Sanjuanita Cisneroz is a first-generation college graduate. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies. She also attended Texas A&M College Station and holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration. She is a state certified bilingual teacher and principal.

Sanjuanita’s professional career began as a congressional aide for Congressman Gene Green. She loved her constituent service and decided to focus on empowering students as a teacher. She began her teaching career at Yes Prep Charter School, where she decided to work on her teacher certification through Region IV. She then moved to teach at public schools. She started as a fourth-grade bilingual teacher. Through her career, Sanjuanita promoted as a teacher specialist at Northside High School, Assistant Principal at Burbank Middle School and St. Anne Catholic School. She is now the Principal of RYSS’s Leonel Castillo Early Childhood Academy in the Near Northside part of Houston.

Sanjuanita firmly believes that educators are crucial in developing the academic, emotional, and social skills of our students. Her non-negotiable philosophy is to inspire students to dream big and hold high expectations of themselves. Her vision of a successful school consists of administrators, teachers, parents, and community members working together to offer many opportunities for our students to grow. Knowing that our students love coming to school would help achieve her mission of developing lifelong learners.