In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, Irene Mérida shines as a leader and innovator. With more than 15 years of international experience across multiple continents, she has revolutionized bilingual and trilingual education, equipping students to surpass academic expectations and thrive as global citizens.
Irene is reshaping how schools approach emerging bilingual education through her expertise in curriculum design, leadership in education, and passion for empowering students and teachers alike.
"I take immense pride in having connected with students from diverse corners of the world and worked alongside educators from a wide range of backgrounds,” says Irene.
“These experiences have shaped my perspective and defined the educator I am today—one who values diversity, collaboration, and the transformative power of education."
A Career Built on Diversity and Expertise
Originally from Spain, Irene has worked across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. This global exposure has equipped her with a profound understanding of how cultural and linguistic diversity impacts learning.
“The society that we have right now, where people from all over the world are constantly moving and exchanging ideas, having an open mindset and embracing diverse experiences is more essential than ever—especially in teaching. This perspective allows educators to connect meaningfully with students from all backgrounds, fostering understanding and growth in a globalized world.”
Currently a Grade-Level Administrator and Dual Language Teacher at International Leadership of Texas, Irene works with a trilingual program that incorporates Spanish, English, and Chinese into students' daily education.
Her role goes far beyond teaching. As a Grade-Level Administrator, Irene supports her team with everything from lesson planning to classroom management and parent-teacher conferences.
In a nation where 5.3 million students are classified as English Learners (ELs), Irene is redefining what bilingual education can achieve. She works in a state where ELs make up 20.2% of public school enrollment, the highest in the U.S. Her innovative trilingual program in Spanish, English, and Chinese is bridging achievement gaps and empowering students for a globalized future.
While national averages show ELs trailing in academic performance—4th-grade reading scores for ELs (190) compared to non-EL peers (222)—Irene’s students have seen a 16% increase in reading skills, far outpacing the district’s 10% growth.
Irene’s work extends beyond the classroom, mentoring educators and addressing systemic challenges like Texas’ bilingual teacher shortage.
By fostering family engagement, implementing culturally relevant teaching, and setting new standards for excellence, Irene Mérida is leading the charge to transform bilingual education in the U.S.
Candida Peña Ferreiro is an experienced educator who has worked alongside Irene since 2018 when they collaborated to open ILTexas Orem K8. Their shared commitment to bilingual education has fostered a professional relationship built on mutual respect and admiration.
“Irene has an exceptional ability to bridge the language gap for English Learner students. Her meticulous approach to assessment, program placement, and personalized accommodations ensures that every student has the tools to thrive academically and linguistically.
“It’s inspiring to see her dedication in action as she supports over 400 students each year, impacting their educational journey,” Ferreiro reflects.
Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, emphasizing trust, communication, and innovation. Additionally, Irene serves on the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), overseeing the placement and progress of emerging bilingual students. Her efforts ensure these students receive the accommodations and resources they need to excel academically and socially.
“I’m the kind of person who genuinely enjoys listening and offering advice—when asked—to help find practical solutions. In a professional environment, we all encounter similar challenges throughout our careers, and with my experience navigating both the highs and lows, I often have insights that can guide others through their situations.” Irene shares
Innovating Curriculum Design for Emerging Bilinguals
One of Irene’s most significant contributions has been her ability to design and adapt curricula that address the unique needs of emerging bilingual students. Irene recognizes that these students face distinct challenges, from language barriers to cultural adjustments, and she has developed strategies to bridge these gaps effectively.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Irene spearheaded the transition of her school’s math curriculum to a digital format. As the course lead for her entire charter school, she developed lesson plans and resources tailored to first-grade students, ensuring that learning could continue seamlessly during unprecedented disruption.
Irene spearheaded a math curriculum redesign that led to an 87% improvement in scores, even as national averages declined. Her students also achieved a 92% growth in ACTFL language proficiency, surpassing the 71% national benchmark.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is successfully adapting an in-person curriculum for remote learning during the pandemic. I transformed the traditional classroom framework into an effective online model by providing teachers and colleagues with the necessary resources, offering comprehensive training, and researching innovative tools and strategies. Many of these tools remain integral to our teaching methods today, highlighting the lasting impact of this transition.” Irene reflects
This effort showcased her adaptability and her foresight in utilizing technology to enhance education.
Her approach to curriculum design is both innovative and inclusive. Irene integrates culturally relevant materials into her lessons, making learning more engaging and relatable for students from diverse backgrounds. She collaborates closely with her colleagues to align English and Spanish curricula, ensuring consistency and coherence across subjects.
“I enjoy the creative aspect of teaching and curriculum development. Designing, adapting, and developing curricula to meet the needs of diverse learners keeps me energized and engaged.”
Her commitment to innovation has set a new standard for how bilingual programs are structured and delivered.
Leadership in Action: Building Teams and Inspiring Success
Leadership is at the core of Irene’s professional ethos. As a Grade-Level Administrator, she leads by example, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect among her colleagues. Irene believes that trust is the cornerstone of effective teamwork, and she works tirelessly to build strong relationships with her team members, parents, and students.
Irene’s ability to mentor and guide her colleagues is another hallmark of her leadership. Over the years, she has trained numerous teachers, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
"We spend more time at work than we do at home," says Irene, “so my main goal with my team is building trust and a strong sense of community. We don’t have to be best friends, but we should feel good about working together. At the end of the day, I want everyone to feel happy walking through the door and seeing each other’s faces daily.”
Many of her mentees have taken on leadership roles themselves, a testament to Irene’s impact as a mentor. Whether it’s providing feedback on lesson plans, sharing best practices, or offering words of encouragement, Irene’s support empowers her team to excel.
Addressing Challenges with Creativity and Compassion
Emerging bilingual students often face unique challenges, from adapting to a new language to overcoming socioeconomic barriers. Irene approaches these challenges with creativity and compassion, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued.
"Standardized testing can be a significant stressor for young learners,” Irene explains, “so I’ve developed innovative methods to help them feel more comfortable. I introduce testing in small, low-pressure environments early in the school year, then gradually transition to larger settings. This step-by-step approach helps build their confidence and ensures they can perform at their best when it matters most."
Her commitment to supporting students extends beyond academics. Irene is deeply invested in understanding the personal circumstances of her students, particularly those in Title I schools who may face economic hardships.
She has initiated programs like Saturday tutorials and lunch-break study sessions to support students who may not have resources or help at home. Irene creates a nurturing environment where students can flourish by addressing academic and emotional needs.
The Impact of Parent Engagement
Irene understands parental involvement is critical to student success, particularly for emerging bilinguals. She has developed creative ways to engage parents in their children’s education to bridge the gap between school and home.
"My approach is very solution-oriented,” says Irene. “If there’s a problem, I focus on brainstorming and finding solutions rather than dwelling on the issue. My team often tells me that I’m a great listener, and I value open communication. I also prioritize creating a culture of trust and collaboration—whether it’s with students, parents, or colleagues. This ensures that everyone feels supported and valued."
One of her most successful initiatives involves creating short video tutorials for parents, explaining key concepts in subjects like math and reading. These videos are concise, accessible, and highly effective, giving parents the tools to support their children’s learning at home.
LaShawn Nelson, a former Houston Area Math Instructional Coach at ILTexas, has worked closely with Irene since 2018, particularly during the challenging shift to virtual learning in 2020.
"Irene’s visionary leadership during the pandemic was nothing short of transformative. Her ability to adapt the first-grade math curriculum for virtual learning while supporting over 100 teachers weekly showcased her expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence in education. Irene’s impact not only elevated our district’s standards but also left a lasting legacy of innovation and collaboration." he says.
Making Monumental Changes in Children’s Lives
Irene has received numerous accolades, including Teacher of the Year in 2019/2020 and 2022/2023. She was also the first international teacher in her district to earn this distinction, highlighting her exceptional impact in a competitive field. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Master Teacher by the Texas Education Agency, a designation that underscores her expertise and influence.
Irene aims to expand her impact by taking on broader leadership roles, such as Academic Director of Curriculum Development: “My ultimate goal is to influence educational policies and practices on a systemic level, advocating for proactive solutions that truly address the needs of diverse learners”, she says.
“I hope to inspire other educators to embrace a positive, solution-oriented mindset, one that emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and the commitment to continuous learning."
Irene’s leadership and innovation are transforming the educational experience for emerging bilingual students. Her dedication to curriculum design, ability to inspire and mentor colleagues, and unwavering commitment to student success make her a true trailblazer in education.
"I’m not one to complain; instead, I focus on what can be done,” Irene says.
“Whether it’s leading a consultancy, becoming a principal, or even a superintendent, my goal is to change the mindset. It’s about saying, ‘This is what we have—let’s work with it and make it better.’ I want to inspire others to embrace a positive mindset, to see me navigating challenges with optimism, and realize that it’s okay to have bad days. Still, it’s essential to approach every situation and everyone around us with hope and resilience."
