INSPIRE

Anabel Garza
STATEWIDE SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Statewide Support Luncheon
Anabel Garza is the Principal of John H. Reagan Early
College High School. She has been selected as a Leader
in Social Justice by the University of Texas and The
Austin Human Resource Management Association. She
was featured in a national article, “Tackling the Toughest
Turnaround-Low-Performing High Schools in Phi Delta
Kappan.” Selected as the Principal of the Year for AISD
in 2011 She is the founding Principal of the District’s
International High School, a now nationally recognized
program for English Language Learners. The work done
with first generation Immigrant students is detailed in
the book “ Care and Advocacy: Narratives from a School of Immigrant
Youth.” Ms. Garza has served as Principal at Reagan High School since
her appointment in 2008. Under her direction Reagan High School has
left behind a history of low performance and instability to open it’s doors
in 2011 as an Early College High School. The new designation will allow
students to graduate with up to 60 college credit hours at no cost to the
student. Ms. Garza has earned a bachelor’s degree from the University
of Texas at Austin, and a master’s degree from Southwest Texas State
University. Her work at Reagan High School was featured in the recently
released book, “Saving the School” by Micheal Brick. Related articles
have been featured in Texas Monthly, Latina Magazine, Oprah Magazine,
Austin Woman’s Magazine, The Chronicle, The Washington Post and
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