Submitted by Denair Charter Academy
Name: Esmeralda Villa, principal’s secretary at Denair Charter Academy
Family: Jose (husband), Mariah (daughter), Nicholas (son), Christopher (son), Roxlin (granddaughter), Alexander (grandson) and Christopher (grandson)
School: Denair Charter Academy
Experience and education: 17 years’ experience as an administrative assistant
What most inspires you about working in Denair Charter Academy? I am most inspired by our staff member, Mr. Barry Cole. He inspires me to believe we are blessed with a DCA teacher who loves what he does, for the love of children. Teaching students to believe in themselves with his classes of science, culinary, woodshop and landscaping.
What are your biggest challenges as a classified staff member? My biggest challenge to being a classified member is the pay. I do believe and pray one day the district would invest more in maintaining staff with a higher pay wage and continued training.
What is your favorite support tool or activity? My favorite tool would be my social skills that work wonders with parents and students. Through my experience as a secretary, I have received training and actual public exposure to a wide spectrum of situations where I have been complimented and regarded for my skills in working well with the public and staff in difficult situations.
What do you want your students to remember? I want them to remember DCA as the school that made a difference in their high school experience.
How can parents support what you do? I feel that our DCA parents do support our office. We have built relationships with our parents where they respond to us with respect and understanding.
What will it take to improve academic success in DUSD schools? Continued training in the area of our school needs and programs. Success comes with understanding program procedures and policies with accurate and structured instruction.
What’s next in the office? We are promoting our Senior Events: 2017 Grad Night at Magic Mountain, Central Valley Prom, Cap and Gown. And we are excited about our first yearbook to be issued this year.
What would surprise people about your job? How much fun it can be. My job is very demanding, but definitely rewarding.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy traveling to San Francisco for great sightseeing and delicious food with fun company.
