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Atenas Vallado · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Atenas
Atenas Vallado is an accomplished educator and school leader serving as an Assistant Principal with Austin Independent School District in Austin, Texas. With more than a decade of experience in education, Atenas has built her career around helping students thrive through bilingual education, literacy, targeted academic interventions, and student-centered support. Before becoming an Assistant Principal in June 2026, she served as a Content Interventionist and spent nearly a decade as a Bilingual Teacher, developing extensive experience supporting multilingual learners and addressing achievement gaps.
Throughout her career, Atenas has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational equity, instructional excellence, and inclusive learning environments. In her current leadership role, she prioritizes student safety and serves as an instructional leader by conducting classroom walkthroughs, observing instruction, providing feedback, and modeling effective lessons for educators. Her previous accomplishments include helping transform a Title I campus into an AVID campus showcase. Her dedication to education has been recognized through honors including Teacher of Promise in 2019 and Teacher of the Year in 2022.
Atenas holds a master's degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor's degree in Human Services with a concentration in Psychology from Post University. She also holds a teaching certification through Teachers of Tomorrow and a Texas Notary certification. Her areas of expertise include bilingual education, literacy, content intervention, instructional leadership, Spanish-language instruction, and student support. Through her continued leadership and dedication to multilingual learners, Atenas remains committed to creating equitable educational opportunities and helping students and educators reach their full potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Atenas
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my 12 years in education and the mentors who recognized and encouraged my leadership potential. My journey began as a substitute teacher while pursuing a dance major at Austin Community College, followed by roles as a reading tutor, teacher assistant, classroom teacher, content interventionist, AVID campus coordinator, and SEL coordinator. These experiences inspired me to earn my master’s degree and administration certification, ultimately leading me to my first year as an assistant principal.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from two mentors, Dr. Gilma Sanchez and Rosie Valenzuela, who inspired me to pursue growth, believe in myself, and continue developing both personally and professionally. Additionally to the career support, Lluvia Valentin, has always been by my side to help me go through when the work load was heavy.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to remember that you can start anywhere. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to grow, you can advance in education and leadership. I started as a substitute teacher while I was in school and have worked my way up to becoming an assistant principal, and hopefully one day I will be a Principal.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a first-year assistant principal, I see this as an exciting opportunity to grow as a leader, learn from my experiences, and make a meaningful impact on students, teachers, and the school community.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are service, leadership, and making a meaningful difference in students’ lives. I am committed to ensuring student safety and supporting teachers through instructional leadership, while also giving back to children and families through charitable work. Outside of work, I value time outdoors and supporting my son in his sports activities. My parents and my husband have been my strongest support, I wouldn't be where I am without their help
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