Liz Daisy Morales, principal at Ritter Elementary School

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

What inspired me to be an educator was the amazing teachers I had throughout my educational journey. As an English learner, I was fortunate to have teachers who were patient, truly cared about my growth, and who made me feel loved and embraced, especially in grade school and high school. Their support not only shaped my learning but also my confidence.

What inspired me to become a leader is my passion for continuous growth for both students and staff. I deeply love the community I serve, and creating a positive impact for all our scholars is what drives me each day. Supporting our staff so they can thrive in their roles is just as rewarding, because together we are building opportunities and success for every student.

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

What excites me most about leading our school is seeing our scholars grow and truly light up with joy. The moments when they smile with pride because they’ve accomplished something, big or small, are the moments that remind me why this work matters so deeply.

We’ve built a foundation of trust with our staff, and that has created a culture where everyone carries our school with love and pride. 

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

I think one of our biggest opportunities for growth is in family engagement and participation. Our families are the heart of our school community, and when they feel connected and involved, our scholars do even better. I want our families to know that their voices matter, and that we need them right alongside us as partners in this work. 

How has the Partnership supported your professional development?

The Partnership has supported my professional development in so many ways. I’ve benefited from coaching from my Principal Supervisor, as well as guidance and resources from our ELA, Math, Restorative, and Community Engagement teams. The collaboration opportunities with other school leaders have been invaluable, allowing me to learn from their experiences and share best practices. The staff and team have always been so welcoming and approachable, always willing to support in any way possible, and I am truly grateful for that. Additionally, the monthly leadership meetings have helped me grow professionally by reinforcing the importance of always keeping our students at the center of everything we do.

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

I check in with scholars every day, greet them by name, and make an effort to build positive relationships with each of them. I take the time to listen to their ideas, celebrate their successes, and understand their challenges. Whether it’s through student leadership groups like our Student Council,  classroom visits, one-on-one conversations, or school-wide surveys, I make sure students have opportunities to share their thoughts and perspectives. Their voices are important in shaping our school.  

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

A teacher who profoundly shaped my journey was Mr. Chan, my high school art history teacher. He was always kind, approachable, and genuinely willing to connect with every student. He made sure we had what we needed to succeed and created a positive, supportive community for us as young adults. The love he had for his craft was truly inspiring, and it’s part of the reason I wanted to become a teacher myself.

What I admired most was how he cared—not just about academics, but about our growth as people. Even today, I stay in touch with Mr. Chan, and we have our annual summer lunch to catch up. His journey, from surviving the Japanese encampment in Los Angeles to becoming a dedicated professional, is a testament to resilience, passion, and the impact a teacher can have on their students.

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

Looking ahead, it’s challenging and humbling to articulate what I hope. I hope my school community can see and feel how much I love my Ritter Bears and how much I care about each and every one of our scholars. I hope they recognize the high expectations I hold for all of them and the hard work and dedication I put into ensuring that our students have every opportunity to excel. Most of all, I hope they might say and feel that I gave my all to support, challenge, and uplift every student and staff member in our school.

When did you first become principal of your current school?

This is my second year as a principal at the Big Bear House.

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)?

Something students or staff might be surprised to learn about me is that I love all things mystery, especially mysteries related to my Mexican culture and heritage. I enjoy reading about mysteries, watching crime shows and documentaries, and learning quirky facts, everything from how tacos came about to hidden treasures around the world. I also have a big love for 90’s R&B and rap, attending concerts, and, of course, dogs! (I currently own 3, but have had a total of 5).  My first job was as a junior lifeguard, teaching little ones how to swim, which taught me early on the joy of helping others learn and grow. I can’t start my day without a cup of coffee or two, and my go-to snack is gummy candies.

Where did you go to college or grad school?

• I attended Mount St. Mary’s University for my BA and teaching credential.
• I received my first Master’s in Education in Reading with an Emphasis on English Learners from National University.
• I received my second Master’s in School Leadership from CA State University, Dominguez Hills.