Principal

Mr. Darrin Hemphill

Mr. Darrin Hemphill, an experienced educator with 27 years of expertise. He has previously served as the principal of Lyles Middle School and as an assistant principal at Sellers Middle School and Garland High School. Mr. Hemphill's educational background includes being a special education classroom teacher, behavior specialist, and administrator. He continues to emphasize the importance of Safety, Respect, and Good Citizenship daily.

Known for his collaborative, strong, and energetic leadership style, Mr. Hemphill is eager to serve the students, staff, and parents at GAEC. He has earned recognition for his exceptional work and leadership over the years. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Morganton, North Carolina, Mr. Hemphill holds a Superintendent Certification from the University of Texas- Tyler, a master's degree in educational leadership from Texas Woman’s University, and a bachelor's degree in business management from Western Carolina University.

Apart from his educational accomplishments, Mr. Hemphill is actively involved in various community organizations, including male mentor programs, YMCA Youth and Government, Community Health Fairs, Garland Alliance of Black School Educators, Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

 

Assistant Principal

Mr. Javier Pena

Javier Peña is a GISD former student. He attended Hillside Academy, Hudson Middle School, Austin Academy for Excellence, and earned his high school diploma at Garland High School in 2002.

Mr. Peña earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a specialization in social studies from the University of North Texas. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He holds these achievements close to his heart knowing the sacrifices his father and mother made to provide him with the best opportunities for an excellent education. 

He previously served as an assistant principal at Schrade Middle School, Lyles Middle School and the Garland Alternative Education Center. He taught US History and World History for six years at the Garland Alternative Education Center.

He believes in working side by side with parents, staff, and students to improve relationships that will benefit student growth and achievement. Mr. Peña strives to provide trust, compassion, stability, and hope in his leadership. He has had the opportunity to work with students from a wide range of programs, socio-economic backgrounds, and educational goals. This has given him valuable insight into guiding students through the critical journey of education. Mr. Peña holds firm that children can and must be taught, supported, and reminded that, regardless of previous experiences, every day is a new day.

He invites you to join the effort of guiding GISD’s young men and women as they continue their journey through moments of clarity and future achievements.

 

Assistant Principal

Mr. Tucker Douglas

My name is Tucker Douglas and I am the Assistant Principal at the Garland Alternative Education Center. Mr. Douglas was an English teacher and coach at Garland High School, where he took his first administrative job. He was also an administrator at Lyles Middle School before coming to the GAEC. Mr. Douglas has a Bachelors in English from Abilene Christian university, and a Masters in Education from Texas A&M Commerce. He has been a part of the GAEC family since 2017.