Ernie Espino Jr. – School Director

Mr. Ernie Espino Jr. is celebrating his 20th year in education and his 3rd year as the School Director of Metropolitan School. His journey in education began in 2005 as a 4th/5th-grade bilingual teacher in Garland ISD (Texas), marking the start of a diverse and impactful career in education.

After six years in the classroom, Mr. Espino transitioned into administrative roles, starting as an instructional specialist in 2011. His leadership journey includes positions such as Bilingual/ESL Coordinator for Tyler ISD (Texas), assistant principal at both elementary and high school levels in Garland ISD, and principal of Weaver Elementary ~ Mandarin Chinese and Leadership Magnet School. Prior to his current role, he served as the principal of the Universal American School in Kuwait.

Mr. Espino’s expertise lies in strategic planning, budget administration, instructional program development, and creating high educational outcomes for all students. He excels at driving academic excellence while maintaining open communication with staff, administration, and support teams. His strengths include restoring campus cultures, fostering educational innovation, and establishing 21st-century learning environments.

A firm believer in creating a sense of community, Mr. Espino prioritizes building an atmosphere of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. He leads by example, serving as a role model for both staff and students. His favorite quote encapsulates his leadership philosophy: “When you surround yourself with great people, great things happen!”

Mr. Espino earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Jamestown (formerly Jamestown College) in North Dakota and his master’s degree from Concordia University of Texas. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

As Metropolitan celebrates its 10th year of operation in the 2024-2025 school year, marking a decade of excellence, Mr. Espino is proud to lead the school under the motto: “Basics to Breakthroughs: 10 Years of Educational Excellence.” This theme reflects the school’s commitment to foundational learning while pushing boundaries in education.