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DALLAS, Texas–Junior ROTC cadets from ILTexas Garland High School (GHS) received certificates of achievement from Texas Senator Nathan Johnson at his central office in Dallas on  Friday, July 29.

The students were recognized for representing their school and the state of Texas at the JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl (JLAB) national competition in Washington D.C. which was held June 19-28. The cadets in attendance were rising sophomore Joy Okunade, and rising seniors Eryn Jeon and James Tran. 

The students listened to Johnson as he described details of his journey into politics and some of his duties in his role as a senator. The students also got to share more about ILTexas and what they learn while students at the school.

“It's absolutely fantastic to have a senator recognize the amazing work that these students have been doing,” said ILTexas GHS Principal Karen Marx. “They worked incredibly hard all year long for their accomplishments and to have that recognized was amazing.” 

For Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Fears, the cadets getting the opportunity to meet the Senator was a great learning experience. 

“They came [to the senator’s office] with the opportunity not only to meet him, but also learn about what you do as a state senator,” he said, adding that “it was a great event and we really appreciate the opportunity to come out here.”

CLEVELAND, Texas—The ILTexas community came together to celebrate the grand opening of ILTexas Brigadier General “B.G.” Ramirez K-8 on Tuesday, July 26. Students, teachers, and staff gathered in the gymnasium for the event, to listen to guest speakers and take some time to get familiar with the building. Plans to build the school were announced in June 2021, with ILTexas celebrating the groundbreaking event the following September. Less than a year later, the K-8 is finally ready to welcome its incoming students. 

The school’s namesake, Brigadier General Joe Ramirez, was in attendance and stated how honored he was to be part of the school’s emergence.

“It is truly an honor for me to be here among you today to celebrate the opening of the school,” he told the audience during his speech. “It’s important that we have schools like this that will imbue our children with the skills necessary to go out and represent our nation at a time where we need that leadership and those vital skills.”

Ana Hernandez, a parent of an incoming ILTexas B.G. Ramirez student, expressed her excitement for the new school.

“I chose ILTexas for my kid because it's a great opportunity [for them] to be enrolled in a leadership, role-model school,” she said. 

Coral Martínez-Cotto, who serves as the school’s principal, welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of building a community.

“We are truly an international community and we want to provide students with the very best,” she said, reiterating the ILTexas mission of servant leadership and trilingual education. 

ILTexas Chief of Staff Marcus Young presented Principal Martínez with a framed proclamation from Texas Governor Greg Abbott who acknowledged the opening of the school. 

Guests then gathered outside the building for the official ribbon cutting ceremony where ILTexas Founder and CEO Eddie Conger, Principal Martínez, and fellow ILTexas B.G. Ramirez staff helped cut the ribbon, marking the 21st addition to the ILTexas school roster in the state of Texas.

The official start to the 2022-23 school year for ILTexas students begins on August 11.

International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) is proud to announce the following new Principals in the Tarrant Area:

Dr. Keisha Washington – ILTexas Arlington K-8

Dr. Keshia Washington has been with International Leadership of Texas since December of 2019. Since that time, she has served in various roles such as middle school assistant principal, campus testing coordinator, SPED administrator, LPAC administrator, gifted and talented administrator, and a slew of other roles. She is also a Class of 2021 graduate of the AAA program. Dr. Washington comes to International Leadership of Texas with over 20 years of educational experience and background.

Dr. Washington’s educational experiences have afforded her to work with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing scholar achievement and well-being. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that every scholar can succeed, given an efficacious learning environment, strong well-informed leadership, a committed focused leadership team, an invigorating community, and a nurturing family.

Jared Laginess – ILTexas Keller K-8

Jared Laginess is starting his 6th year serving at International Leadership of Texas. Graduating from Colorado State University with his master’s degree in Education, he began his career in Dallas ISD as a 9th and 10th grade English teacher. After leaving DISD, he came to ILTexas East Fort Worth K-8 where he served as 7th Grade GLA, Reading Teacher, and Instructional Coach. During the last three years, he has served as the 3-5 Assistant Principal at ILTexas Grand Prairie K-8. 

Mr. Laginess enjoys spending time with his wife, Kayla, who was a kindergarten teacher, and his six-month-old daughter, Lennon. He is an avid reader, hockey enthusiast, and loves spending time hiking with his dogs. 

Teresa McCasland – ILTexas Heritage K-8 (Opening in the 2023-2024 school year)

Mrs. Teresa McCasland has been with International Leadership of Texas since 2015 and is a seasoned administrator with experience in grades PK-12th grade.  Mrs. McCasland holds a Doctoral Degree in Global Leadership, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science degree with triple majors in Secondary Education, Literature, and Theatre Communications; as well as an Associate of Arts degree in Behavioral Sciences with a minor in American Sign Language.  Her Texas Education Certifications include Superintendent, Principal, and Secondary Theatre Teacher. 

Before becoming an administrator, Mrs. McCasland was a high school teacher, Interim District Fine Arts Director, and Administrator.  She has earned accolades including Teacher of the Year awards at the campus, district, county, and state levels; as well as a National Disney Teacher of the Year nominee, TETA Teacher of the Year nominee.  Mrs. McCasland was recently awarded the 3rd-5th Grade Assistant Principal of the Year for International Leadership of Texas.

Since joining ILTexas, she has served on many task forces and committees including the Texas Education Agency Dual Language Immersion Pilot Focus Group.  Mrs. McCasland is an avid supporter of the trilingual program and was recently presented with the DLI Fidelity and Integrity Award for her support of the DLI program at ILTexas Garland K-8. 

Dr. Dora Renaud – ILTexas Keller-Saginaw High School

Dr. Dora Renaud is returning to International Leadership of Texas after holding positions of progressive leadership in the STEM field both in non-profit and in the public education landscape with a focus on continuous improvement in her 25+ year career.  Previously held positions include Vice President of Content, Curriculum, & Student Success for Papaya Tutor and Senior Director of Academics for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.  

Dr. Renaud earned her doctorate in Education Administration from the Cooperative Superintendency Program at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. She has a Master of Science in Literacy Development, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Minor in Professional Education and a specialization in Bilingual Education.

She has served as a school administrator at ILTexas Keller K-8, Dallas ISD, and Colegio Internacional de Caracas in Venezuela and has been a teacher, instructional specialist and curriculum developer.

Dr. Renaud is the proud daughter of two bilingual educators who were the pioneers of bilingual education when it began in Dallas in the early 70’s. Her family is originally from Donna, Texas.

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Please join us in congratulating Dr. Washington, Mr. Laginess, Mrs. McCasland, and Dr. Renaud. Each of these individuals are true servant leaders and have shown a commitment to the ILTexas mission and the success of our students. We look forward to seeing these campuses flourish and grow under their leadership.