Garland’s Alpha Charter School has recently added two new staff members. Michael Watkins will serve as principal and Trina Garnes will be Director of Teaching and Learning/Grant Coordinator.
Michael Watkins
After graduating from North Garland High School, Michael Watkins earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Social Studies and two master’s degrees in Student Personnel and Guidance and Educational Administration from East Texas State University. After teaching for nine years, Watkins served in numerous administration roles in Plano, Dallas, Wylie, Lancaster and Waco ISDs. Most recently he served as the director of Student Services and the District Coordinator for School Improvement at A+ Charter Schools in Dallas.
While Watkins was at W.T.White High School, the school was named “The Most Improved High School in the Nation” by the College Board.” He also received the coveted College Board’s “You Make a Difference Award” for his efforts in improving the college attendance rate for underrepresented students. The school also received the prestigious “ING/Hispanic Magazine” award for improving the college attendance rate and advanced academic opportunities for Hispanic students. Watkins was named the “Assistant Principal of the Year” by Region X while at Wylie ISD.
Watkins has prepared and presented Professional Development programs for many metroplex, state and national programs and served as Minister of 
Music and Youth at a Garland church for 18 years. He and his wife, Shirley, have two children and four grandchildren. The Watkins are Garland residents.
Trina Garnes
Trina Garnes is entering her 12th year in education. Throughout her educational career she has served as a college TEXPREP instructor, teacher and principal.
Garnes has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Masters of Education in Elementary Education and Masters of Education in Educational Administration. She is serving Alpha Charter School in the capacity of Director of Teaching and Learning/ Grant Coordinator.
Her philosophy of education is “Every student can learn to the best of his or her ability-As an educator it is our responsibility to recognize and maximize that ability.”