Meet Dr. Marie Moreno

Educator. Leader. Author. Advocate for Multilingual Learners.

For more than 28 years, I've dedicated my career to creating opportunities for students who too often navigate unfamiliar languages, cultures, and educational systems.

As the founding principal of Las Americas Newcomer School in Houston, Texas, I spent 18 years working alongside extraordinary educators, students, and families from around the world. That experience shaped my belief that before we can truly teach students, we must first understand their stories.

Today, through Newcomer Success LLC, I partner with school districts and educators to bring practical, engaging professional development into classrooms. My work focuses on emergent bilingual students, newcomers, effective instructional strategies, and building school communities where students feel seen, valued, and supported.

My passion for education extends far beyond Texas. Through visits to schools in 17 countries, I've had the privilege of learning from educators and communities around the world. Those experiences continue to shape my work and remind me that meaningful education begins with human connection.

My mission is simple: Help educators see beyond language barriers, recognize student potential, and turn understanding into meaningful action.

Leadership, Recognition & Professional Credentials

More Than Three Decades of Educational Leadership. A Commitment to Students Without Borders.

Dr. Marie Moreno is a nationally recognized educator, school leader, author, and educational consultant with more than 30 years of experience in education. Her career has centered on expanding opportunities for immigrant, refugee, newcomer, and multilingual students while helping educators build schools that respond to the needs of the children and communities they serve.

National Recognition & Leadership

  • TIME Innovative Teachers of 2022 — Selected by TIME as one of ten innovative educators nationwide for her transformative work supporting immigrant and refugee students and their families.

  • World Affairs Council of Greater Houston — 2022 Global Leader of Influence — Recognized for her educational leadership and commitment to globally connected communities.

  • TEDx Speaker — Trauma-Sensitive Schools — Shared her experiences and perspective on supporting students affected by trauma and creating more responsive school environments.

  • American Leadership Forum (ALF), Gulf Coast Chapter — Member: Part of a distinguished network of leaders committed to strengthening communities through collaboration, courageous dialogue, and leadership across sectors.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) — Ethical Leadership
University of St. Thomas, Houston

Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Educational Administration
Texas Southern University

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) — Information Systems
University of Houston

  • Founding Principal, Las Americas Newcomer School, Houston ISD — Led the school for 18 years and established a nationally recognized educational model for newly arrived immigrant and refugee students.

  • Professor, University of Houston/Downtown, University of St. Thomas — Taught educational leadership courses to aspiring educators and advanced leadership studies to doctoral students.

  • Vice President, Board of Directors, Promise Village Academy, Tanzania — Supports educational opportunities, school operations, international partnerships, and learning tours.

  • International Educational Advocate — Has visited schools and communities in 17 countries, gaining perspectives that continue to shape her work with educators and multilingual learners.

Professional Education & Texas Certifications

  • Superintendent, EC–12

  • Principal, EC–12

  • English as a Second Language (ESL), EC–12

  • Technology Applications, EC–12

From Houston Classrooms to Schools Around the World

Education has taken me far beyond the walls of my own school.

Through visits to schools in 17 countries, I've had the privilege of learning from educators, students, and families representing diverse cultures, languages, and educational experiences.

These journeys have reinforced something I believe deeply: We cannot fully understand our students without making an effort to understand the worlds they come from.

Every experience brings new perspectives that I carry back into my professional development workshops, helping educators build stronger connections with the students and communities they serve.

Coming Soon: Global Empathy

Seeing Students Beyond Borders and Building Schools That Adapt to Them

What if the most important thing we could learn about a student had nothing to do with test scores, language proficiency, or academic performance?

In Global Empathy, Dr. Marie Moreno draws on decades of educational leadership and experiences with students, families, and communities around the world to challenge educators to look beyond what they see in the classroom.

Through personal stories, authentic school experiences, and practical strategies, the book invites educators and school leaders to build stronger relationships, create a sense of belonging, and develop schools that respond to the students they serve.

Publication updates and availability will be announced here!

Stay connected for publication updates and information about the book.

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