Tai Choice, Principal
Hello, I am excited and proud to serve as the principal of Covington Fine Arts Academy! I am a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, but was born and raised in Dallas, TX. I began my career in education as a middle school Spanish teacher in the Dallas area and then moved back to Austin where I continued to teach Spanish.
Ten of my eleven years in Austin ISD have been spent at Crockett Early College High School. I was a Spanish teacher, School Improvement Facilitator, Assistant Principal, and Academic Director during my time at Crockett.
I am thrilled to still be a part of the Crockett vertical team and I look forward to working with each of our students, parents, staff and community members, as we continue to ensure that Covington Colts excel academically, explore the arts, serve their community, collaborate, and demonstrate accountability and social, emotional, and physical wellness.
Attending student performance events, whether it be academic, athletic, visual or performing arts is one of the many highlights of being an educator. My children and I enjoy attending these events. I hope to see and meet many of you there supporting our students’ creativity and talents!
Mario Lira, Assistant Principal
I am a proud Austinite from the “Dove Springs” community. As a first-generation college student, I feel very fortunate to have been able to earn an undergraduate degree from St. Edward’s University where I graduated Summa Cum Laude. I started my career in education at Akins Early College High School assisting students recover credits required for high school graduation until I transitioned to teaching 4th and 5th grade math at Linder Elementary. Although I enjoyed my time in the classroom, I have always been driven to have an impact on the educational experience of more students. Hence, I decided to pursue a career in educational leadership and earned my master’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Through this experience, I had the great privilege of serving and learning at Walnut Creek Elementary and Akins Early College High School as an administrator in training, and I am now incredibly humbled an honored to serve as an assistant principal at Covington Middle School Fine Arts Academy. Ultimately, I believe that ALL children deserve an opportunity to receive a high-quality education so that they may succeed in school, their career, and life, and hence I strive to be the relentless, unwavering advocate that every child needs and deserves. Please feel welcome to reach out to me for any reason, as I am happy to be of service.
e: mariojose.liraramos@austinisd.org
t: 512-414-5373
Ms. Elia Diaz-Eskew, Assistant Principal
t: 512-414-5371
