04-04-2025
MISD celebrates Principal Fellow graduates
Apr. 3—MIDLAND — Three Midland ISD educators are preparing to take the next step in their career as they complete master's degrees through Texas Tech's Principal Fellows program. This year's class of fellows include Liliana Iza, Erica Lujan, and Lauren Vargas.
The Principal Fellowship is a partnership between MISD and Texas Tech designed to increase the pipeline of qualified candidates into campus administration. The initiative gives teachers the opportunity to become certified campus principals by covering the costs of tuition, certification fees, and books. Throughout the year, fellows gain direct mentorship from experienced principals while maintaining limited classroom responsibilities, ensuring a seamless transition into leadership roles.
"It's been eye opening, you don't realize how many things are going on throughout an entire campus," said Iza, who completed her fellowship at Legacy Freshman High School. "Now as a principal fellow, I am able to effectively recognize and address the needs of both students and staff."
Lujan emphasized the collaboration involved in school leadership. "It's rewarding in the sense that you gain a lot of experience and you grow in ways that you didn't think you'd be able to grow," she said. "You grow as a leader, you grow as a person, and you grow as a coach."
For Vargas, the transition from focusing on her classroom to the entire school was a rewarding challenge. She encourages others to take advantage of the opportunity. "Texas Tech has set this program up to support you, and be there for you," she said. "It gives you a great opportunity to further your career in education."
