Pandora Agnew
Katy,tx
Summary
Instructional leader with proven success in turning around schools and driving student achievement. Experienced in leading principals, coaching teachers, and designing systems that accelerate learning for historically underserved students.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director of Instruction
Houston Independent School District
07.2025 - Current
- Oversee 7 elementary campuses in the Heights HS feeder pattern, directly coaching and developing principals.
- - Drive instructional leadership through weekly campus walkthroughs, PLCs, and data reviews.
- - Support principals in executing the New Education System (NES) model with fidelity.
- - Monitor performance across Domain 1 (Student Achievement), Domain 2 (School Progress), and Domain 3 (Closing the Gaps).
- - Lead leadership team development, ensuring alignment to district vision and instructional priorities.
Principal
Houston ISD - Shadydale Elementary
06.2023 - 06.2025
- - Improved TEA accountability rating from F (56, 2022-23) → B (86, 2023-24) → B (83, 2024-25).
- - Implemented systems for high-quality instruction, teacher development, and student supports.
- - Coached leadership team through daily instructional rounds focused on student work and lesson execution.
- - Increased student outcomes across core subjects through data-driven PLCs and real-time coaching.
Teacher Instructional Specialist (Math)
Houston ISD - Braeburn Elementary
08.2022 - 06.2023
- - Supported math teachers in delivering high-quality Tier 1 instruction.
- - Led planning and data analysis sessions to close achievement gaps.
Assistant Principal of Instruction
IDEA Walzem Academy
07.2019 - 06.2022
- - Improved campus TEA rating from B (81) to A (94).
- - Selected as 1 of 13 APs for the IDEA Accelerate to Principal pipeline.
- - Coached 19 teachers daily through observations, data talks, and real-time feedback.
- - Directed HR functions including hiring, onboarding, and policy enforcement.
District Instructional Coach
College Achieve Public Schools
08.2018 - 07.2019
- - Coached and mentored 22 teachers district-wide.
- - Designed professional development on instructional strategies and data use.
Teacher Development Specialist / New Teacher Instructional Coach
HISD - Patrick Henry MS
08.2017 - 07.2018
- - Led instructional rounds focused on student work quality.
- - Trained and coached new teachers in planning, classroom management, and data analysis.
Teacher & Dean of Behavior
Various Schools
01.2009 - 01.2017
- - Improved student mastery on state assessments (e.g., 100% math proficiency in 2011).
- - Created systems for behavior management, family engagement, and student supports.
- - Taught multiple grade levels (2nd-7th) across general education and Pre-AP settings.
Corps Member
Teach For America
06.2009 - 06.2011
- - Selected as 1 of 4,000 from 35,000 applicants.
- - Completed intensive training and monthly professional development.
Education
Principal Certification Program - Educational Leadership
University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX05.2021
M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV05.2011
B.A. - Political Science & Gender Studies
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2009
Certification
- Texas Principal Certification, EC-12
- Texas Teacher Certification, Core Subjects (4-8)
Timeline
Executive Director of Instruction
Houston Independent School District
07.2025 - Current
Principal
Houston ISD - Shadydale Elementary
06.2023 - 06.2025
Teacher Instructional Specialist (Math)
Houston ISD - Braeburn Elementary
08.2022 - 06.2023
Assistant Principal of Instruction
IDEA Walzem Academy
07.2019 - 06.2022
District Instructional Coach
College Achieve Public Schools
08.2018 - 07.2019
Teacher Development Specialist / New Teacher Instructional Coach
HISD - Patrick Henry MS
08.2017 - 07.2018
Corps Member
Teach For America
06.2009 - 06.2011
Teacher & Dean of Behavior
Various Schools
01.2009 - 01.2017
Principal Certification Program - Educational Leadership
University of Texas At Arlington
M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
B.A. - Political Science & Gender Studies
Loyola University Chicago
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