“New Voices, Stronger Vision: Hernández and Carranza Join Lab School Board”
We are proud to announce the newest members of the 1882 Lab School Governing Board for the 2025–2026 school year: Ms. Gladys Karén Hernández and Mr. Richard Carranza. Both bring extensive experience in education and a deep commitment to advancing student success. Their leadership will strengthen the UT San Antonio and SAISD partnership, ensuring continued innovation and excellence for our Lab Schools. We look forward to the vision, expertise, and dedication they will bring to our governing board.
Learn more about Ms. Gladys Karén Hernández and Mr. Richard Carranza below in the Board Members tab of the Board of Trustees.
The Power of Visionary School Leadership: A UT San Antonio Lab Schools Story
There is something remarkable happening in our San Antonio’s under-resourced neighborhoods, something that isn’t driven by chance, but by courage, clarity, and commitment. At the heart of this transformation are visionary school leaders who not only understand curriculum and instruction at a deep level, but who also know the true engine of school improvement: empowered, coached, and inspired teachers.
At the UT San Antonio Lab Schools, we are witnessing what happens when leadership is rooted in instructional excellence and fearless human development. One of our four schools, Irving, has made an extraordinary leap, improving by two full letter grades on state assessments from a D to an A. These aren’t just statistics. These are stories of turnaround. Stories of campuses once marked by struggle are now redefined by hope, strategy, and results.
What’s the secret? It’s leaders and their teams who make bold moves without hesitation, who lean into the tough days with steadiness, who coach up their teams with humility and fire, and who never forget that every data point is a child’s future in motion.
This is what real school improvement looks like—in the places that need it most. Witness the students with limitless potential. Meet the teachers who believe relentlessly. And learn from the leaders who are proving that transformation is possible, even in the most challenging contexts.
The Bilingual Advantage
The partnership between UTSA and SAISD advances dual language education in San Antonio and beyond.
UTSA partners with SAISD to establish Dual Language Community Lab Schools
The UTSA College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) and San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) are partnering to lead three Dual Language Community Lab Schools.
As part of Senate Bill 1882, signed into law during the 2017 Texas legislative session, the partnership aims to create a dual-language model lab school network that will advance the preparation of teachers, principals, counselors, school psychologists, and others dedicated to educating bilingual students in San Antonio.
UTSA Dual Language Community Lab Schools Leadership
Dean, College of Education and Human Development President's Distinguished Professorship
Associate Dean for Strategic Partnership, Preparation and Growth
Professor
Principal Investigator for Project SELFIES
UTSA Dual Language Community Lab Schools Leadership: Principals
Graebner Elementary Principal
Mark Twain Dual Language Academy Principal
Washington Irving Dual Language Academy Principal
Bonham Elementary Principal
Board of Trustees
Dates of 1882 Community Meetings:
- Irving DL Academy: September, 18, 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Twain DL Academy: January 15, 2026, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Bonham Primary: May 21, 2026, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
UTSA 1882 Dual Language Partnership Survey Results:
Current Research at Bonham and Other Community Lab Schools:
No current research taking place at Bonham and Irving. Research at Twain; Dr. Katy Henderson and Dr. Claudia Cabrera on Dual Language Research at Graebner and Twain; Dr. Araceli Ortiz on Biomedical Engineering Superheroes Counseling Graduate Student program at Irving. Travis Early College High School's Travis Future Educators program site is Bonham Academy, Graebner and Twain.
Coaching and Mentorship for 1882 Teachers:
Administrators and Instructional Coaches provide regular feedback sessions for teachers, where instructional walkthroughs, resources, and professional development plans are reviewed, ensuring continuous growth and alignment with instructional goals.
UTSA Dual Language 1882 Partnership Board Meeting
Board Meeting Dates
- Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
- Board Meeting Invitation Notice-English/Spanish
Board Agendas
- Board Meeting Agenda/Notice - 09/27/2021
- Board Meeting Agenda/Notice - 03/28/2022
- Board Meeting Agenda/Notice - 06/21/2022, Cancelled: Notice of Cancellation
- Board Meeting Agenda/Notice - 08/23/2022
- Board Meeting Agenda/Notice - 12/12/2022 (English)
- Board Meeting Agenda/Notice - 12/12/2022 (Espanol)
- Board Meeting Agenda/Notice (English) - 07/25/2023
- Aviso de reunión de la mesa directiva (Espanol) - 07/25/2023
- Special Board Meeting Agenda/Notice - 09/18/2025 (English)
Board Presentations
March 28, 2022 - UTSA DL Board Meeting
UTSA Dual Language CLS Partnership Board Meeting August 23, 2022
Mrs. Erica Lira Castro | Chairperson of the Board
Mrs. Lira-Castro is a first-generation college student, she earned a bachelor's degree in English, and then went on to receive a master's degree in educational leadership. Erica worked as an elementary school math teacher for over a decade and now serves as an education consultant. She previously worked with Dr. Jill Biden to encourage more Latinos to consider entering the field of teaching. Erica currently works in Harlandale Independent School District in San Antonio. She previously served as the Lead Instructional Coach and is now the Human Resources Coordinator of Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), T-TESS, & 504s.
Dr. Yvonne Katz | Vice Chairperson of the Board
Dr. Yvonne Katz spent 39 years in public education as a classroom teacher in regular/special education; middle school principal; Director of Accreditation and Associate Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency; superintendent for almost 20 years in the Harlandale ISD, Beaverton School District (Oregon), and Spring Branch ISD (Houston). Understanding the need to continue to support education, she was the organizer and first president of the UTSA Alumni Association and was the first inductee as the Distinguished Alumna. She began the scholarship program for the Alumni Association and challenged all alums to contribute as they have for over 30 years.
Dr. Richard Middleton | Board Member
Dr. Middleton is a former North East ISD Superintendent. He graduated from NEISD's Lee High School before getting a bachelor's in history and government from Trinity University and beginning his education career at San Antonio Independent School District's Whittier Middle School in 1972. Soon after, he began teaching history and government at NEISD's Roosevelt High. By 1974, Middleton had earned his master’s in curriculum and instruction at the University of Texas at San Antonio and had become an administrative assistant to NEISD's superintendent. Middleton earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986 and became deputy superintendent for instruction at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Rosenberg the same year. Middleton returned to NEISD in 1987 as associate superintendent of administrative services and, later, superintendent. For the past three years, North East ISD has been a recognized district under the state's accountability ratings.
Gladys Karén Hernández | Board Member
Gladys Karén Hernández serves as the Director of Talent at City Education Partners. As a first-generation college graduate and trilingual Latina born in Austin, Tejas to immigrant parents from the state of México, Gladys believes that all students deserve accessible and high-quality experiential pathways to learn, thrive, and grow. Gladys has more than 10 years experience in the education sector with expertise in working with a diverse network of multi-sector partners identifying opportunities within and across education systems. Gladys has served as an educator in the classroom, learning experience designer, facilitator, and coach to serving in various executive roles of educational leadership inspiring civically minded individuals to become advocates and leaders in the San Antonio education community and beyond. By building collective impact and critical consciousness, she is committed to working alongside education stakeholders to elevate and strengthen our city’s educator talent pipeline and network of informed and engaged community members through exceptional culturally responsive learning resources, destinations, and programs. Gladys is constantly energized by the momentous possibilities that spur when a collective of folks align towards shared goals advancing educational outcomes while also removing barriers for students, educators, and local school communities advancing equity. Gladys holds a Bachelors of Science from St. Edward’s University, a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Masters in Business Administration from St. Mary's University. She enjoys exercising, traveling, singing, dancing, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Richard Carranza | Board Member
Richard A. Carranza is the Chief of Strategy and Global Development for IXL Learning and the founder and CEO of Carranza Educational Consulting, LLC. Having most recently served as the Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation, where he was responsible for educating 1.1 million students in over 1,800 schools. During Carranza’s more than three decades in education, he has served in virtually every role. Prior to New York City, he was the superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Texas, and the seventh largest in the United States. Before that, he served the San Francisco Unified School District, first as deputy superintendent and then as superintendent. Before moving to San Francisco, Carranza was the Northwest Region Superintendent for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas. He began his career as a high school, bilingual social studies and music teacher, and then as a principal, both in Tucson, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. The son of a sheet metal worker and a hairdresser, Carranza credits his public school education for putting him on a path to college and a successful career. He believes that a great education not only changes lives, but also saves lives. Carranza is the past chairman of the Board of Directors for the Council of the Great City Schools, where he served as a national spokesperson on significant issues facing urban school districts. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, the American Association of School Administrators Executive Committee, and the K to College Advisory Board. Education Week profiled Carranza as a national “2015 Leader to Learn From.” He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education from the University of Arizona and a Master of Education with distinction in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He completed his doctoral coursework in educational leadership through Northern Arizona University and Nova Southeastern University. Carranza is a fluent Spanish-speaker and an accomplished mariachi musician.
More Information
Puntos De Conversación/Talking Points
Modelo Innovador de Doble Idioma
La asociación establece una red de escuelas con un modelo de doble idioma destinada a mejorar la educación de los estudiantes bilingües en San Antonio. Las escuelas actúan como líderes en la implementación de prácticas efectivas de doble idioma que preparan a los educadores para servir mejor a sus estudiantes
Enfoque de Inmersión 80/20
Las escuelas participantes siguen un modelo de inmersión en doble idioma 80/20, donde los estudiantes de pre-kinder aprenden principalmente en español (80%) con una incorporación gradual del inglés. A partir del cuarto grado, el modelo cambia a un equilibrio 50/50. Este enfoque ayuda a los estudiantes hispanohablantes a mantener su base lingüística mientras aprenden inglés con éxito, asegurando que no se queden atrás académicamente.
Conectando Teoría y Práctica
La asociación UTSA/SAISD se centra en cerrar la brecha entre la teoría educativa y la práctica en el aula. A través de la colaboración, la investigación y la participación comunitaria, la asociación promueve el avance de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje, beneficiando en última instancia tanto a los educadores como a los estudiantes.
Opciones de Aprendizaje Diversas
La asociación de doble idioma no significa que todas las aulas enseñarán exclusivamente en español. Las escuelas tienen la flexibilidad de elegir un modelo de doble idioma, ofreciendo tanto clases monolingües como de doble idioma en cada nivel de grado.
Dual Language Model
The partnership establishes a dual language model school network aimed at enhancing the education of bilingual students in San Antonio. Schools serve as leaders in implementing effective dual language practices that prepare educators to better serve their students.
80/20 Immersion Approach
The participating schools follow an 80/20 dual language immersion model, where pre-K students learn primarily in Spanish (80% with gradual incorporation of English. By fourth grade, the model shifts to a 50/50 balance. This approach helps Spanish-speaking students maintain their language foundation while successfully learning English, ensuring they do not fall behind academically.
Bridging Theory and Practice
The UTSA/SAISD partnership focuses on closing the gap between educational theory and classroom practice. Through collaboration, research, and community engagement, the partnership promotes the advancement of teaching and learning, ultimately benefiting both educators and students.
Diverse Learning Options
The dual language partnership does not mean all classrooms will exclusively teach in Spanish. Schools have the flexibility to choose a dual language strand, offering both monolingual and dual language classes at each grade level.
In the News
- 3rd Quarterly Newsletter 23-22 ENG/SPAN
- 2022-23 2nd Quarterly Newsletter (English)
- 2022-23 2nd Quarterly Newsletter (Spanish)
- 2022-23 1st Quarterly Newsletter
- 2021-22 November Newsletter
- 2021-22 2nd Quarterly Newsletter
- The Bilingual Advantage: The partnership between UTSA and SAISD advances dual language education in San Antonio and beyond
- UTSA partners with SAISD to establish Dual Language Community Lab Schools
- UTSA hires leader to build bilingual education partnership with San Antonio ISD
- San Antonio ISD’s biggest elementary school might be the next campus to partner with UTSA
- Dual language academy provides opportunity for migrant families
