United Independent School District is proud to announce the appointment of Jessica C. Salazar as the district’s new Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. An accomplished educator and administrative leader, Salazar brings more than 27 years of educational leadership experience within United ISD to this role.

 

Most recently, Salazar served as the Principal of United High School, leading the district’s largest high school campus of over 3,600 students and 385 faculty members. Under her leadership, United High School achieved exceptional academic milestones, including a 97 A+ overall state rating, five consecutive "A" accountability ratings, and all 7 TEA designated distinctions over five consecutive years. These achievements have made United High School the highest rated high school in United ISD.

 

Prior to leading United High School, Salazar served eight years as principal of Los Obispos Middle School, where she led a successful campus turnaround by improving student achievement, increasing attendance, and closing achievement gaps. She also served six years as assistant principal at United High School.

 

Her outstanding contributions to public education have earned her widespread recognition, including being named the TASSP Region One High School Principal of the Year (2024), TEA Title III Secondary School Principal of the Year (2024), LULAC Tejano Achiever in Education (2024), HEB in Excellence in Education Semi-Finalist (2020), TASSP Region One Middle School Principal of the Year (2019), and TASSP Region One High School Assistant Principal of the Year (2013). She actively serves on the TASSP Board of Directors, the United Way of Laredo Board of Directors, and the UIL Area G Executive Committee Board.

 

Salazar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M International University, and her Superintendent Certification from Lamar University. She is currently in the final year of her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi. 

 

A strong advocate for leadership development, Salazar has mentored numerous campus leaders who have advanced into administrative positions throughout the district. Her passion for cultivating future educational leaders is also reflected in her doctoral dissertation, which focuses on strategies to develop and empower the next generation of school leaders.

 

"Stepping into the role of Associate Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction is both an incredible honor and a deeply meaningful responsibility," said Salazar. "As a proud first-generation higher education graduate, I know firsthand the life-changing power of public education. While my love for campus life and my Longhorn family runs deep, I am thrilled to broaden my commitment to every student, teacher, and school across United ISD. My vision for Curriculum & Instruction is centered on fostering a culture where high-rigor and innovative instruction meets authentic support, empowering our educators to thrive and inspiring every student to achieve beyond their expectations."

 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Salazar is the proud mother of two children, Noah and Gia.

 

In her new role, Salazar will oversee district-wide curriculum alignment, high-stakes assessment strategies, teacher development initiatives, and instructional innovation across all UISD campuses.