The AlumNow series showcases former students’ post-graduation successes.
We recently caught up with Luis Juarez who is an assistant principal at Mount Auburn STEAM Academy. Read about his educational journey at Dallas ISD and how his teachers impacted him to give back to his community.
What high school did you graduate from and what year did you graduate?
W. T. White in 2010.
What are your responsibilities as an assistant principal?
Provide strategic support to all key stakeholders as we seek to provide a transformative educational experience.
What are some career or personal highlights/accomplishments?
Graduated from W. T. White and enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin (UT) in 2010. In 2012, halfway through my undergraduate career, I applied and was granted DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). DACA allowed me to work as a bilingual teacher upon graduation from UT in 2014.
In July 2015, I was one of nine educators from across the country to be honored by the White House for our work as “DACAmented Teachers”– the event, which featured remarks by former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, highlighted our work as “Champions of Change” and for being strong role models for students and families as well as change agents within our communities.
In June 2017, I collaborated with Dr. Eric Ruíz Bybee Ruiz and Dr. José García to craft an article highlighting the impact of DACA on many people like me. The article, based on my testimony, underscores the impacts and benefits of immigration policies for individuals and our communities. The hope is to use this as a tool to share our experiences and provide insight into how our lives were transformed due to this executive order.
2019 to the present day has been full of wonderful milestones – In 2019, I graduated with a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University (SMU) which allowed me to move into school administration. I am now going into my third year as an assistant principal at Mount Auburn STEAM Academy. That same year, I married my wife, Yoseline, of 4 years. We have a beautiful two-year-old daughter named Solange. Thanks to my wife, I am now a legal permanent resident and I hope that soon I can become a U.S. citizen.
What made your Dallas ISD education unique?
I am a native of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Since our arrival to the United States in 2004 I have received many opportunities to thrive at Dallas ISD. My first year at U.S. schools was at Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy where I was lucky to be shaped by great teachers such as Ms. Polk Rodriguez and Ms. Fowler. Their dedication to helping students like me, who recently arrived to the country, left a major print in my life both as a person and a student. Due to my strong beginning in Dallas, I was able to flourish at W. T. White High School. With the help of many many dedicated teachers, I graduated in the top 10% of my graduating class. Upon high school graduation, I enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Bilingual Education.
My story would not be complete without acknowledging the many challenges that my life situation brought along as an undocumented, Hispanic male from a low-income household – the odds were stacked against me. I feel great gratitude towards the people of Dallas ISD, who helped me overcome every challenge that came along and equipped me with the tools to navigate life after high school. This gratitude transformed into a life mission to serve the students and families of Dallas as a bilingual teacher, and ultimately as an assistant principal.
Who was your favorite Dallas ISD teacher or what was your favorite course, and why?
There are so many favorites that I am not sure I can pick just one! Each teacher supported me in a unique way. My most fond memory was going on the “Close up” field trip to Washington, D.C. with Ms. Driscoll, Ms. Bates and Mr. Wallace. Thanks to them, I further discovered my potential. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and motivated me to always strive for excellence. Special shoutouts to Ms. Fowler, Mr. Tjachyadi (Mr. T!), Ms. Guerra, Ms. Bechly, Ms. Polk, and Ms. Cheek for helping me reach where I am today!
What advice, if any, would you offer to students who are interested in your career field?
To begin a career in education you must have a clear “why.” This is what will drive your every decision; it will help you in your journey to leave a profound impact on the people you serve. Once you hone on your ‘why,’ the journey becomes clearer. As a teacher, I always strived for excellence and making every lesson as transformative as possible. Leading a classroom gives you an important responsibility because you are tasked with giving students one of their most fundamental rights, their education. As campus administrator, one has a responsibility to make the critical decisions that will ultimately impact students. One must do so with values and empathy, always having the student’s best interest in mind.
