Present Position

Principal, Preston Smith Elementary, Lubbock ISD, Region 17, Early Childhood-5th Grade

 

Formal Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University
  • Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lubbock Christian University

 

Educational Leadership

  • Texas Tech University Principal Fellowship Mentor Principal
  • Lubbock ISD Foundation for Excellence Grant Committee Member
  • Lubbock ISD Summer Leadership Institute Committee Member
  • Lubbock ISD Budget & Finance Committee Member
  • Region 17 Data Drive Instruction Principal Cohort Participant
  • Made dramatic gains in student achievement, student growth, campus culture, and teacher retention rates at previous campus while serving as principal
  • Current campus has maintained an A ranking from TEA and earned all possible distinctions
  • Lubbock Christian University Summer Guest Instructor

 

TEPSA Leadership/Involvement/Awards

  • TEPSA Programs & Services Standing Committee Chair and Committee Member
  • TEPSA Region 17 Board Member (served as treasurer, secretary, president-elect, and president)
  • Region 17 TEPSAN of the Year
  • TEPSA Summer Conference Session Presenter
  • TEPSA Member for 8 Years
  • Led Region 17 to exceed membership goals

 

School Honors/Accomplishments

  • Ranked as a Top Elementary School in the area by U.S. News & World Report
  • Earned all possible TEA distinctions while maintaining an “A” ranking and scoring a 98% in closing the gaps
  • Destination Imagine state qualifying team(s)
  • Texas PTA award winning campus

 

Community Involvement

  • Member of First Baptist Church Lubbock
  • Participant in Food to Kids program
  • Involved in Kingdom Come Ministries
  • Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals member (awarded Top 20 Under 40 recognition)
  • Actively involved in campus and district Parent Teacher Association

 

Other Professional Networks

  • Learning Forward Texas
  • Texas State Teachers Association

 

Personal Information

I have been married to my husband, Miles, for 12 years. We have 9 year old twins, Olivia and Owen, who are 3rd graders at the campus where I serve as principal. My husband is a rancher, and we love spending time at the ranch and attending rodeos. We enjoy traveling as a family and love participating in and cheering at sporting events. I began my career in education 19 years ago as an hourly employee assisting in special education. I moved on to be a teacher, assistant principal at the middle school and elementary school levels, and have been a campus principal for almost 6 years.

 

Platform Statement

As a child, I always knew that I wanted to be an educator because of the incredible influence that teachers and school leaders made on my life! During my career, I have greatly enjoyed opportunities to collaborate and network with other educators and leaders. Learning truly is a lifelong process, and educators who work and learn together make a powerful impact on our students! When I was approached about an opportunity to join the region TEPSA board, I was excited about opportunities to inspire and grow leaders in West Texas to combat the feelings of “leading be lonely”.

I have loved my work in Region 17 and recent experiences with TEPSA Standing Committees has been so rewarding! My passion is serving others through my voice and advocacy. Acts of service truly is my love language. I am a passionate person who is always looking for ways to be innovative as I support local leaders, teachers, and of course our students.

Public education has always been challenging, but recent years have made our work even more difficult. There were a few golden moments when everyone showed intense respect for educators, but that appreciation quickly faded as education was scrutinized and unrealistic demands were placed on educators more than ever. My hope is that I can work to advocate for educators and help support leaders across the state in this role. I am excited about the possibility of continuing to be a cheerleader for public education while supporting and encouraging leaders!

Voting Instructions

On February 21, eligible voters will receive an email with login instructions. Look for an email from vote@skypunch.tech.

Questions? Contact Anita.

Crazy Hair Day for United Way of Lubbock: Fundraising and teaching students to have fun while supporting community organizations is an important part of my work!

Oh Christmas Tree: I understand the impact of a positive school culture and will always dress up to recognize and reward my students and staff.

Our Leadership Team Rocks: I believe in the power of teacher leaders and am passionate about growing future leaders within my campus.

#WeLeadTX: Presenting at the TEPSA Summer Conference and networking with other leaders is so important!

Family Support: My family is the greatest blessing in my life! I’m so thankful to have their support in my career.

The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member owned and member governed, TEPSA has more than 6000 members who direct the activities of 3 million PK-8 school children. TEPSA is an affiliate of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

© Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association

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