Pasadena Independent School District

Academic Achievement

A woman with short brown hair smiles warmly at the camera, wearing a white blazer and a black top.

Dr. Toni Lopez is a dedicated educational leader with over two decades of experience in various administrative and teaching roles within the Pasadena Independent School District. Holding an Educational Doctorate in School Improvement from the University of Texas, Tyler, a Master of Science in Educational Management from the University of Houston, Clear Lake, and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University, Dr. Lopez has a strong foundation in educational theory and practice.

As the current Deputy Superintendent of Staff and Academic Achievement, Dr. Lopez oversees key areas, including curriculum and instruction, special education, advanced academics, and college and career readiness. Previously, she served as the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, leading human resource functions for over 8,000 employees and implementing innovative health insurance benefits.

Dr. Lopez has also been instrumental in curriculum development and instructional innovation, particularly during her tenure as the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Under her leadership, the district's curriculum and instructional programs flourished, culminating in awards such as the Raise Your Hand Texas grant. As Principal of Thompson Intermediate, Dr. Lopez led the school to outperform district and state averages in many tested areas and earned numerous accolades, including the Excellence in Urban Schools award.

With certifications as a Superintendent, Principal (EC-12), and Teacher in multiple subjects, Dr. Lopez is committed to fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment that promotes student success and engages all stakeholders in the educational process.

Portrait of a Graduate

A graphic depicting a graduation cap surrounded by six key skills for success: effective communicator, global citizen, engaged collaborator, innovative thinker, self-directed learner, and challenged.

The Portrait serves as a guiding framework to align curriculum, instruction, assessment, and other initiatives

to ensure students are receiving an education that will prepare them for college, career, and life after graduation.

Sets and prioritizes achievable goals, reflects and makes adjustments based on learned experiences. Demonstrates perseverance in the face of academic and real world challenges. Demonstrates resilience by applying a growth mindset and learning from mistakes.

Demonstrates critical thinking skills such as organization, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and flexibility. Employs higher-order thinking and sound reasoning in decision making. Uses curiosity and imagination to inspire new ideas or build upon existing ones.

Values multiple perspectives while learning with and from others. Contributes actively to a group in order to achieve a common goal. Leverages the knowledge, resources and skills of others to effectively impact positive outcomes.

Values cultural diversity, heritage and the benefit of understanding and communicating with multiple languages. Demonstrates self-discipline, honesty, respect, and integrity in the digital and physical world. Recognizes rights, responsibilities and opportunities for living, learning and working in an interconnected world.

Communicates clearly and skillfully using a variety of methods. Adapts to diverse audiences in different settings by listening sensitively and responding respectfully. Encourages others by offering timely, effective feedback while seeking out and applying feedback with purpose.

Sets and prioritizes achievable goals, reflects and makes adjustments based on learned experiences. Demonstrates perseverance in the face of academic and real world challenges. Demonstrates resilience by applying a growth mindset and learning from mistakes.

Demonstrates critical thinking skills such as organization, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and flexibility. Employs higher-order thinking and sound reasoning in decision making. Uses curiosity and imagination to inspire new ideas or build upon existing ones.

Values multiple perspectives while learning with and from others. Contributes actively to a group in order to achieve a common goal. Leverages the knowledge, resources and skills of others to effectively impact positive outcomes.

Values cultural diversity, heritage and the benefit of understanding and communicating with multiple languages. Demonstrates self-discipline, honesty, respect, and integrity in the digital and physical world. Recognizes rights, responsibilities and opportunities for living, learning and working in an interconnected world.

Communicates clearly and skillfully using a variety of methods. Adapts to diverse audiences in different settings by listening sensitively and responding respectfully. Encourages others by offering timely, effective feedback while seeking out and applying feedback with purpose.