IDEA Round Rock Tech

“If I can inspire all educators in my building, I can influence the lives of hundreds of students and ensure that they develop a love for learning starting on day one.” Her humble beginnings as a corrections officer inspired her interest in education. Torgerson understood that a strong educational foundation was crucial to preventing the prison pipeline from transpiring.

A powerful campus with adults who believe in the vision of all students going to and through college will help make this world a better place for the children of our future. Betty’s educational journey began when she attended Eastern Technical High School in Baltimore, Maryland focusing on law related careers. She first became interested in leading a campus in her beginnings in corrections. Shortly thereafter Torgerson attended Coppin State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and was hired at a Title 1 School in Anne Arundel County teaching Pre-K. After being accepted into the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) Leadership Development Cohort she transitioned into the role of a founding kindergarten teacher opening Monarch Global Academy. She later finished her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an Administration 1 Certification from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland.” Recognizing her ability to influence others, Betty was given the opportunity to serve as a district mentor for new teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools. Torgerson completed the rigorous New Leaders principalship program in 2019 and knew she wanted to become a transformational leader. In 2019 Torgerson transitioned to the Rio Grande Valley and joined IDEA’s Principal-in-Residence program to help further prepare her for the role of launching Academy Principal at IDEA Round Rock Tech. With big goals on the horizon, Betty says she is thrilled to join the vibrant, fun and diverse community of Round Rock.

Stacia Wegner Comer graduated from The University of Texas with a B.S. in communication studies and from Teacher’s College of Columbia University with a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration. After college, she joined the Teach For America Rio Grande Valley Corps and began teaching ninth-grade English and journalism in La Joya, TX.

Over her past 13 years in education, Stacia has worked at several IDEA campuses, including: IDEA San Juan, IDEA Rundberg, and IDEA Montopolis. During her time at IDEA, Stacia has worked as founding middle school English teacher, founding high school English teacher, grade team leader, academic counselor, and is currently a principal-in-residence. Stacia is excited to launch IDEA Round Rock Tech in her hometown of Austin, TX, and build lasting relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners. In her free time, Stacia enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy, and hiking with her husband and dog, Katniss (named after one of her favorite YA novels).

Aaron Freeman joined IDEA as a Facilities Manager at IDEA Rio Grande City in 2017. He quickly proved himself as a capable leader and a valuable asset within the overall campus operations group, earning him the New Facilities Manager of the Year award for the 2017-2018 school year. In April of 2019 Aaron was asked to assume the role of Interim Assistant Principal of Operations at IDEA Rundberg to help guide the campus through the completion of the 2019/2020 school year.

In July of 2019, after having guided Rundberg through the end of the school year and seeing the arrival of their new permanent Assistant Principal of Operations, Aaron was asked to assume the role of Interim Assistant Principal of Operations at IDEA Parmer Park to help finalize their preparations for the launch of this new campus in the Austin region. At the end of August 2019, after Parmer Park was successfully launched and their new permanent Assistant Principal of Operations had arrived, Aaron was able to transition into the role of founding Assistant Principal of Operations for IDEA Round Rock Tech. Aaron brings with him 25 years of professional experience from a variety of backgrounds, including an extensive career in software and website development, skills which will be integral to the launching success of IDEA Round Rock Tech. Aaron is excited about the impact that this new campus will have on the community, and of the tremendous opportunities that it will create in the lives of the hundreds of students which will be on the road to-and-through college as part of their IDEA journey.