My Story

The Importance of Education

One of his greatest desires was to provide his children with opportunities he did not have growing up. While he was only able to complete the first grade, he knew the importance of education and encouraged his children to work hard and value learning.

That was quite a dream for an immigrant family. In our primary years, my brothers, sisters, and I had excellent teachers who supported English Language Learners, which we were, and their families. We felt loved, and respected and believed we could be anything we wanted to be in America.

Low Expectations…

Our secondary experiences, however, were nearly the opposite. For the first time, we experienced racism, the bane of low expectations, and few opportunities to learn about college and career opportunities. Most of us were expected to work in the agricultural sector (I learned how to drive a John Deere before I learned how to drive a car).

…to High Expectation

But our parents expected more from us. In high school, I learned about the inequities of minorities. I became determined to attend college. As my parents had, I realized that education was the gateway out of poverty. More than that, it was a way to achieve my dreams. Eventually, I became a teacher, and later a school leader. My goal was to help change the trajectory of the lives of children like my siblings and me. My goal was to ensure that all kids have an equal chance at education and the life that can afford.

Leading with Intention

Once I moved into leadership, I wondered how my elementary school principal, Mr. Sides, helped build an inclusive school community⸺one in which I’d felt so supported. How had he done this back in the late 70s? I realized he had led with intention.

That was when I first understood that success does not happen by accident. With the right tools, attitude, and tenacious determination to fail forward, every leader can make a school a thriving organization where all kids can learn.

Becoming an Instructional Leader

Research is clear on the positive impact school leaders can have in their schools if they are truly instructional leaders- focused on teaching, learning, and supporting staff and students. Effective instructional leaders are perpetual learners, focused on discerning what strategies and practices to implement to push themselves and their learning communities to greater heights. They never stop learning or doing. I’m sure that was Mr. Sides’s philosophy.

In just one generation, my father was able to see his children achieve the American dream he sought when he left Mexico, an accomplishment few can claim. All of that was due to a belief in education, and it is this philosophy that driv