Her Story
About Beth
Dr. Beth Lambright-Hines is an accomplished educational leader, elementary principal, and author dedicated to strengthening public education through collaboration, mentorship, and servant leadership. As Principal of Arp Elementary School in the Arp Independent School District, she is committed to creating learning environments where both students and educators thrive. Beginning her career as a paraprofessional in a Head Start classroom, she steadily advanced through roles as an elementary educator, reading specialist, instructional coach, and school administrator, building a reputation for fostering academic excellence and empowering teachers. Her leadership philosophy centers on doing what is best for children while cultivating a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Dr. Hines earned her Bachelor of Science in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Administration, and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Texas at Tyler. Her doctoral research examined the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in rural elementary schools and their impact on teacher collaboration and student achievement, reinforcing her belief that lasting school improvement comes from educators learning and growing together. Beyond her work as a school leader, she is a published author and educational thought leader whose writings explore instructional leadership, mentorship, and professional growth. Her upcoming book, Becoming Through Mentorship, reflects the profound influence mentors have had throughout her career and encourages others to invest in developing future leaders.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Dr. Hines is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and community. Together with her husband, she has fostered more than 100 children and has welcomed several through adoption, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to serving others beyond the classroom. She enjoys writing, spending time at the beach and on the water, and sharing experiences that inspire educators and leaders alike. Guided by values of honesty, integrity, loyalty, kindness, and compassion, Dr. Hines continues to advocate for equitable, student-centered education while mentoring the next generation of teachers and educational leaders.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Beth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother and the incredible mentors who believed in me and taught me that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. While earning my doctorate at UT Tyler, adopting two children, and publishing my book, their encouragement kept me focused and motivated. One of the greatest compliments I've ever received came from my mother, who told me she always knew I could accomplish whatever I set out to do—she just never expected me to take on so much all at once.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career, from professors to fellow educators. One piece of advice that has stayed with me is to seek out mentors, remain open to learning, and never stop growing. A former assistant principal, in particular, had a lasting impact on the way I lead and approach my work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Seek a mentor whose values and principles align with your own, especially someone who is deeply committed to the well-being and development of children. Learning from a mentor who leads with integrity and purpose can help you grow professionally while making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of those you serve.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in public education is navigating the complexities of politics and accountability while ensuring fairness and equity for every student. I believe it's important to remain open to diverse perspectives, even when the value of education and the dedication of educators are not fully understood. Every day, I strive to support students by providing guidance, encouragement, and opportunities that not only help them succeed today but also inspire them to thrive long into the future.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are strong moral character, honesty, integrity, and loyalty. I also have a deep love for children, and that passion guides both my personal life and my work. I strive to lead with compassion, do what is right, and make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.
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