In her eighth year at The Academy, Mrs. White teaches 5th, 6th and 7th grade English. She studied Child Development at Lamar University and graduated from Huston-Tillotson University with Honors in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in English. Additionally, Mrs. White is a Reading Specialist.

She is well known for her sense of humor and for challenging students to perform their best. She likes to travel and enjoys time with her family.

Mr. Boothe received a scholarship to Stephen F. Austin State University for two years before transferring to The University of Texas at Austin, were he graduated with a B.F.A.

Mr. Boothe is a current stage and film actor, as well as the former Theatre Technician at the George Washington Carver State Museum. He has participated in over 50 theatrical productions and has been involved in multiple independent films. He has been teaching Fine Arts and specializing in Theatre Arts for 7 years.

After running a Fine Arts program at a private school in north Austin, he has turned his attention here on the east side of Austin to grow a new and powerful Fine Arts program at Texas Empowerment Academy. In his second year at The Academy, Mr. Boothe teaches World Geography and Theater.

From New Braunfels, Tx, Mr. Boothe is married with a 7 month old son and a beautiful wife.

Mr. Byers is currently the Computer Technology instructor.

Ms. Amanda Lengnick-Hall is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities where she earned a degree in Global Studies, Biology, and Social Justice.

Ms. Lengnick-Hall has worked in a variety of organizations and places ranging from a State Park in Texas, to an environmental education and policy foundation in Minnesota, to a biology and fisheries cooperative in Kenya, Africa.

She loves to travel and is passionate about science, the environment, and composting! Ms. Lengnick-Hall recently presented a paper she co-authored on indigenous knowledge and issues of social justice at the international Academy of Management meeting and hopes to continue her research and further her participation in making the world a better place.

Ms. Lengnick-Hall is a self-proclaimed tree hugging and dirt worshiper.

In her first year at The Academy, Ms. Jackson teaches 8th grade Language Arts. She graduated from Huston-Tillotson University in Interdisciplinary Studies. Additionally, Ms.Jackson has a goal of becoming a Reading Specialist and contributing to The Academy in that capacity as well.

As a community, she would like for individuals to come together to empower each and every student to succeed. Ms. Jackson likes to shop and enjoys spending time with her daughter, Kayla.

Mrs. Smith develops curriculum for the performing arts program, advises on hiring, teaches dance for grades 5-9, and has established a youth performing company. Since 2004, she fully produces the dance productions at The Academy, serving as director, choreographer, theatre set/tech designer, costume designer, accountant, and advertising/promoter.

Thus far, these productions include Blackout (annually 2005-2008), Where We Come From (2008), Moving in the Blue (2006), Connected (2005) and East Austin Revival (2004).

Mrs. Smith is also the Founding Artistic and Executive Director of Ballet Afrique.