Elisa Zagala 

Barcelona Elementary School
Glendale, Arizona
elisazagala@alhambraesd.org

Best Practices

1) Assistant Principal’s Role as Instructional Leader: In my role as an assistant principal and instructional leader, I am committed to being in classrooms every day to support teachers directly—modeling lessons, providing immediate feedback, and offering differentiated coaching opportunities. I collaborate closely with educators to design, evaluate, and refine our curriculum by integrating research-based instructional strategies and innovative practices that address diverse learning styles. By analyzing student performance data, I identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth, enabling me to tailor professional development and implement targeted interventions that enhance overall teaching effectiveness. Additionally, I organize and lead training sessions, workshops, and coaching initiatives, ensuring that our teachers remain at the forefront of educational best practices and are equipped to integrate new technologies seamlessly into their instruction.

2) Teacher Assessment and Evaluation: As an assistant principal, I play a key role in both evaluating and nurturing the professional development of teachers. By integrating best practices into the teacher assessment and evaluation process, I create  a supportive, growth-oriented environment. This involves providing ongoing support through mentorship programs and peer observation opportunities, where experienced teachers can pair with those needing additional guidance, fostering a community of shared best practices. I encourage teachers to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, and ensure timely feedback following classroom observations. Additionally, I pair teachers with instructional coaches or experienced mentors who offer targeted support based on evaluation findings. Coaching sessions are scheduled regularly to maintain progress, and professional development is personalized to accommodate different learning styles and schedules, including in-person, virtual, and self-paced options.