Michelle Chae is the new chief officer for school leadership for Austin ISD.

 

In this role, Chae will oversee three major areas: student achievement, campus leadership and access to high-quality programs and curriculum. Moreover, she will supervise associate superintendents and will collaborate with the office of academics and social emotional learning as AISD reinvents the urban education experience.  

 

“We are proud to welcome Michelle Chae to the Austin ISD community,” said AISD Chief Human Capital Officer Fernando Medina. “She brings a strong background as a bilingual educator and instructional leader at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The students and staff of AISD will benefit greatly from Michelle Chae’s knowledge and leadership.”

 

Chae most recently served as the director of secondary education at Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District near San Antonio. She has previously been principal at elementary and secondary campuses where she embraced a commitment to educational opportunity for all students. 

 

Chae began her career as a bilingual educator in the Houston area where she quickly rose through leadership opportunities, including bilingual and second language coordinator, assistant principal and principal. During her time in Houston, she helped lead the implementation of a dual language program and worked to open both elementary and middle school campuses. 

 

“It is my distinct honor and privilege to join the Austin ISD family as the chief officer of school leadership. I look forward to partnering with our students, parents, staff, and the community to elevate the progress that has already been made with our initiatives that provide whole-child support,” Chae said. “Our community is full of students who are rich in diversity and limitless potential. They are our future and it is incumbent upon us to capitalize on their assets and meet them and their families where they are as we further increase equity and access while reinventing the urban school experience for all of our students.”

 

Chae earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston. She is currently working to complete a doctoral program in school improvement from Texas State University and is expected to graduate in 2019.

 

She serves as a regional director for Raise Your Hand Texas, as well as a mentor with the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.