United Independent School District proudly announces the promotion of Tessie T. Rodriguez to Principal of Clark Elementary School. Rodriguez steps into this new role after serving as Assistant Principal at Clark Elementary for 13 years.
Rodriguez began her education career in 2004 at Centeno Elementary, teaching across multiple grade levels, including pre-K, kindergarten, first, and fifth grades. Her passion for education and desire to support students beyond the classroom led her to transition into school administration in 2012, when she joined Clark Elementary as Assistant Principal.
During her tenure as Assistant Principal, Rodriguez was instrumental in fostering a positive, inclusive, and safe school culture where students and staff felt supported, successful, and motivated.
Reflecting on her promotion, Rodriguez shared, “I have a mix of emotions—pride, excitement, responsibility, and a new sense of commitment to all my students, parents, and staff.”
Rodriguez’s vision for her new role centers on academic excellence and student well-being. “My core purpose as principal of Clark Elementary is to nurture an environment where our already high academic standards continue to flourish. I’m dedicated to providing every student with personalized resources and unwavering support so they can not only achieve but exceed their individual learning objectives. Above all, it’s essential that our students feel safe and deeply secure within our school community,” she emphasized.
Rodriguez’s deep roots at Clark Elementary played a significant role in her desire to take on this new leadership role. “Having served at Clark Elementary as Assistant Principal for 13 years, I have developed a deep understanding of the school’s culture, staff, students, and community. I am passionate about creating an environment where every child can thrive and where staff feel supported and motivated. Clark Elementary is home!” she said.
As Principal, Rodriguez will focus on creating a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment that prioritizes students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. She also plans to promote continuous professional growth among staff and strengthen connections with students, parents, and the broader community.
When asked why she is perfect for this role, Rodriguez shared, “My passion is truly about nurturing every elementary student’s potential. My approach centers on building collaborative relationships with staff, parents, and the community while supporting our educators’ continuous growth.”
Rodriguez has been with UISD for 21 years. A graduate of Cigarroa High School, she holds an Associate in Arts in Child Development from Laredo Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood, and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M International University. She also holds multiple certifications, including Technology Applications (EC-12), Speech (8-12), Bilingual Supplemental (EC-4), and Generalist (EC-8).
Outside of her professional life, Rodriguez enjoys woodworking, power tools, crafting, and fantasy football. Above all, she treasures time with her family. She has been married to her husband Andy for over 20 years and is the proud mother of Sydney and Jaden Tristan. She also cherishes the support of her mother, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Rodriguez expressed deep gratitude to those who have supported her journey. “It’s with immense honor and deep gratitude that I embrace this new role, eager to continue serving our incredible students at Clark Elementary. A heartfelt thank you to the Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz for this wonderful opportunity. I also want to acknowledge and thank my administrator, Mrs. Gabriela N. Perez. Her mentorship and the invaluable tools she provided have been instrumental in preparing me to guide Clark Elementary over the last decade. I am forever appreciative of her profound impact on my professional journey.”
United ISD congratulates Tessie T. Rodriguez on her well-deserved promotion and wishes her continued success as she leads Clark Elementary into a new chapter of growth and excellence.
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