Samuel Hernandez, who has served as a campus administrator in Irving ISD for five years, will continue his work as principal for a second year. Hernandez began his career in Irving ISD as Dean of Students at Irving High School in 2017.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve as principal of Irving High School,” he says. “I look forward to collaborating with ALL stakeholders to develop a strong culture and enhance systems that ensure students know we care, because if you capture a kid’s heart, you will have their mind.”

Hernandez most recently served as associate principal at Nimitz High School, where he developed and maintained the campus master schedule; helped establish and support a clear vision for the campus; served as attendance/truancy coordinator; handled crisis management response; led the campus improvement committee; and was administrator of the science, AVID, and world languages department.

In addition to serving as an associate principal and Dean of Students, he has also served as an assistant principal in Irving ISD. As assistant principal, he developed and implemented professional development, served as LPAC coordinator/ESL liaison, coordinated campus testing, oversaw facilities management, and managed student transportation.

Prior to joining Irving ISD, he taught science and was a coach in Dallas ISD, where he was named the Dallas Mavericks Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2014.

Hernandez earned a Master of Education in Education Leadership from Lamar University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for the University of Texas at Arlington. He holds teacher and principal certifications.  Mr. Hernandez is currently working on his Ph.D for Educational Leadership from TCU.

Virginia Smith has worked as an Assistant Principal at Irving High for the past four years while leading multiple individuals in separate departments. She has the flexibility, focus, and diplomacy such position requires. She wants to continue to bring knowledge and insight gained through these various experiences to Irving High School and focus on student’s engagement in learning, as well as student success!

She has much to offer in the way of diversity, experience and professionalism.  Mrs. Smith has worked in three major educational capacities: Teaching, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal and now Associate Principal. Within these fields, she has had the opportunity to learn policies, procedures, and the protocol necessary to enforce success ethically and without liability.

Mrs. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Texas in San Antonio and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Sul Ross University in Uvalde, Texas. She is currently working on her doctorate degree in Conflict/Resolution from Abilene Christian University. 

Virginia is extremely honored and excited to be part of an amazing district, community, and campus- Let’s Go Tigers!! 

Todd Allen is a graduate of Trinity University where he received a B.A. in political science with an emphasis in American politics and law. He received his Master of Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. 

Mr. Allen is entering his 19th year in education and his 12th at Irving High School.  Most recently he was the social studies department chair, head track and cross-country coach, curriculum writer, and taught AP government and politics. This will be Mr. Allen's second year as an assistant principal. He will oversee the Irving High's advanced academics and the science department. 

Prior to joining the IHS staff, Mr. Allen worked as the offensive coordinator at The Colony High School. 

Mr. Allen is married to Dr. Lauren Allen and has two children, Harper and Sam. Mr. Allen enjoys working in yard, watching college and professional football, specifically the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. 

Norma N. Aragon has worked as an educator for over 20 years.  She began her career as a Social Studies high school teacher.  She has proudly served in many roles at the campus level that include AVID elective teacher, athletic assistant soccer coach, LPAC coordinator, reading interventionist, department chair and instructional coach.  At the district level, she was a test writer and academic facilitator. She previously served as a middle school assistant principal in Dallas ISD.

Mrs. Aragon is grateful to all her teachers that motivated her to dream big.  One of her favorite quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt is, “Perhaps the most important thing that has come out of my life is the discovery that if you prepare yourself at every point as well as you can, with whatever means you may have, however meager they may seem, you will be able to grasp opportunity for broader experience when it appears.” 

Mrs. Aragon earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in Arlington and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University at Commerce.  When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her adult children, and grandsons.  She is excited to begin her second year at Irving High school family as an assistant principal.

Mr. Clark has  served the students of Irving ISD as an administrator for the past nine years at various secondary campuses. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Baylor University and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington.  His high school Biology teacher, Mrs. Gowin, was his inspiration to enter the field of education.  Mr. Clark served as a teacher (Chemistry and Physics) and Dean of Students before moving into campus administration.    Mr. Clark is passionate about helping students plan for their future and reach their goals.

Mrs. Houston is entering her 19th year in education and her 3rd year at Irving High School. She has spent half of that time serving students and families at Sam Houston Middle School, where she taught 7th grade English, AVID, and worked in the role of Digital Learning Coach before becoming an Administrator. Prior to Irving ISD, Mrs. Houston taught elementary school, middle school, and was an Adjunct Instructor for Dallas College. Mrs. Houston loves inspiring students, and her favorite quote is “Be the change you want to see in the world,” something she encourages students to always strive to do.

Mrs. Houston earned a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education in Administration from Stephen F. Austin University. When not working, Mrs. Houston enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her husband and three children.