Gutierrez Elementary

As Principal of Amparo Gutierrez Elementary, my mission is to lead with integrity, vision, and compassion, creating a learning environment where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. Guided by our school mission - “Giving Students Positive Direction for Life”, I am committed to fostering a culture of high expectations, collaboration, and respect, where teachers are supported as instructional leaders, families are valued as partners, and all learners feel safe, inspired, and challenged. Guided by data, driven by equity, and united by our Gator pride, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every decision we make places students at the heart of our purpose.

Michelle A. Cantu - Educational Background/Resume 

2018-Present  United Independent School District Laredo, TX Principal 

2013-2018 United Independent School District Laredo, TX Assistant Principal 

2006-2013 United Independent School District Laredo, TX  Bilingual/ESL/DUAL Program and Foreign Language Coordinator

1998–2002 United Independent School District Laredo, TX GT Bilingual/Dual Language Kindergarten Teacher

2007-2009 Texas A&M International University Laredo, TX Master of Science in Educational Administration

1995-1998 Texas A&M International University Laredo, TX Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with Specialization in Early Childhood Education

1994-1995 Laredo Community College Laredo, TX

1990-1994 J.W. Nixon High School Laredo, TX

Carmen Lopez - Educational Background/Resume

Experience:

• 2018-Present Assistant Principal at Gutierrez Elementary
• 2012-2018     Assistant Principal at Ruiz Elementary
• 2005-2012     Academic & Testing Coordinator at United.H.S.
• 2000-2005     English Language Arts Teacher at United H.S.

Certifications:

• Principal, T-TESS, Secondary English, and ESL

Education:

• Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX, 2006 - 2008 - M.S. in Education
• Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX, 2000 - B.A. Sociology, Teacher Certification
• Laredo Community College, Laredo, TX, 1993 - Associates Arts & Science Degree, Banking & Finance Certificate

Cesar Lopez - Educational Background/Resume 

Experience:

• 2024-Present - Special Populations Administrator @ Gutierrez Elementary 
• 2019-2024 - RLA/SS Instructional Coordinator @ Curriculum & Instruction
• 2017-2019 - 4th Grade Pathfinder @ Perez Elementary
• 2002-2017 - Teacher, 3rd (2013-2017), 1st (2002-2013) @ F.D.R Elementary

Certifications: 

• Principal, AEL, T-TESS, Bilingual Education, and G.T.

Education: 

• Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX. 2002-2004 - M.B.A. in International Business; Teacher Certification
• Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 1995-2000 - B.A., International Studies & Economics with a minor in Business
• The Science Academy of South Texas, Mercedes, TX. 1991-1995

Cynthia A. Vichareli-Castellano-Educational Background/Resume

Experience:  

• 2013-Present- Amparo Gutierrez Elementary, School Counselor
• 2005-2013- Bonnie Garcia Elementary, Reading Intervention Teacher
• 2001-2005- Santa Maria Elementary, LISD, 1st and 2nd Grade
• 1998-2001-S. Perez Elementary, 1st Grade Teacher

Certifications:  State Licensed Professional Counselor, Bilingual Elementary Education 1st-6th, GT Certified  

Education:

• Texas A & M International University, Laredo, Texas Masters in School Counseling, May 2011
• Texas A & M International University, Laredo, Texas, Alternative Education Program for Elementary Education, 1998
• Texas A & M International University, Laredo, Texas,  Bachelors in Sociology/Psychology, 1993
• Laredo Community College, Associates in Business, Mid-Management, 1989