Juan Cordoba

Cahn Fellow 2019

Principal, Thomas J. Rusk Middle School

Dallas, Texas

Juan Cordoba, originally from Pasto, Colombia; graduated from LeTourneau University with a B.S in Aeronautical Science in 2003, Cum Laude, and received his master’s degree from the University of North Texas in Education Administration in 2010, Magna Cum Laude. His 14-year educational career has been in Dallas ISD having enrolled in the Dallas Alternative Certification program in 2004 having begun as a bilingual kindergarten teacher, promoted to a math and science instructional coach position, academic coordinator, AP in a turn-around school, Elementary School Principal and current position as a Thomas J. Rusk Middle School Principal. In the last year, Rusk MS emerged from being 33 of 33 middle schools as rated by the Dallas ISD School Effectiveness Indices. His school was also revalidated as an AVID National Demonstration School in November 2017. Rusk MS increased the enrollment of students in advanced courses and the number of courses offered providing high school credit to our students including, physics, algebra I, Spanish I and Spanish II. Juan's strengths include providing opportunities for collaboration, building capacity and creating a positive and supportive working environment.

Honors and recognitions:
Teacher of the Year in 2007
Elementary Finalist Principal of the Year in 2016
Master Principal 2018