Principal Melissa Jacobs-Thibaut
t: 713-293-9700
e: Mjacobs1@houstonisd.org

Melissa Jacobs-Thibaut has been named the principal of The Houston Academy for International Studies. Ms. Jacobs-Thibaut is a professional administrator, educator and community development specialist with 13 years of urban and international teaching, teacher training and leadership experience. After receiving her BA and teaching certificate in New York State, she began her teaching career in Houston, Texas with Teach for America where she taught English and ESL in one of Houston’s most challenging urban middle schools. She then joined the United States Peace Corps and served two consecutive tours of service in Cape Verde and Mozambique. In addition to working with students, English teachers and AIDS education, she also learned Portuguese, Creole and a bit of Chope, an African Bantu language. She then returned to Houston and she became the Charter Manager of Project Chrysalis Middle School where she expanded the program and led the school to maintain the State’s highest rating of Exemplary.

With her international experience, experience teaching Houston’s urban students in Title I schools and her experience leading and expanding one of Houston’s most successful charter middle schools, Melissa Jacobs-Thibaut is excited for the opportunity to be instrumental in starting and leading a school that will open students' minds and hearts to the people and world around them.