Cleveland Independent School District is thrilled to announce Dr. Rachel Alex as our new Interim Superintendent.
Dr. Rachel Alex is a dedicated and visionary educational leader with a distinguished 25-year career, leaving an indelible mark on the Texas educational landscape. Her journey began in 1999 as a middle school math teacher in Dayton ISD before continuing in Liberty ISD, where her exceptional teaching earned her the prestigious Region 4 Teacher of the Year award in 2004. Transitioning to a counseling role in Dayton ISD, she advanced into pivotal leadership positions, including testing coordinator, data specialist, and curriculum coordinator.
In 2009, Dr. Alex embarked on a transformative leadership chapter in Sheldon ISD, serving as a math and science instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and turnaround principal. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated a strategic vision for growth, leading initiatives such as the opening of new schools and implementing systems that fostered student success.
Joining Region 4 in 2017 as a Senior Education Specialist for Leadership, Dr. Alex played a crucial role in developing leadership capacity across districts, focusing on improving school performance and student outcomes. She contributed to key educational initiatives, including the Effective Schools Framework Diagnostic, Texas Instructional Leadership, Lone Star Governance, and Texas Turnaround Schools. Additionally, she is a Trainer of Trainers for T-TESS, T-PESS, AEL, SLO, Impact Coaching, Crucial Conversations, and The Power of Positive Leadership.
In 2024, Dr. Alex joined Cleveland ISD as the Chief Academic and Accountability Officer, where she leads the design, execution, and evaluation of academic programs that align with district priorities and state/national educational standards. Her role encompasses curriculum and instruction, professional development, multilingual education, digital learning, assessment, accountability, social-emotional learning, special education, multi-tiered systems of support, and leadership development.
Beyond her district leadership, Dr. Alex is also a published author of Heroes in Our Classrooms, a book that celebrates the profound impact of educators and the transformative power of teaching. In 2020, she founded HELP in Schools LLC, providing executive coaching and professional development for school leaders. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership.
With a leadership philosophy rooted in both analytical strategy and empathetic decision-making, Dr. Alex is committed to fostering environments where educators are supported, and students thrive. Her approach balances rigor with creativity, ensuring sustainable progress through data-driven strategies and genuine engagement. She believes that education is the cornerstone of community vitality and individual empowerment, continuously striving to craft pathways that lead to innovation and lasting impact.
Cleveland ISD is excited for the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Alex as she leads the district forward into a new chapter. Together with our dedicated parents, guardians, and community members, we are confident that we can overcome challenges, build on our successes, and continue to provide the best possible education for all students. Cleveland ISD looks forward to the positive changes and growth Dr. Alex will bring as we work together to create a bright future for all students.