Dr. Linda Rodriguez

Lead Coach

Component 3 Coordinator

Linda Rodriguez is currently serving as Lead Coach at Texas A & M University College Station. She retired as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Aldine ISD. She supervised PK through Early College schools. She has 34 years of service in the public schools.  Her educational background includes a BS in elementary education from Pan American University and a Master’s Degree in Administration from Stephen F. Austin University. She received her doctorate in Educational Administration and Bilingual Education from Sam Houston State University. Her scholarship includes nine published journal articles or chapters in the areas of enhancing teacher quality using portfolio, the critical nature of language of instruction compared to observed practices and high stakes tests in transitional bilingual classroom,brain-based theory learning, and Montessori education. She has two published children’sbooks in English and in Spanish. In addition, she was invited to publish a chapter on theMontessori theoretical base in the Handbook of Educational Theories.

Matthew J. Etchells is the Director of Education Outreach, Marketing and Communications for the Education Leadership Research Center (ELRC) & Center for Research and Development in Dual Language and Literacy Acquisition (CRDLLA) and Component 3 Coordinator for project Accelerated Preparation of Leaders for Underserved Schools (APLUS). He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the Department of Teaching, Learning, & Culture (TLAC) at Texas A&M University. He also holds a B.A. in Performing Arts and Education from the University of Chester, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Wales, and a M.Ed. in International Management and Policy from the British University in Dubai.