Dr. Jairo Aparicio was born and raised in East Texas. With over a decade of experience in education, he began his career as a 5th-grade reading teacher, where he inspired students to develop a love for reading and writing through engaging novel studies and rich literary analysis.

Driven by a passion for supporting the whole child, Dr. Aparicio earned a Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler and later a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University.

In 2020, Dr. Aparicio transitioned from classroom teacher to assistant principal at Obadiah Knight Elementary, the same school where he had taught for four years. In this leadership role, he continued to champion literacy and foster a strong culture of reading across the campus.

Inspired by his grandfather, a former principal, Dr. Aparicio believes in the power of advocacy, high expectations, and the potential of every student. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that schools must cultivate greatness by helping students see themselves as future leaders. He values strong relationships and believes that a unified school community working toward a common goal is the foundation of lasting success.

Dr. Aparicio is especially excited to learn what makes Bethune Elementary an exceptional place to learn and grow. His goal for the coming year is clear: to improve student achievement outcomes by building on the school’s strengths, maintaining high academic standards, and ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed.

Outside of school, Dr. Aparicio enjoys reading, working out, and spending quality time with his family. He is honored to serve the Bethune community and looks forward to a strong partnership with families, staff, and students