One of the most important responsibilities of a school principal is to create an environment that is conducive to learning. One way to do this is to work to break down barriers that prevent students from succeeding, such as language, health and literacy barriers.

Norma Rodriguez, principal of Dorsa Elementary School in Alum Rock Union ESD and ACSA’s 2009 Elementary Principal of the Year, has established ties with community groups to help eliminate some of the obstacles that students must overcome in order to excel at school.

Rodriguez, who is also an ACSA Board director-at-large, partners with the Tzu Chi Foundation, which provides books to increase students’ home libraries and fresh bread for families on a weekly basis; Target, eBay and the Silicon Valley Foundation, in which volunteers read to students; and Celebrando Familias, which brings together parents for dinner and then provides counseling and discussion on important topics.

“We are no longer alienated and alone,” Rodriguez said. “We have garnished a real community of support systems to ensure that we break down every barrier that prevents our students from succeeding academically and socially.”

Other partnerships focus on health. These include the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative, in which college and high school athletes run sports programs for girls; and Salud Por Vida, which teaches moms and school staff healthy habits. The school also works with a trainer to engage in sports, exercise and the popular Latin dance workout, Zumba, classes on Saturdays.

“We have fun, develop long lasting relationships and provide great models for our students,” Rodriguez said.

“She knows that it takes everyone to make a school successful and ultimately impact student achievement,” said Douglas Paganelli, principal of Ryan Elementary School. “Norma is wonderful at making sure all stakeholders remain involved, recognize how they make a difference, and understand the impact they have on the lives of children.”

Rodriguez truly believes that every child has the right to a high-quality education. Having come to the United States herself at the age of 14, she knows the struggles immigrant children face.

As a parent, she understands the struggles immigrant parents face, especially limited English-speaking parents.

“Every child has the right to receive a high quality education in our public system no matter where they live or their background,” she said. “We can do this if we believe it with conviction and if we are willing to give ourselves completely to the task at hand and do whatever it takes. The key is to be a life-long learner and to instill in our students that love and passion to learn.

“I am a living testament that this country continues to be the land of opportunity. I am very grateful for these opportunities and will give my life to ensure that all my students have the same opportunities.”

Rodriguez is especially focused on teaching and learning. In fact, learning is always the central focus of all the decisions made at Dorsa. All teachers in each grade level meet weekly to review, collaborate and monitor the progress of students. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and there is a high level of student engagement.

“I feel most passionate about teaching and learning and seem to be in my element or come alive when I am witnessing teaching and learning with students, teachers and parents,” she said.

Dorsa is a school not without its obstacles, with nearly 70 percent English language learners and 100 percent free and reduced-priced lunch participants.

But under her leadership, Dorsa has gained more than 120 points on the API and exited Program Improvement – one of only four schools in Santa Clara County to do so.

“I do not see challenges; only opportunities to grow,” Rodriguez said. “Every challenge is an opportunity to create a new and better way to solve problems and ensure that all of our students achieve at their greatest potential.”

Rodriguez began her career as an elementary school teacher in Alum Rock in 1993. In 1998, she became an adjunct professor at San Jose State University. Soon after, she became language and literacy coordinator at Alum Rock and assistant principal of Mathson Middle School before taking her current position in 2004.

Rodriguez never hesitates to share her knowledge and expertise with others. She has presented at the National Association of Bilingual Educators conference, State Title 1 Conference, Latino Education Conference and Gender and Science Education Colloquium.

Her commitment to education and her community is evident in her participation in many organizations outside the school walls. She is involved with the Family Giving Tree, California Science Project, Youth Leadership Summit, Pennies for Patients of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Science Literacy for All. In addition, Rodriguez was vice president of the Alum Rock Administrators’ Association in 2008-09 and a member of ACSA’s Elementary Education Council in 2008-09.

Rodriguez said it was an indescribable feeling to be named Elementary Principal of the Year, and said there are so many other wonderful administrators who deserve this honor.

“I feel this honor bestowed on me by my mentors has increased a sense of responsibility to live up to the expectations of those I serve. I do not want to let myself and them down,” she said.

Each of ACSA’s 19 job-specific 2009 Administrators of the Year will be featured in EdCal through Nov. 2. They will be formally honored during ACSA’s 2009 Leadership Summit, Nov. 5-7 in Sacramento. To register for the event, click here, or contact the Educational Services Department at (800) 608-ACSA.