Project Description
Leila Garza, Fellow
Samuel A. Maverick Elementary School
San Antonio, TX
Leila Garza is starting her 21st year in education, all of which have transpired in San Antonio ISD. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2001 and began her career as a teacher at Rodriguez Elementary school. She also received her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio during this time. Her M.Ed. degree program was in partnership with SAISD and the UTSA Urban School Leaders Collaborative. In 2005, Mrs. Garza became the campus instructional coordinator at Highland Park Elementary, where she led the implementation of new programs and best practices for teaching and learning. In 2010, Mrs. Garza was honored to accept the assistant principal position at Will Rogers Elementary. These years were very formative in her growth as an educator as they provided a solid foundation of quality leadership in both elementary curriculum and decision-making. In 2016, Mrs. Garza transferred to Maverick Elementary school as the assistant principal. The following school year, Mrs. Garza had the privilege to lead Maverick Elementary and the many talented teachers and students as the principal. Mrs. Garza believes in shared leadership and builds strong relationships with her students, staff, and community.
Andrea Arispe, Ally
Special Education Teacher
Samuel A. Maverick Elementary School
San Antonio, TX
Andrea Arispe was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She attended The University of Texas at Austin, earning her Bachelor's degree in Applied Learning and Development. She began her teaching career as a Special Education Inclusion and Resource Teacher at Maverick Elementary, a Dual Language School in San Antonio Independent School District. After her first two years, she was invited to join the Instructional Leadership Team as chair of the Special Education team. Andrea served as a bilingual Special Education teacher and attended Emergent Bilingual Focus Groups for the advancement of students in bilingual special education. After four years in special education, she was accepted into the first San Antonio ISD/UT Austin M. Ed. partnership cohort for Educational Leadership.