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Principal retires after 49 years in education
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May 21, 2024An era at Incarnate Word Academy High School is ending: Principal Jose Torres will retire at the end of the school year, after 15 years as principal and 19 years at IWA. Torres, who taught U.S. History, World History, Government and Economics, was altogether 49 years in education – after 30 years in public schools, he continued his career in Catholic education.
During his tenure, Principal Torres has significantly enhanced the academic landscape of IWA High School. He introduced a multitude of AP classes and dual credit courses, enabling some students to enter college with nearly two years' worth of credits.
The pandemic, during which everything had to be taught virtually, impacted the students: “They suffered, and some came back lacking social skills, besides academic knowledge,” the principal shares. “It took a while to recover.” However, he also sees some positive effects: “We learned a lot, especially how to use new tools.” Google Classroom and virtual learning are now incorporated into the curriculum.
At 72, he is now looking forward to retirement: “It’s time to travel and enjoy life.” Recently, he and his wife became grandparents, and he hopes to have more time for his grandson. He wants to give back to the community by volunteering in his parish and at Mother Teresa Shelter.
