Sandra Sandoval, principal at Dolores Huerta Elementary School

What inspired you to become an educator and, now, a school principal?

My brother inspired me; he was my strongest cheerleader, actually.  I had just been laid off from Belmont Park as an Office Manager after working there for 3 years. It was one of my first jobs after graduating from UCLA, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had as an adult in the workforce. I was devastated, collecting unemployment, and living at home. After a couple of months of sitting at home trying to figure out what to do with my life and whether I really wanted to become a lawyer after watching the O.J. [Simpson] trial, my brother said, “Sandra, you should go into teaching, you would be good at it, and they’re hiring. This might be good until you decide if you want to go to law school.” I needed a job and a purpose, so I applied and was interviewed by my elementary school principal, who then set me up on an interview at a school site where the principal was my kindergarten teacher, whom I loved. The stars were aligned indeed. She interviewed me and hired me on the spot. I began teaching Kindergarten in a bilingual classroom with 35 students.  The goal was to teach for 3-5 years and still pursue law school. But life has a funny way of changing your mind and your heart. I fell in love with the students, learning, and teaching.  I started to work on my teaching credential, then on my master’s, and of course, my admin credential, so that I could have the possibility of different paths in education.  

In 2003, I moved to Los Angeles and began teaching at Lillian Street Elementary, where I became one of the teachers on campus to lead in the implementation of Writers’ Workshop. After a year, my principal asked me to step out of the classroom to become the school’s Writing Coach, a position she created for me to continue to lead the work in Writers’ Workshop. I was thrilled and accepted the offer. Once I stepped out of the classroom to work with teachers, I realized how many more students I could impact academically if I helped their teachers grow their teaching practice in reading and writing using the Workshop method. I loved that I continued to expand my knowledge base and was then able to share my learning with the rest of the staff. I planned PDs, modeled lessons, and helped teachers feel confident about their teaching. I challenged teachers to take risks in their teaching practices that would ultimately help their students grow academically and socially. I became hooked to the challenge of finding solutions to problems that impacted the school as a whole, the hustle and bustle of the day, and helping teachers navigate education and all the changes that came with it. Being a coach was an amazing job, but I found myself wanting more, and that’s when I knew I wanted to become a principal.  So, I started participating in any committee available at the school site, and I began asking my principal questions, lots of questions, and she helped me to see the pros and cons of principal life. But I knew this was my path.  After the Aspiring Assistant Principal’s Program and six years as an assistant principal, I now sit here in year two of my principalship, supporting our students, our staff, and our families. I am now in my 29th year of education, and it began with my brother giving me that little push that I did not know I needed. He saw something in me that I didn’t see at the time, and I am forever grateful to him.  

What excites you most about leading your school in your community? 

Watching our students and families grow in all ways.

Every school has challenges—what do you see as the biggest opportunities for growth at your school?    

Learning to recognize that supporting our students comes in many forms, from volunteering in school to participating in school events, and volunteering from home.

How has the Partnership supported your professional development? 

They support us by making opportunities available for leaders to complete their Tier II credential, as well as through monthly meetings where we engage in conversations on how to support our students and families, not just academically, but also in terms of what is happening in our community and society as a whole.  

How do you connect with students and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the school’s future? 

I greet them at the gate each morning when on campus. I check in with them during recess and lunch, and during observations, I ask them about their learning and what they find easy and difficult about what they are learning that day or in general. We also have a student council, where students can discuss their needs and wants for the school.  

Who was a teacher or mentor who shaped your own journey, and what lesson did they leave with you?  

My mom and dad. Education was always important, college was a given, and financially, they were going to make sure I had the opportunity to attend any school I wanted to. They helped me discover my potential and challenged me to be a better person who could put her mark on this world, no matter how big or small.

Looking ahead a few years, what do you hope your school community will say about your leadership and impact?  

That they all mattered to me, their hopes, their joys, their struggles, and that every decision I made was always in the best interest of our students.  

When did you first become principal of your current school?  

2024

What’s something students or staff might be surprised to learn about you (a hidden talent, favorite music/TV show, first job, or go-to snack)?  

I LOVE Korean Dramas!  

Where did you attend college or graduate school?

UCLA