Dr. LaKeisha Rider began her career in public education in 1999 and brings more than two decades of educational experience, including over 20 years of dedicated service in Garland ISD. She is honored to serve as the Principal of Austin Academy for Excellence and is passionate about creating an environment where all students are empowered to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
Throughout her career, Dr. Rider has served in a variety of educational leadership and instructional roles, including as a fifth-grade teacher, middle school English Language Arts and Reading teacher, middle school assistant principal, and high school assistant principal. She also served as an assistant principal at Hillsboro Junior High School in Hillsboro ISD. Her experience spans elementary, middle, and high school settings, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of student development and academic success at every level. In addition, she has extensive experience supporting specialized academic programs, including Magnet, MST, and IB/MYP initiatives.
A lifelong learner and advocate for education, Dr. Rider earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Prairie View A&M University and both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She believes that education is the foundation of a thriving society and is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, growth, and opportunity for all students.
As a leader, Dr. Rider values strong relationships and believes in creating a welcoming, supportive school community where every student, staff member, and family feels respected, valued, and connected. She leads with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to student achievement, preparing learners not only for academic success but also for meaningful lives of purpose and service. Her greatest professional fulfillment comes from helping students develop the skills, confidence, and character needed to become future leaders and world changers.
Outside of school, Dr. Rider enjoys spending time with her family. She is married to Tony Mitchell and is the proud bonus mother of Tony Jr., Jerrad, and Ebony, as well as a loving grandmother to her three grandsons, Deon, Jaceon, and Aiden. Family is at the heart of her work, and she strives to create the same caring, supportive environment for Austin Academy students that she would want for her own loved ones. In her free time, she especially enjoys spending time with her parents, Don and Nadine Rider, and her sister, Brandy, who remain among her greatest sources of inspiration and support.