Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Altman Cater (THS, ‘01)

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Altman Cater, THS, ‘01
Current Decker Prairie Elementary Assistant Principal

For Jessica Altman Cater, serving as Assistant Principal at Decker Prairie Elementary isn’t just a job — it’s a full-circle moment decades in the making.

Altman Cater began her educational journey in Tomball ISD as a kindergartner at Decker Prairie Elementary. Today, she walks the same halls as a campus administrator, shaping the experiences of students just as her teachers once shaped hers.

She attended Tomball ISD schools from the very beginning, starting at Decker Prairie Elementary for kindergarten, followed by Tomball Elementary for first through fourth grade, continued to Beckendorf Intermediate and Tomball Junior High, and graduated from Tomball High School as part of the Class of 2001.

During her time as a student, Altman Cater was deeply involved in extracurricular activities. She played volleyball through junior high and into high school, played softball all four years of high school, cheered in junior high, sang in Honor Choir throughout high school, and even spent a year running track. Those experiences helped shape her work ethic, teamwork skills, and school pride.

She was called to teach from the start.

From second grade on, she knew she wanted to become a teacher. She credits a beloved elementary teacher, Mrs. Ashy, with igniting her passion for education.

“She made her job seem so fun and exciting while making a difference in her students’ lives,” Altman Cater recalls. “The students were always engaged and wanted to be there. I just knew that is what I wanted to do.”

School was more than a place to learn — it was her “happy place,” especially during seasons of personal change. The love and care she experienced from her teachers left a lasting impression and solidified her belief that learning has the power to change lives.

That realization in the classroom led to campus leadership.

Altman Cater began her college journey at Lone Star College, earning her Associate of Arts before continuing to Sam Houston State University. At SHSU, she earned a Bachelor of Science with EC-6 Certification, followed by a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Education in School Leadership with Principal Certification.

Her career path reflects both dedication and versatility. 

She started as a substitute and long-term substitute before becoming a paraprofessional at Tomball Elementary. She then began her teaching career at Rosehill Elementary, teaching second and fourth grade, before looping with her class to Tomball Intermediate to teach fifth grade. After that, she served as a Math Specialist at Northpointe Intermediate and Creekview Elementary before becoming one of the Assistant Principals at Decker Prairie Elementary.

Now in her 16th year in education — all proudly served in Tomball ISD — Altman Cater says pursuing campus leadership was inspired by the incredible leaders she worked alongside.

“I loved impacting students and families in the classroom, but understanding the greater impact you can make across an entire campus helped guide my decision.”

Her leadership mindset is rooted in relationships.

She leads the way she remembers being led — visible, engaged, and connected.

She greets students at the front doors, makes it a priority to learn names, visits classrooms, and even gets on the floor to complete stations and hands-on activities with students. For her, relationships are the foundation of everything.

“Building strong relationships is based on trust, consistency, clear communication, and being genuine,” she shares. “It’s about the partnership between home and school.”

To Altman Cater, great school culture is built over time through daily climate, shared values, and supportive leadership. It’s a place where students and staff feel safe, motivated, and excited to grow.

She truly is homegrown.

Serving in the same district where she once walked as a student is deeply personal.

“Tomball ISD is my home. It is a part of me and what molded me from such a young age. Being able to serve in the same district I attended is such an honor and a privilege.”

And what would her elementary-school self think of her today?

“She would be shocked,” she laughs. “I thought I would be in the classroom my whole career. But leadership has allowed me to make an even greater impact than I could have imagined.”

When asked what she would share to future educators, Altman Cater would encourage future educators to never stop learning.

“Be a lifelong learner. Education is constantly evolving. Focus on relationships — students learn best when they trust you and know you care. And build relationships with colleagues, too. They will be your greatest resources.”

Her belief in public education remains unwavering.

“Public education impacts students, families, and communities in lasting and powerful ways. It gives every child — regardless of background — access to opportunities that open doors for the future.”

From kindergarten student to campus leader, Jessica Altman Cater’s story is a testament to the power of public education — and the lasting influence of teachers who make school feel like home.