Sandra Dilworth, PhD
Dr. Sandra Dilworth is a seasoned educational leader with over 30 years of experience spanning teaching, campus administration, and higher education. She has served as a middle- and high-school English teacher, Assistant Principal in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, and currently as an adjunct professor at Lone Star College. Recognized for her instructional excellence, she was named Teacher of the Year and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to motivating students and fostering high-performing learning environments. Her professional philosophy emphasizes building meaningful relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community, grounded in mutual respect and integrity.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Dilworth earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A&M University, complemented by a Superintendent Certification through Lamar University. She has also contributed to professional development both locally and internationally, including staff training in Belize, facilitating administrative leadership programs, and mentoring first-year teachers. She is an active member of organizations such as the Texas and National Associations of Secondary School Principals (TASSP and NASSP) and the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW). Her research and publications focus on student achievement, disciplinary trends, and strategies for equitable education.
Driven by a mission to create purpose-driven educational opportunities, Dr. Dilworth aspires to open a charter school that serves both students and families, ensuring equitable access to learning. Her approach is informed by personal perseverance, mentorship, and a dedication to overcoming systemic challenges such as declining enrollment and school safety concerns. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading, attending the theater, horseback riding, and spending time in nature, embodying the same balance of growth, reflection, and community engagement that she encourages in her students and colleagues.
• Superintendency Certification
• Prairie View A&M University - PhD
• Teacher of the Year
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• International Women's Leadership Association
• Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP)
• National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
• National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, faith, lifelong learning, and the guidance of mentors, family, and educators like Dr. Booker and Dr. Wright. My journey has been shaped by resilience—what I call the “School of Hard Knocks.”
Knowing your purpose, staying true to it, and following through are key. In education, the greatest reward is seeing students succeed. Support from my mother, mentors, and family, combined with determination, has been the foundation of my accomplishments.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to remain persistent in pursuing my calling and never stop striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. I believe that purpose-driven work creates a lasting impact that goes far beyond titles or recognition.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to know your purpose, stay committed to your students’ success, and focus on the difference you make rather than personal recognition. Resilience, patience, and heart-centered leadership are essential for creating a lasting impact. Be true to what you want, follow through on your goals, and let student outcomes—not financial gain—guide your efforts.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is declining enrollment in traditional public schools, driven by safety concerns, changing family expectations, and the availability of alternative options. Large school populations can also limit the personal attention students receive, and questions about the future direction of public education continue to arise.
At the same time, these challenges present an opportunity to reimagine education—creating innovative, supportive learning environments that better meet the needs of both students and families. Long-term, I hope to contribute to this vision by opening a charter school that embodies these principles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, service to others, and compassion for students and families. I am deeply committed to helping individuals reach their full potential. My work is grounded in purpose, ensuring that every learner feels supported, challenged, and capable of success.
Locations
Lone Star College
Humble, TX 77396