I believe that educators—the teachers and leaders in our schools—do this work each day, teaching our students the way to live in and succeed in our world.
José Parra, Ed.D. Assistant Professor
- Faculty
José Parra, Ed.D., served in Texas public education for 32 years in six school districts. That experience culminated in more than 10 years of successful service as a superintendent of schools in two school districts ranging in size from 5,000 to over 35,000 students. Before his leadership work as a superintendent, he served in leadership roles including assistant superintendent, director and coordinator of special programs, principal and assistant principal, and high school English teacher. Parra's previous higher education experience came as an adjunct professor of educational administration at Schreiner University and A&M-Commerce, and as an adjunct lecturer of English for Palo Alto College in the Alamo Colleges District. Most recently, he served as a clinical supervisor for student teachers at Western Governors University.
Today, Parra is an assistant professor at A&M-Commerce, where he incorporates his extensive experience and knowledge into preparing future educational leaders and researchers. He is driven by personal experiences and the belief that education is a great equalizer for students. Coupled with that belief is his passion for providing the best educational experience possible for educators so they are prepared to transform the lives of their students.
A Conversation with Dr. Parra
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?
There was an old television series theme song whose refrain stated, “You want to go where everybody knows your name.” A&M-Commerce is large enough to provide the resources and professors you'll need to receive an excellent education, yet small enough that it can quickly pivot to personalize that educational experience for you. A&M-Commerce is a university that will treat you as an individual. It is a university “where everybody knows your name.”
What inspires you as an educator?
When writer and professor Joseph Campbell was asked what one person can do to help the world, he replied, “If you really want to help the world, you have to teach people the way to live in it.” The idea that one person can really help the world by teaching inspires me as an educator. I believe that educators—the teachers and leaders in our schools—do this work each day, teaching our students the way to live in and succeed in our world.
What motivates your role as an assistant professor?
As an assistant professor, I am motivated by educators who aspire to move into leadership roles as principals and superintendents because they see themselves as people who can catalyze student growth and transform student lives. There are no easy roles in public education, and it is now more challenging than ever to be an educator. I am motivated by educators who are rising to meet visible challenges, and those yet unseen.
Educational Background
- Ed.D., Educational Administration, Columbia University, 1996
- M.A., English, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 1989
- B.A., English, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 1983
Experience
- Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2022-present
- Clinical Supervisor, Independent Educational Leadership Consultant 2019-2022
- Superintendent of Schools and Executive Liaison, Irving ISD, 2014-2019
- Superintendent of Schools, Lockhart ISD, 2008-2013
- Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Human Resources, Kerrville ISD, 2005-2008
- Principal and Assistant Principal, Wylie ISD, 1997-2005
- Director/Coordinator of Special Programs PK-12, 1991-1997, New Braunfels ISD
- High School English Teacher, 1987-1991, New Braunfels ISD and Seguin ISD
Professional Certifications
- Texas Superintendent (PK-12)
- Pennsylvania Superintendent (PK-12)
- New York School District Administrator (Superintendent) (PK-12)
- Texas Mid-Management Administrator (PK-12)
- Texas Secondary English Teacher (06 -12)
Research Interests
- Online principal and superintendent preparation programs
- Recruiting and selection processes for urban leaders
- Hispanic superintendent career paths and placements
- Organizational leadership and systemic change
- College completion for disadvantaged students