Story & Lesson Highlights with Eric Ikonne of Round Rock

We recently had the chance to connect with Eric Ikonne and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Lately, I’ve been really proud of my two sons and their journey playing soccer. I’ve watched them give their best effort during practices throughout the week, listen closely to their coach, and grow more confident after every game. Since my kids haven’t competed in organized sports before, I wasn’t sure how they would respond—but to my surprise, they absolutely fell in love with it.
It’s been incredible to see them push themselves, learn teamwork, and take pride in their progress. I never imagined I’d be the kind of dad who’s pacing the sidelines, shouting encouragement, and cheering until I lose my voice—but here I am, walking back and forth as they play, coaching from the sidelines because I genuinely want to see them succeed. Watching them develop resilience, discipline, and joy through the sport has been one of my proudest moments as a parent.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I currently serve as the MTSS Coordinator at Round Rock ISD, where I collaborate with schools to implement consistent, proactive behavior systems that support the entire campus community. Although I didn’t study education or behavior formally in college, I felt a deep calling to enter the education field while pursuing my Master of Public Health at the UT School of Public Health.

At that time, I was working in an after-school program as a youth program assistant. While helping students with their homework, I began to notice a significant achievement gap among some of my students. That realization sparked a passion within me to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. Motivated by that purpose, I joined Teach for America in Miami-Dade County, an experience that completely transformed my perspective and career path.

Teach for America challenged and stretched me in ways I never expected. I wasn’t just supporting myself—I was also responsible for empowering the scholars I taught. That experience taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of meeting students where they are, both academically and emotionally.

Today, I would describe myself as a passionate educator and behavior specialist with a deep commitment to supporting youth, especially those from underserved or high-needs communities. My work focuses on fostering positive school cultures through restorative practices, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and systems that promote equitable behavioral growth. I believe that when students feel safe, seen, and supported, they are empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has shaped me the most is my connection with Jesus Christ. I grew up in a Christian family and was always surrounded by faith, but it wasn’t until my twenties that I developed a truly personal relationship with Him. During that season of my life, I came to understand how deeply Jesus cares for me—how He sees me as special, unique, and created with purpose.

As I began reading the Bible more consistently, my eyes were opened to the incredible truth of God’s love and design. One passage that deeply speaks to me is Psalm 8, which says, “What is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” This verse reminds me that despite my imperfections, God values me immensely and calls me to live with both confidence and humility, knowing I am His creation.

Another verse that guides my faith is John 12:32, where Jesus says, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” This scripture reminds me that Christ’s love is all-encompassing and that His sacrifice was meant to draw each of us into a personal relationship with Him. It challenges me to live in a way that reflects His light—lifting Him up through my words, actions, and how I treat others.

Once I truly understood the depth of God’s love, my life changed. I found peace in knowing that there is always Someone who loves me unconditionally, forgives me completely, and walks with me through every circumstance. My relationship with Christ has transformed every aspect of who I am—it has made me a better son, father, husband, friend, and employee.

Through Jesus, I’ve learned the true meaning of grace, compassion, and servant leadership. His presence continues to guide my daily walk, reminding me that my purpose is not just to achieve, but to love, serve, and glorify Him in all that I do.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
During my time in Miami, I taught in four different educational settings over a two-year period. While most of my colleagues were able to stay at their first school for the entire two-year Teach for America commitment, I found myself constantly transitioning due to the frequent changes happening in Miami-Dade schools. Those transitions—each one unexpected and often uncomfortable—taught me lessons that success alone never could.

I began my teaching career in first grade, and I still remember the moment I found out I was being surplussed—it happened while I was at a J. Cole concert with my roommate. Suddenly, my sense of stability vanished. I finished my first year at a different school teaching fifth grade, stepping into a classroom culture and system that another teacher had already built. I was unprepared for the challenges that awaited me. It was a humbling experience filled with frustration, self-doubt, and hard lessons about leadership and resilience. I struggled to establish my own classroom culture and was ultimately let go at the end of the year.

That summer, I returned to Austin to work with Foundation Communities, where I took time to reset mentally and refine my teaching skills. Even though I didn’t yet know where I would be placed for the following school year, my Teach for America mentor, Nicole Spoelma, continually encouraged me to stay the course. Her belief in me reminded me that growth often happens in the midst of uncertainty.

In time, a coworker from my first school reached out about new openings, and I was rehired—this time starting with fifth grade and then moving to third grade just a few weeks later. Classroom transitions like that can be incredibly difficult, especially in elementary school, where so much time goes into decorating, planning, and building systems for students. But unlike my first year, I was ready. My previous struggles had taught me adaptability, perseverance, and how to build a positive classroom culture from the ground up.

By the end of that year, my third-grade students performed exceptionally well on their state assessments, and—more importantly—I built strong, lasting relationships with the scholars I served.

Looking back, I realize that suffering taught me what success never could. It taught me humility, flexibility, and the importance of faith during uncertainty. My first year in the classroom showed me how to “roll with the punches,” stay grounded when plans fall apart, and find purpose even in struggle. Those experiences shaped my character far more than any moment of success ever could—and they continue to guide the way I lead, teach, and serve today.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My dad is someone I deeply admire and have looked up to my entire life. He has always been my role model—not because of what he has accomplished, but because of his selflessness, humility, and unwavering faith. His work ethic and love for our family are beyond words, and the consistency of his character continues to inspire me daily.

From the time I was a child, I remember waking up early in the morning and seeing my dad already deep in prayer, reading God’s Word, and preparing for his day before most people were even awake. He would always make time for the gym before 7 a.m., showing me that discipline and balance go hand in hand. His daily routine wasn’t just about productivity—it was a reflection of his priorities: faith, family, and integrity.

Throughout my life, my dad has been there to guide me whenever I started to drift off course. He never hesitated to correct me with love, reminding me of the plans God has for my life and encouraging me to stay grounded in faith and purpose. One of the moments that stands out the most was right before I defended my dissertation. I was anxious and uncertain, but my dad sent me a heartfelt message reminding me that God placed me in that moment for a reason—to glorify His name through my work and perseverance.

His thoughtfulness, wisdom, and caring nature have profoundly shaped my character. Because of his example, I’ve learned the importance of letting God lead my life, serving others with humility, and always striving to do my best for my family and community. My dad’s life is a daily reminder that true success isn’t measured by titles or recognition—it’s measured by faithfulness, love, and the impact we leave on others.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to remember me first and foremost as a follower of Jesus Christ—someone who lived out his faith through love, humility, and service. My greatest hope is that those who crossed my path felt supported, valued, and encouraged because of the way I treated them. I want my life to reflect the heart of Christ, who taught us to love others sacrificially and to serve without expecting anything in return.

I hope to be remembered as a loving husband who cherished his wife and prioritized building a strong, faith-filled marriage; a present and nurturing father who invested deeply in his children’s hearts and guided them with patience, faith, and joy; a devoted son who honored his parents and carried forward their legacy of love and integrity; and a loyal friend who could always be counted on to listen, encourage, and stand beside others through every season of life.

I also want to be remembered as a hard worker—someone who approached every task, big or small, with excellence and integrity—and as a source of positive energy who brought light into every space I entered. Ultimately, I hope my life will serve as a beacon of light, reflecting the goodness of God by putting the needs of others before my own and pointing people toward hope, faith, and love.

If there’s one legacy I want to leave behind, it’s that I lived with purpose, served with compassion, and walked in the truth of Christ—so that others might see Him through me.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=eric-ikonne-mph-drph-561097105