam Houston, Garcia was recognized as a Tiger Teacher and ELA Teacher of the Year. She continued her career at Hamilton Middle School as dean of students working with the ELA, ESL, and Spanish departments, as well as the sixth- and eighth-grade teams.

Garcia earned her bachelor’s degree in education from University of Auburn and her master’s degree in education from University of Alabama. She holds a certificate of instructional leadership from University of St. Thomas and is certified to teach English, reading, ESL, and Spanish.

Terese Pollard named new principal of Milne Elementary

Terese Pollard, Milne Elementary (Houston Independent School District)Terese Pollard has been selected as the new principal of Milne Elementary School. Ms. Pollard is currently serving as the dean of instruction at Frank Black Middle School. She began her educational career in HISD as a teacher in 2005. In 2008, Ms. Pollard made the transition to campus leadership as assistant principal of Durkee Elementary School and subsequently served in administrative roles at Hamilton Middle School, Patrick Henry Middle School, and East Early College High School. 

Ms. Pollard, who is a graduate of HISD schools, holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Brandi Lira named new principal of Eastwood Academy

Brandi Lira, Eastwood Academy (Houston Independent School District)Brandi Lira has been selected as the new principal of Eastwood Academy, where she has been the dean of students for the past three years. Growing up, she attended HISD schools and graduated from the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (now the High School for Law and Justice). 

Mrs. Lira has a bachelor of arts in philosophy from the University of Houston. After teaching English at Austin High School, she returned to school and earned a masters degree in educational administration. Three years later, she became the ninth-grade assistant principal at Austin.

 

Paula Pierre named new principal of Fonville Middle School

Paula Pierre poses for a photograph, January 13, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)Paula Pierre has been selected as the new principal of Fonville Middle School.  Ms. Pierre has served HISD in various capacities for more than 10 years, including principal of Alcott Elementary School most recently, assistant principal of Burbank Middle School, and as a district middle-school literacy specialist. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

 

Armando Lujan named new principal of Berry Elementary

Armando Lujan has been appointed as principal at Berry Elementary. Before this appointment, Mr. Lujan served as principal of Edison Middle School for the past four years. Prior to that, Mr. Lujan served as principal of Roosevelt Elementary for three years, as well as Dean of Students at Lamar High School for four years. Mr. Lujan started his teaching career as a special education teacher working with emotionally challenged students with the Corpus Christi Independent School District. He served as a special education teacher for six years before beginning his administrative career as an assistant principal at Elliot Grant Middle School in Corpus Christi. Mr. Lujan holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. In addition, Mr. Lujan has recently completed Rice University’s REEP Business Fellowship.

 

Julie Dickinson named new principal of Kolter Elementary

Julianne Dickinson poses for a photograph, April 4, 2016. (Houston ISD/Dave Einsel)Julie Dickinson has been selected as the principal of Kolter Elementary. Before her new appointment, Ms. Dickinson was an assistant principal and the magnet coordinator at Kolter, where she has been working for four years. Prior to that, she served as Title 1 coordinator and chairman of the special education department at Daily Elementary School. Before coming to HISD, Ms. Dickinson taught at the middle-school level in Mississippi and the high-school level in California.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in child psychology from Hollins University, a master’s degree in special education from William Carey College, and administrative certification from Region IV.