Dr. Debra Cantu

Associate Professor

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Biography

Debra Cantú serves as an associate professor practice and co-director of the Texas Principal Leadership Academy at the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. She holds the Maxine Foreman Zarrow Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Education. Cantú has received various accolades, including the Dean's Distinguished Career Faculty Award and the Servant Leadership Award from the Texas Principal Leadership Academy. Prior to joining UT Austin, she worked as a teacher, assistant principal, and director in middle schools, and has significant experience in school governance, hiring practices, and leadership development. Her research interests include executive coaching, school improvement, and the strategic planning of educator preparation programs. Cantú enjoys outdoor adventures and is a first-generation college graduate herself.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor Practice

2015-01-01 — Present

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

Teaches courses in educational leadership and policy while engaging in research and collaboration with district partners.

Co-Director

2018-01-01 — Present

Texas Principal Leadership Academy • University of Texas at Austin

Oversees the preparation and development of aspiring school leaders, enhancing educational practices through collaboration.

Awards

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Maxine Foreman Zarrow Endowed Faculty Fellowship

2024-01-01
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Dean's Distinguished Career Faculty Award

2022-01-01
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Servant Leadership Award

2023-01-01
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Servant Leadership Award

2021-01-01
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Servant Leadership Award

2020-01-01
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Servant Leadership Award

2018-01-01

Requirements for University of Texas at Austin

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.