Candidates for Member At-Large
Vanikin Leggett
LaToya Patterson
Candidate for Vice President
Lori Gallegos
Kevin Hunter
TEPSA Election – LaToya Patterson
Candidate for TEPSA Member At-Large
LaToya Patterson
Spring ISD
Region 4
Current Position
Principal, Hirsch Elementary School, Spring ISD
Region 4, PK-5
Education
Master’s Degree, Lamar University: Masters of Education in Educational Administration
Bachelor’s Degree, Spelman College: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
Educational Leadership
- Principal of Hirsch Elementary School in Spring ISD
- Alumni of Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program
- Rotation Principal for Holdsworth Inaugural Aspiring Principal Program
- Region 4 Teacher of the Year Finalist, 2015
- Spring ISD District Elementary Teacher of the Year, 2015
TEPSA Leadership/Involvement/Awards
- TEPSA Region 4 Board Member: Vice President of Programs, 2025-2026
- TEPSA Programs and Services Committee- State Chair, 2023-2024
- TEPSA Programs and Services Committee State Vice Chair, 2022-2023
- TEPSA Region 4 Board Member: President, 2021-2022
- TEPSA Region 4 Board Member: President Elect, 2020-2021
- TEPSA Region 4 Board Member: Vice President of Programs, 2019-2020
- TEPSA Membership Achievement Award: Region 4, 2021-2022
- TEPSA Student Leadership Award: Hirsch Elementary, 2024
- Presenter at TEPSA Summer Conference, 2022, 2024, 2025
School Honors/Accomplishments
- Increased campus student achievement and growth to move the campus from a D to a C rating in the 24-25 school year; on our way to an A by May!
- Worked with key stakeholders to establish our S.O.A.R core values of Self Discipline, Optimism, Altruism and Respect as the basis for our House System.
- Established partnership with Campos Foundation and SmartLab to bring cutting edge STEM lab to Hirsch Elementary valued at $160,000
- TEPSA Student Leadership Award: Hirsch Elementary, 2024
Community Involvement
- Established partnership with Brighter Bites to bring fresh produce to families in our community.
- Established partnership with The Children’s Museum of Houston to bring literacy and STEM programming to Hirsch Elementary.
- Established partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. to bring voter registration to the school community.
- Established partnership with Home Depot to bring school supplies to students at Hirsch Elementary.
- Attended TEPSA Advocacy Day in Austin, TX, 2023.
- Attended Spring ISD Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol, 2025.
Other Professional Networks
- Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), 2015-present
- National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), 2022-present
- Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented, 2013- present
- Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, 2016-present
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 1998-present
Personal Information
Married to my high school sweetheart, Joseph K. Patterson, Sr. Proud mom of three wonderful children: Joey-sophomore at Morehouse College, Jada-freshman at Howard University, Jasmyn-sophomore at Klein Cain High School.
Platform Statement
I am running for TEPSA Member at Large because I believe strong school leadership transforms lives, strengthens communities, and ensures every child has access to an excellent elementary education. As Principal of Hirsch Elementary in Spring ISD, I have led with a focus on culture, collaboration, and continuous growth. Through intentional systems, data-driven practices, and a commitment to the whole child, our campus has accelerated achievement, strengthened relationships, and created a school where students and staff truly thrive.
My platform centers on three priorities:
1. Empowering Leaders: TEPSA should continue to provide relevant, high-quality professional learning that reflects the real challenges principals face. I will work to expand opportunities for collaboration and capacity building so leaders across Texas feel supported, connected, and equipped.
2. Supporting Instructional Excellence: I will advocate for tools, resources, and policies that help principals grow teachers, improve instruction, and support all learners.
3. Amplifying Principal Voice: Campus leaders deserve a strong voice in statewide conversations. I am committed to listening deeply, communicating clearly, and representing the diverse needs of elementary leaders across our state.
TEPSA has shaped my leadership journey, and I am ready to serve, support, and advocate for the principals who make a difference every day. I would be honored to represent you.
Hirsch Elementary receives a $160K grant from Campos Foundation for installation of SmartLab STEM classroom.
Hirsch Elementary Leadership Team at TEPSA Summer Conference-Summer 2025
Spring ISD Advocacy Day at the Capitol 2025
Principal Patterson welcoming students back to school.
Principal Patterson welcoming School Board Trustee Natasha McDaniel to campus to read to Hirsch scholars.
