Denton ISD has named Caleb Leath the new Director of Bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL), replacing Teresa Luna-Taylor, who retired earlier this fall.
Most recently the principal of Ginnings Elementary, Mr. Leath spent a decade living in Latin America, growing up in Costa Rica where he received his elementary and middle school education while becoming fluent in Spanish. In total, Mr. Leath has nearly 15 years of experience in educational administration.
“I am extremely excited to serve our students, staff and community as the Director of Bilingual and ESL programs,” Mr. Leath said. “My experiences working on several bilingual campuses, as well as my affinity for learning multiple languages, have been immensely fulfilling. I am ecstatic about the opportunity to further serve our community and dual-language learners in such an important capacity.”
Prior to his stint at Ginnings Elementary, Mr. Leath was principal of Denton ISD’s K-8 Virtual Academy, which was a district-wide initiative that served students across Denton ISD. From 2012-2021, Mr. Leath was the principal of Shultz Elementary.
He joined Denton ISD in 2006 as a teacher at Navo Middle School. He then became an assistant principal at Nelson Elementary, where he stayed for three years before becoming principal of Shultz Elementary in 2012.
A resident of Denton since 1994, Mr. Leath is married with two children. He also holds a pilot’s license, and his hobbies include traveling to visit state and national parks, playing board games with his wife and kids and riding bicycles.
Mr. Leath received his undergraduate degree from Tarleton State University in 2000 and a master’s degree in education administration from Texas Woman’s University in 2008.
“Mr. Leath has served as an innovative teacher and leader for all students, including our emergent bilingual population,” said Dr. Susannah O’Bara, Deputy Superintendent. “During his years as a campus leader, Mr. Leath led campuses that host both a two-way and a one-way dual language program. He will bring a campus leader perspective to this position, and this will enhance our laser-focus on our campus and student needs while ensuring high levels of learning for all students.”
