August 3, 2023 — As the new school year approaches, Midland ISD is unveiling a novel leadership initiative designed to foster professional development among all campus principals. The district has appointed three highly experienced and qualified individuals to serve as Executive Directors of School Leadership. Each director will oversee specific campuses, providing personalized coaching, support, and guidance throughout the academic year.
Jessica Redman and Tricia Teran will undertake the crucial task of supervising the elementary campuses, while Shannon Torres will oversee the secondary campuses. Furthermore, Melissa Horner, the Executive Director of Student Services, will support the nine partnership campuses. This strategic structure aims to enhance collaboration between district departments and their respective campuses, with the ultimate goal of improving student achievement.
The executive directors have been entrusted with a diverse range of responsibilities to strengthen the capabilities of campus leaders and enhance the overall educational experience for students. These responsibilities also encompass the identification and development of future principals. By coordinating support for campus leaders and their teams, the executives will ensure the integration of evidence-based strategies that foster growth across all campuses.
One of the primary objectives of the executive directors will be to facilitate professional development through principal learning sessions, promoting collaboration among school administrations. This ongoing training will enable principals to stay informed about the latest educational trends, teaching methodologies, and best practices, empowering them to deliver the highest quality education to their students.
Jessica Redman brings a wealth of experience to her role, with 20 years in education, having served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. Her exceptional track record of success includes her campus being honored as one of only 31 statewide to be named a School Transforming Learning in 2018.
Complementing Redman's efforts at the elementary level, Tricia Teran, with seven years of administrative experience and four years as a teacher, brings valuable insights to the position. Her prior role as an executive director of Learning, Leading, and Innovation for MISD, along with her leadership in transforming Bonham Elementary into a "B" rated campus, underscores her capability.
Shannon Torres, formerly the principal at Legacy High School, brings 19 years of experience in education to her role overseeing secondary campuses. Her extensive background as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal includes being credited with overseeing a significant increase in College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) ranking among graduating seniors.
The district's leadership remains optimistic about the impact this strategic deployment of executive directors will have on empowering principals to perform at their best, thereby enhancing outcomes for students across all campuses. The collaborative environment and personalized mentorship offered by MISD through this initiative are expected to chart a promising course for the future of its educational system.
As the new school year approaches, educators, parents, and students in Midland can look forward to the positive impact this approach will provide. With a dedicated and experienced team of executive directors at the helm, Midland ISD is poised to create a brighter future for its students.