More than three decades after graduating from Crandall High School, Jennifer Hiser has built a career centered on public education while continuing to serve the school district where her own educational journey began.
Hiser, a member of the Crandall High School Class of 1994, is currently Director of Professional Learning for Mesquite ISD and secretary of the Crandall ISD Board of Trustees. She has served on the Crandall school board since 2014.
From Crandall to Texas A&M
Following her graduation from CHS, Hiser attended Texas A&M University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Development and a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics. Mesquite ISD also identifies her as a Texas A&M graduate for both degrees.
Her professional path eventually led her into education, where she accumulated more than 15 years of classroom teaching experience.
Hiser taught students at several levels, including fourth grade, eighth grade and high school mathematics. Her experience also extended into higher education, where she taught college economics.
That range of experience provided Hiser with firsthand knowledge of the challenges educators and students encounter from elementary school through college.
Moving Into Teacher Development
Hiser’s career later expanded beyond her own classroom as she became involved in supporting other educators.
She served as an instructional coach for new teachers at Mesquite ISD’s John Horn High School and participated in the district’s educator training efforts, including its new teacher academy. She later became a coordinator in Mesquite ISD’s Professional Learning Services department.
In that position, Hiser worked with teacher-pipeline programs, professional development initiatives and data analysis designed to support educators throughout the district.
She subsequently advanced to Director of Professional Learning, the position she holds today. Mesquite ISD’s current administrative directory lists Hiser as director alongside Executive Director Jennifer Morris and Coordinator Liz Rimler.
The department provides professional learning opportunities for educators at different stages of their careers, ranging from new teachers to experienced staff and campus leaders. Hiser is also listed as the district contact for its Pathways to Certification program, which helps current Mesquite ISD employees pursue pathways toward becoming certified teachers.
Giving Back to Crandall ISD
While building her professional career in education, Hiser remained connected to Crandall.
She joined the Crandall ISD Board of Trustees in 2014 and currently represents Place 7 while serving as board secretary.
Her service has now extended beyond a decade, giving Hiser the opportunity to help guide the same district from which she graduated.
Hiser returned to the board following the 2026 trustee election cycle and was sworn in for another term in May. Her current Place 7 term runs through 2029.
Crandall ISD’s current board leadership includes Ryan Eskridge as president, Justin Strain as vice president and Hiser as secretary.
Her connection to the community also extends beyond the boardroom. Crandall ISD notes that Hiser teaches Sunday school at Crandall Church of Christ.
A Career That Came Full Circle
Hiser’s path from a 1994 Crandall High School graduate to classroom teacher, instructional coach, district-level education leader and longtime Crandall ISD trustee illustrates a career that has remained closely connected to schools and student development.
Today, her professional work focuses on helping Mesquite ISD educators strengthen their skills and pursue opportunities within the teaching profession, while her elected role in Crandall gives her a voice in decisions affecting students, employees and families in her hometown district.
Thirty-two years after leaving Crandall High School as a graduate, Jennifer Hiser remains involved in public education from two different perspectives — developing educators professionally and helping govern the district that once educated her.
