Siomara Saenz-Phillips was nominated by a member of her community, Eddie Garza.
Ms. Saenz-Phillips has been on a career trajectory that is accelerating at such a rapid pace, that Eddie can't possibly tell her whole story, as it is still being written. Her most recent accomplishment was being selected as school support officer for the West Area. She has been an educator in many different districts, teaching students from elementary to high school.
She has a vast array of leadership experience, including lead principal for the turnaround work at Jefferson Elementary School. Under her leadership, Jefferson Elementary School grew from TEA “Improvement Required” to “Met Standard,” and continues to show impressive gains in closing the student achievement gap. Jefferson Elementary School now has an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, and teaching staff that are encouraged to produce a positive learning environment.
Ms. Saenz-Phillips holds a bachelor’s degree in Government from the University of Texas – Pan American. She earned a master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision as a Title III Fellow in the Urban Principals Program at the University of Houston and has begun her doctoral studies at the University of Houston.
Mrs. Phillips has definitely been a life changer here at Jefferson Elementary. She has changed the life of the parents by ensuring them that Jefferson has competent and dedicated teachers , parents now trust Jefferson with their child’s education. She has changed the students life by providing them with a welcoming school and ensuring they receive great education. She has changed our life as teachers by pushing us to never settle and always strive to become a better educator. She is dearly loved and admired by everyone in the Jefferson community.
Where do I even begin? It’s difficult to quantify into words just how special and unique Siomara Saenz-Phillips is. She is an educator, an advocate, a mentor, a motivator, and a LIFE CHANGER! She has provided hope and opportunities for the schools and communities she has worked with. The goal for any educator is not only to teach and impart “curriculum” and content knowledge. The goal is to encourage, motivate, and instill a love for learning that will eventually become intrinsic and will lead to a LIFE LONG journey of success; and Ms. Phillips has done that! She has implanted in us that “ A child’s zip code will NOT dictate nor determine whether or not they succeed.” She is truly a LIFE CHANGER!
It's difficult to put into words just how special Mrs. Phillips truly is. Her love and excitement for education is contagious. Her dedication to Jefferson and it's community is endless. Mrs. Phillips radiates excellence and creates an environment where others become excellent. I remember my first interview at Jefferson fondly, I left her office immediately knowing that I wanted to be a part of her team and shaking with anticipation for the beginning of the school. Mr. Phillips instilled in me the drive, confidence, and passion needed to be a successful educator. I would follow her anywhere.
Mr. Phillips truly believes that a zip code should not determine student outcome. With her guidance Jefferson went from the bottom to the top. Her formula for success included: facilitating teacher training in order to make highly effective teachers, community outreach through festivals and community get togethers, allowing teachers the time to plan collaboratively through "planning for success" sessions, and always having an open door policy for her staff. The list is endless.
Professionally, no one person has inspired me or mentored me as much as Mrs. Phillips. She is the architect of our Jefferson community and truly deserving of every merit bestowed. I can not think of a better candidate for this award. She has positively changed my life, the lives of teachers, students, and anyone who comes into contact with her. Mrs. Phillips is definitely a "lifechanger".
I worked with Mrs. Phillips at a previous school and was led to join the great team she created at Jefferson. Her leadership was instrumental in me being the Science Teacher I am today. I am truly Impressed with the positive learning environment I witness daily at Jefferson and I am proud to be a part of “Team Jefferson”!
Mrs. S. Phillips is one of the best Principals I have ever worked for!!! She is a very gifted person as for her as a person and her professionalism. She has such a talent at being a GREAT leader in her profession. She deserves this "life changer of the year award more than words can express. She has made a tremendous change in so many lifes!!! She is a jewel to me, I miss her here at Jefferson but I know she needs to move on and change many more lifes for the better. Congratulations Mrs. Phillips you are the Greatest!!!!!!!!!! :) V.Zavala
I believe that Mrs. Siomara Phillips would be an extraordinary recipient for this award. She has some of the best qualities as an administrator that I have seen since I have been in the district for 17 years. Her door is always open and she is receptive to anything that has to do with the success and growth of students and teachers. She wants whatever team she is a part of to grow which is why many teachers at Jefferson were so successful.
I had the opportunity to witness the turnaround of Jefferson Elementary first hand. To see the school transform from under performing academically, low morale, and low enrollment to a school rated with 5 distinctions from the state and having the most growth of all elementary schools in the district in the rated domains is not an easy feat. Mrs. Saenz-Phillips empowered her teachers and parents to be the change the community needed. It was because of her foresight and commitment to excellence that our school is now thriving and the pride of the Near Northside Houston. She is a culture engineer that created the school that people are willing to drive over 40 miles to and from daily to be teach at. Jefferson is a place you can't wait to get to. Thank you Mrs. Saenz-Phillips!
