Veronica Garcia Esparza ~Educator Experience

To prepare for my education journey, I went to UTSA for a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and was Texas certified for Elementary Self Contained Grades (PK-6) and Early Childhood (PK-6) in May 1992. This first step allowed me to serve as a Pre-K teacher at Kindred Elementary at South San Antonio ISD. Upon interviewing with Albert Casias, principal, he asked if I would be interested in getting my Bilingual Endorsement. So my next step was to begin classes again at UTSA and received my Bilingual Endorsement and Bilingual/ESL certification in 1994.

My love of Pre-K and Kindergarten teaching led me to attain my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 1995. While working at Kindred Elementary, I taught Pre-K for two years and Kindergarten for 2 years. During my teaching I participated in a variety of committees to promote moral and improve school testing data. In my grade level I eagerly assisted my campus to align the Pre-K and work with the district to create budgets and grants for Pre-K materials and furniture. At Kindred, I hosted student teachers and high school students who aspired to be teachers. I was strongly encouraged by my administrators to go into leadership and I soon began my route to UTSA to get a Master’s degree in Mid-Management Administration and a Texas certificate in 1999.

In January of 1997, my campus assistant principal was promoted to principal at a neighboring campus. My principal encouraged me to apply for an Emergency Certificate in mid-management so that I could apply for the position of assistant principal of Kindred. After receiving the assistant principal position, I continued my degree and completed my Master’s degree in Mid-Management Administration in 1999.

As an assistant principal of an elementary school, I had many responsibilities. My most important duty was to promote a safe, positive, and caring climate for learning. I also continued leadership roles with the district in serving as Principal of summer schools for two years. During my leadership at Armstrong Elementary in 2003, I was the Interim Principal from August to October. Balancing my career and my new family of a husband and three young daughters, I decided that I would continue my position as assistant principal.

My career as an assistant principal has served in helping me lead a very fulfilled life! It led me to work closer to home in NEISD. I retired from NEISD serving 18 years as an assistant principal. During my time there, I have helped implement the Leader in Me – 7 Habits of Happy Kids, Stephen Covey, which is near and dear to my heart. My other love was coaching teachers to be leaders in their classroom and the campus.  Since retiring, I have substituted as assistant principal at NEISD, which I enjoy still having the staff and student contact.

Now I am a Field Supervisor at Texas A&M San Antonio and attained my Field Training – EPP in September of 2023. It is a delight as I get to share my experience and knowledge with future teachers. It also helps me stay connected to innovative education practices that continue to evolve.