Adaure Nduka is the founding International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Coordinator at Haynes Global Preparatory (HGP). She joined the field of education via the transformational nonprofit known as Teach for America. Before stepping into her current role, she served as a high school Pre-IB, Pre-AP, and Biology teacher for eight years. In her classroom, her motto was “we don’t do easy, we make easy happen through hard work and learning”. Today, Adaure uses the same motto to help teachers at Haynes Global Prep develop global changemakers in Southern Dallas, a place where some never expected to see International Baccalaureate education in action.

Andrew White is currently in his 20th year of education. He graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a Bachelor’s degree in English. He went on to earn his Master's of Education degree from Dallas Baptist University. He served as a high school classroom teacher for 16 years before taking an Instructional Lead Coach position with Dallas ISD in 2018. He now serves as an assistant principal for the Innovation Design Entrepreneurship Academy in Dallas, Texas.

Chara Pace was born and raised in (Oak Cliff) Dallas, Texas, and is a proud product of the Dallas Independent School District. She received her Bachelor's in Education at Baylor University before obtaining her Master's in Educational Administration at the University of Phoenix. Having served over 20 years in Dallas ISD, her roles have included teaching at Erasmo Seguin Community Learning Center, Campus Instructional Coach at Daniel Webster Elementary, and currently Assistant Principal at Rosemont Schools. She loves working collaboratively with teachers to create meaningful learning experiences and pouring into the lives of students. Her goal is to become an agent of change and innovation at Rosemont Dual Language Middle School, while maintaining the vision of the entire Rosemont PK-8 Campus. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the Baylor Bears!

Crystal Cavitt is currently the Assistant Principal at L.P. Cowart Elementary School, a Personalized Learning campus in the heart of Oak Cliff. A graduate of the University of North Texas and Prairie View A&M University, she earned degrees in both Administrative Leadership and Counseling. In her 13 years in the educational field, she has served as a 504/RTI coordinator, curriculum specialist, and 3rd-5th grades Math and Reading teacher. Her educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and social emotional well-being. Mrs. Cavitt believes in always putting students first, modeling high expectations, making data driven decisions, and in empowering students to become innovative citizens, all while developing nurturing relationships with both teachers and students. It is her passion to ensure every student reaches their highest potential. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family of six traveling and exploring the world.

Dr. Philip Meaker is currently an Assistant Principal at Woodrow Wilson High School. He graduated from Baylor University with a degree in History and spent two years at Mississippi State University as the Intramural Coordinator before starting to teach and coach in 2013. He spent five years in the classroom teaching World Geography, U.S. History and World History before moving into an administrative role. He completed his Doctorate in 2021 in Educational Leadership and desires to be a Superintendent one day. In his free time he enjoys playing with his three sons, watching sports and attempting to play golf.

Jonathon was born in Elkhart, Indiana and raised in Batesville, Mississippi. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 6 ½ years in the great state of Mississippi. Jonathon and his beautiful wife decided to make a move to Texas the summer of 2016 where he began working for Frisco ISD as a 5th grade ELAR teacher. While there he also taught 4th and 5th grade math/science and attended SMU to receive his master's degree in Educational Leadership. In 2019-2020 Jonathon worked for Richardson ISD as an Instructional Coach/ Math Specialist. Now his educational journey has led him to THE Solar Preparatory School for Boys where he is serving in his second year as Assistant Principal.

Solar Boys… To the Top!

LeVonue is entering his third year as an Assistant Principal in Dallas ISD and has 10 plus years in education. He is a product of Dallas ISD by way of Lincoln High School and a graduate of Texas Southern University.

Maria Ross serves as the assistant principal at Henry B. Gonzalez Personalized Learning Academy. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ms. Ross moved to Dallas in the pursuit of new opportunities and challenges that would help her grow as an educator. Maria graduated from Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s in pre-school education and completed her master’s in educational administration at Lamar University. With over 25 years of experience, she has served as a teacher in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, second grade, and third grade, as well as a campus lead and instructional coach. Ms. Ross is passionate about educating youngsters. She aspires to engage with teachers, parents, students, and community members to develop trusting relationships as we all strive to achieve the same goal: helping our students reach their full potential and have memorable learning experiences.

Melinda Cardenas is a Science Campus Instructional Coach at Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy. Originally from the Washington, D.C. Metro Area, she started her teaching career teaching high school science. Her favorite moments include leading outdoor camping workshops in partnership with Texas State Parks and making light bulbs go off during inquiry-based learning. She has been recognized across several campuses for her ability to create change and community. Melinda has a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University.

Mindy Smith serves as an assistant principal at W. H. Gaston Middle School. She recently relocated to the Dallas area and is thrilled to have joined the Dallas ISD community. This is her seventh year as a site administrator. Prior to her administrative role, she served as an instructional coach, supporting new initiatives: cognitively guided instruction and reading workshop. Her teaching experience includes Kindergarten through sixth grade. Mindy graduated from U.C.L.A with a B.A. in English. She pursued her master’s in curriculum and instruction at California State University, Fullerton and later received her administrative credential from University of California, Irvine. She approaches each day as a new opportunity to connect with others and make a positive impact. Building capacity among her staff to increase student agency is a priority.

Shanna Burton is in her 23rd year as an educator in the Dallas Independent School District. She has spent 14 of those years as a campus administrator. She taught Reading and English at W.E. Greiner and E.D. Walker Middle Schools. She transitioned into administration after seven years of teaching. As an administrator, she has developed a niche in implementing academic programs such as the magnet program she graduated from at Skyline High School in Dallas. She completed the application process for the International Baccalaureate program at Hillcrest High School, opened the Collegiate Academy at South Oak Cliff High School and developed the Career and Technology Education (CTE) Pathways and Dual Credit programs at CityLab High School, where she is currently serving as an Assistant Principal. She has a 23-year-old daughter who is pursuing a career in education as well

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Stephanie graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Education. She also holds her principal certification. Stephanie is in her twelfth year in Dallas ISD. She spent nine years in elementary classrooms, one year as a Gifted & Talented Lead teacher, and now serves as an elementary Assistant Principal over reading. Her experiences made the disparity in educational opportunity abundantly clear and as a result she is deeply committed to increasing access and strengthening educational experiences, for every student, every day. Stephanie believes that educators have the unique privilege to arm learners with the power and voice that a high quality education provides. She is most passionate about creating spaces where students can develop empathy, learn from each other, and use their voices to lead changes they're passionate about.

Aaron Shannon is the Assistant Principal at Edward Titche Elementary, a 2021 recognized National Blue Ribbon School and an ACE graduate campus. He was born and raised in Plano, TX. He earned his bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Wiley College and his master's degree in Educational Leadership from East Texas Baptist University. Aaron began his teaching career in 2014 at Robert E Lee Elementary in Marshall, Texas, where he served as a second and third-grade teacher. Then, he moved back to the DFW metroplex to continue his career in education at Edward Titche Elementary. Before transitioning to the Assistant Principal, Aaron served as a second, first, and fourth-grade teacher. His philosophy is, "Students can't be it, if they can't see it." He believes it is our job as educators, to expose our scholars to the best education possible while providing equity.