Harlingen CISD

Dr. Veronica Kortan Bio
Dr. Veronica Kortan is a native of Harlingen, Texas, and a proud alumna of HCISD. With over 25 years of experience in education, she is a passionate advocate for innovation and leadership development—dedicating her career to transforming educational systems and empowering both students and educators.

Dr. Kortan holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Brownsville, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles, including teacher, facilitator, assistant principal, principal, director, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent of schools.

In 2007, Dr. Kortan founded Harlingen CISD’s Early College High School, the district's first specialty school, which established the model for the systemic implementation of specialty academies still in use today. This initiative not only strengthened the relationship between Harlingen CISD and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), but also reshaped the collaboration between public schools and higher education institutions. The success of this model laid the foundation for the creation of UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High, a tri-agency partnership between HCISD, UTRGV, and the city of Harlingen.

Among her most impactful contributions are the development of talent pipeline programs, including the principal and teacher residency programs, which continue to enhance leadership and instructional quality throughout the district. In 2016, Dr. Kortan led the design team that developed the district’s teacher residency program, providing a yearlong student teaching experience that closely mirrors the experience of a first-year teacher. This program has since evolved into a paid residency program and has become a model for collaboration between PK-12 and higher education institutions.

As Assistant Superintendent for Leadership & Innovation, Dr. Kortan played a key role in developing and implementing the district’s 2023 Strategic Plan, as well as launching programs to advance leadership excellence.

Dr. Kortan’s leadership extends beyond Harlingen CISD. She is an active member of the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAPE) and serves on the CAPE Board, fostering collaboration between public school systems and higher education institutions. Additionally, Dr. Kortan is an active sustainer of the Harlingen Junior League, contributing her time and expertise to various community initiatives.

She and her husband, Chris, are the proud parents of two daughters who attend HCISD.