United Independent School District is pleased to announce that Andrea Joy Garza, the TASSP 2026 Texas High School Assistant Principal of the Year, has been named the new principal of Trautmann Middle School.

Garza brings nearly two decades of experience in education and a strong record of instructional leadership, student advocacy, and campus culture building to her new role. She has spent the past 17 years serving students and families in United ISD and most recently served as Early College Dean at United High School.

“I am truly honored and deeply excited to lead Trautmann Middle School,” Garza said. “TMS is home to great students and educators. I am humbled to take the lead and enjoy the journey alongside them.”

During her two years as Early College Dean, Garza helped grow and support United High School’s Early College program while serving students in an advanced dual enrollment setting. Her accomplishments included developing an engaging Summer Bridge program for incoming students and launching the Early College Academy Council to foster student leadership and community engagement.

Garza said she was drawn to the principalship because of the opportunity to make an even greater impact on students, educators, and the school community.

“I believe deeply in the transformative power of public education and want to positively influence the culture, curriculum, and community,” Garza said. “I want to create the environment, resources, and trust educators need to set ambitious standards and thrive.”

As principal, Garza plans to build upon the strengths and traditions already established at Trautmann Middle School. Her goals include sustaining and building upon its tradition of academic excellence, and providing teachers and staff with the support, trust, and resources they need to succeed.

“I want to fortify TMS’s positive school culture where high standards, joy in learning, and school and community pride are the baseline,” Garza said. “I care deeply about student success and building an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and capable of achieving.”

Garza began her career as a high school social studies teacher, serving three years at Roma High School before joining United ISD. She taught for nine years at United South High School and later served the campus for three years as Campus Instructional Coordinator and three years as Assistant Principal. She then joined United High School as Early College Dean, a position she held for two years before her promotion to principal.

Her leadership has earned recognition at both the regional and state levels. Garza was named the 2025 Region One High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) and went on to receive the prestigious 2026 Texas High School Assistant Principal of the Year honor.

Throughout her career, Garza has focused on academic achievement, campus culture, student empowerment, and supporting educators in creating high-performing and inclusive learning environments. She said her passion for public education continues to drive the expectations she sets for herself and those she serves.

“I’m passionate about the transformative power of public schools, and that drive fuels my high expectations—not just for myself, but for every student and colleague I work with,” Garza said. “I genuinely love what I do, and that enthusiasm is contagious.”

Garza earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M International University.

Outside of education, Garza is a competitive athlete who participates in hybrid fitness competitions as well as endurance races as a Spartan Ultra athlete. She is also an avid reader and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Garza and her husband, Juan Andres Garza, are the proud parents of four children: Sarah, Madeline, Katherine, and Pierce.

United ISD congratulates Andrea Joy Garza on her promotion and looks forward to her leadership as she begins this new chapter serving the students, staff, and families of Trautmann Middle School.