Menger Elementary School Principal Christina Barrera has been named one of the top principals in the country.
Barrera was surprised with the recognition on May 5. She was recognized by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association and named a national distinguished principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Her students and staff filled the school cafeteria, with visits from association representatives and Corpus Christi Independent School District leaders.
This isn’t the first surprise award announcement for the Menger Elementary School principal. Barrera was surprised in 2023 as a finalist in the H-E-B Excellence in Education awards.
Barrera has worked in education for 25 years. She’s been a principal for 15 years, including 13 years as leader of Menger Elementary School.
“It’s a wonderful school,” Barrera said. “We have a small enrollment, but we have wonderful teachers.”
Barrera praised the community and students.
“They work hard and we just try to make learning fun for everybody,” she said.
Barrera called the award a career highlight. Barrera will be invited to a national event in Washington, D.C., with other state winners.
TEPSA Deputy Executive Director Mark Terry said that Barrera is the epitome of what the organization wants to see in Texas principals.
“You can just see it when you walk in on the faces of the kids and their demeanor around her,” Terry said. “The way the teachers talk about her, it’s really obvious that she has what it takes to be the principal you want for your kids.”
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: This Corpus Christi school leader is one of nation’s top principals
Reporting by Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
