Preparing for a New School Year in Laredo
As the new school year is still weeks away, a group of dedicated educators in Laredo is already stepping into classrooms to prepare for the 2025-2026 academic year. With the first day of school set for August 11, the Laredo Independent School District (LISD) is welcoming a mix of experienced teachers and new faces who are eager to make a difference.
Guillermo Pro, the Interim Superintendent of LISD, is leading the district as it moves forward with its plans for the upcoming year. Teachers from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Vidal M. Trevino Band Hall for the New Teacher Orientation, where they reviewed key district policies, employee handbooks, and teacher resources. This event provided an opportunity for educators to familiarize themselves with the district’s expectations and support systems.
Roberto Veloz, a fourth-grade teacher at LISD, expressed confidence in Pro’s leadership. “He’s leading the district. I know it’s gonna be in good hands. He was a great teacher. He was my seventh-grade science teacher, and yeah, it’s pretty good,” Veloz said.
For many new teachers, this year marks a significant step in their careers. Angelica Garcia, a kindergarten teacher at Alma Pierce Elementary, has long dreamed of becoming a teacher. After years of working as a substitute, she is finally taking on her first full-time teaching role. “I hope to gain new experiences, especially working in a different school district. I had been working at the other district for quite a while, so I’m interested in seeing what my first year as an actual teacher will be like,” Garcia shared.
Garcia has set clear goals for herself, including managing her classroom effectively, starting a master’s program, and completing her certification exams. She hopes to achieve all of these within a reasonable timeframe.
This year’s orientation theme, “Rooted and Ready,” emphasized growth, stability, and preparedness. Irma Carrillo, who is transitioning from teaching at STEP Academy to working with elementary students, is looking forward to building strong relationships with her students. “I think it should be more or less the same, the rapport, setting goals for them. We’re gonna be making sure that we build a rapport to get them to where they are supposed to be academically,” Carrillo said.
Pro, who is no stranger to the district, is stepping into a new leadership role. He is committed to guiding teachers and ensuring that every student benefits from positive and impactful instruction. “Our expectation is that every teacher is gonna touch the lives of our students in a positive way and have a lasting effect. If you have that lasting effect, I know it’s going to make our community greater, and it’s going to make our students stronger. We’re going to show them how to level up in any industry,” Pro stated.
The district currently employs approximately 1,350 teachers, and there are several vacancies available for those interested in pursuing a career in education. As the school year approaches, the focus remains on preparing educators and students for a successful and meaningful academic journey.
