Reny Lizardo

Mentor: Dr. Darryl Henson

Reny Lizardo was born in Puerto Rico to a mother and father that immigrated to the US from the Dominican Republic. Growing up his father always told him that no matter the situation, education is the path towards a better life and in anything you do always educate yourself to reach the highest level in your field and meet your full potential. His father did not just preach that lesson but lived it and continued his own education after arriving to the US until he received his PhD.

Through his career Reny has always tried to pass on the lesson he learned from his father. He began his teaching career in South Korea where he taught English after graduating from Southwestern Adventist University with a BS in Communications. Then he moved back to the US to teacher newcomer ESL students in Cleburne ISD while obtaining his Masters in Educational Leadership from Southwestern Adventist University. He eventually moved to Arlington ISD where he has worked for 15 years as an ESL teacher, assistant principal at the junior high and high school level, then as the principal of Carter Junior High, and most recently the principal of Bowie High School. He has received “Principal of the Year” recognition at both levels.

He is also currently following in his fathers’ footsteps by completing his doctorate in educational leadership from Tarleton State University and hopes to pass on the lesson of reaching your full potential through education to his three sons and all the students he serves.