LaTreal Peterson named new principal of Paige ES

LaTreal Peterson

LaTreal Peterson has been selected as the new principal of Paige Elementary School. Peterson started his educational career as a 2012 Teach for America corps member at Emerson Elementary School and later transferred to Burbank Elementary. He has also served as a gifted and talented coordinator, instructional coach, school director, and teacher specialist. In 2018, he became the Dean of Instruction at DeAnda Elementary and for the past two years has held the same leadership role at Burbank.   

Continue reading

Erica Cantu Tran named new principal of Patrick Henry MS

Erica Cantu Tran

Erica Cantu Tran is the new principal for Patrick Henry Middle School. Cantu Tran began her education career 19 years ago as a 4th grade ESL teacher for the Houston Independent School District at J.C. Mitchell Elementary. Tran went on to work in Goose Creek CISD as a 3rd grade teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal and principal. In 2018, she returned to HISD as the Principal of Bonham Elementary where she has restructured the school and built a community of trust and academic excellence.

Continue reading

Tier II leaders attend New Leader Institute ahead of school year

For Ashly Evans Vining, the fall season means she gets to return to the two places she loves the most: the classroom and the stage.

The trained opera singer —who has been performing professionally for 15 years— is ready to see students back in the classroom and also recently received her schedule for the new season with Houston Grand Opera.

She is also embarking on a new journey this year in her educational career. The former choir director and Section 504 coordinator was recently chosen to serve as the assistant principal at Pin Oak Middle School. This week, she attended the New Leaders Institute with other new Tier II leaders from across the district, including other assistant principals, deans, instructional specialists, and teacher specialists.

Continue reading

Lamar HS internships produce ongoing dividends

As the school year wrapped up in June, rising Lamar High School senior Ariana Valdez pondered her future.

The 17-year-old had been tapped in the spring for a financial internship sponsored by the Smart Financial Credit Union branch on the Lamar campus. As she embraced the program, her perspective shifted.

Continue reading
HISD Teacher Job Fair - Saturday July 24

HISD hosting teacher job fair on July 24

The Houston Independent School District is hosting a teacher job fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Delmar Fieldhouse, 2020 Mangum Road, 77092. Check in time is 8:30 a.m.

Candidates will have the opportunity to meet principals and other leaders and take part in on-the-spot interviews.

Continue reading

HISD preparing for safe return to in-person learning for all students

HISD will offer in-person learning five days a week for all students this coming school year, and preparations for a safe and healthy return to the classroom are already underway.

In-person learning is critical for both student growth and success as well as addressing pandemic-related learning losses. To ensure safe in-person experiences, HISD is continuing to work in partnership with health and education officials.

Continue reading

Johnatan Guzman named new principal of Jefferson Elementary

Johnatan Guzman is the new principal for Jefferson Elementary School. Guzman is a proud product of HISD schools and has been an educator for 14 years starting as a teacher assistant before becoming a teacher then a teacher specialist. He is currently the Assistant Principal at Milby High School.  His recognitions include being named “Teacher of the Year” in 2013 and 2014.  He was also selected to participate in the distinguished HISD MBAE Cohort #2 and Career Pathways leadership program.

Continue reading

Gaylon Davenport named new principal of Roosevelt Elementary

Gaylon Davenport

Gaylon Davenport is the new principal for Roosevelt Elementary School. Dr. Davenport is a proud product of HISD, including having attended Roosevelt as a child. He has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and interventionist. He is currently the Dean of Instruction at Foerster Elementary School. His recognitions include being named “Teacher of the Year” in 2015 as well as being selected to participate in the distinguished Leadership Advisory Committee. 

Continue reading

Rim Mohamed named new principal of Dogan Elementary

Rim Mohamed has been selected as the new principal of Dogan Elementary School. As a 15-year educator she has served in many roles and is currently the Assistant Principal at Seguin Elementary. As part of the leadership team at Seguin, she established an extensive community partnership with Brighter Bites to assist with community needs.

Continue reading

New principals prepare for 2021-2022 school year

The first day of school is a common source of jitters and anxiousness. Students fidget with new backpacks, parents adjust to new schedules, teachers prepare to meet a new crop of students.

But for some members of Team HISD, August 23 this year will be more than just the normal first day of school. It will be their first day as school principals.

The 35 new principals in Houston Independent School District gathered at the HISD Education Learning Center for the New Leaders Institute this week, to brainstorm, network, gather resources, and get inspired for a new year.

Continue reading