Dr. Rider is entering her 25th year in public education. Her educational journey includes 24 years of service with Garland ISD. She is excited to continue this journey as the Principal of Austin Academy for Excellence. Dr. Rider has previously served in Garland ISD as a 5th grade teacher, middle school English & Reading teacher, and assistant principal at the middle school and high school levels. Dr. Rider has also served as the assistant principal for one year at Hillsboro Junior High School with Hillsboro ISD in Hillsboro, Texas. She is excited to have educational experience with student at each academic level. Dr. Rider has been a part of leadership with magnet, MST, and IB/MYP standards.
As a lover of education, Dr. Rider received her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Prairie View A&M University and her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M-Commerce. She believes that educational growth is the foundation of society. Dr. Rider values a family atmosphere where everyone is acceptable and cared for. Her goal is to lead with a focus on student success in academics and life. She leads with compassion and integrity that extends to all members of the Garland ISD community. Her success is seeing her community impact on the world. Building capacity in her students to be world changers gives her purpose.
Dr. Rider is married to her husband, Tony Mitchell. She has 3 bonus children (Tony Jr., Jerrad, and Ebony) and 3 precious grandsons: Deon, Jaceon, and Aiden. The goal for Dr. Rider is to create and serve in an educational environment that is acceptable for her most precious loved ones. Dr. Rider’s favorite past time is hanging out with her three best friends her parents (Don & Nadine) and her sister (Brandy).