Meet Shari Guerra of Organizational Leadership – High School Principal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Guerra.

Shari, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My favorite saying is, “know better, do better!” Life is a continuous learning opportunity. That said it doesn’t mean the experiences are easy, but it does say a lot about a person’s character in the way they persevere, overcome and never give up.

Originally born in New Jersey. My family came to Arizona in 1971 to get away from the snow and because my father had health issues. My father’s trade was a chef and the going earning rate at that time was 2-3 dollars a week. The dry climate was helpful and since my father was an amazing chef, we ate well… Both parents worked in the food industry so that also became my career path and I continued with that for the first 20 years of employment starting when I was 14.

I realized early I enjoyed singing and took after my mother who sang with the Everly Brothers in New York. At a teen talent competition, I received advice from Mary Jo West, who used to be a news anchor for channel 10… She shared with my parents that I should consider getting into country music. My father who strictly loved classical wasn’t having any of that. Shortly after, country music became extremely popular.

School was always easy for me, and I enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately, my parents decided to part ways and our family was broken when I was an early teen. It was important for me to get a job and any hope of college was put on hold because it was more important to survive.

In my early twenties, I was blessed with a daughter and then a son. My focus to be a strong role model and provide for them was critical, so I went back to college as an adult. I loved everything about old-fashioned restaurant service, but I realized I needed a more consistent career. Since education was an interest, I chose the pathway of education and have now completed 15 years full-time college. Initially, I started out as an educator, which led to student intervention, working with students with exceptional needs, writing large grants for public education and now my current position of High School Principal.

In addition to my career and being a proud mother, I am happily married going on 8 years. Who says you can’t have it all!!! Both children have successfully grown up with degrees and careers of their own. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, cooking, spending time in Sedona, collecting creatures, and I am completing a Doctoral of Organizational Leadership for Education. I am committed to making a difference and enjoy giving back to the community that has afforded me so many opportunities and experiences.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The early struggles involved growing up in a broken home and having to work early to survive. That is never easy!

Additionally, I wanted my children to have better so I always placed them first. There were times when we didn’t have a lot of extra money. As a beginning educator, the bills were barely covered. For the first 6 years I continued in food service nights and weekends to make sure we had enough, and on nights off my children and I did our homework together at the dinner table.

Please tell us about Organizational Leadership – High School Principal.
Since education is always changing, it is important to stay current and progressive. The personal characteristics that design my presence as an administrator starts first with my belief in lifelong learning. It continues with a strong desire to model good habits of health and wellness. Education has always been valued, instilled and highly revered by my family and myself. I value my responsibility in preparing students to compete in a global society.

My part of the puzzle is to ensure that effective teaching and learning occurs throughout the day, is always data-driven and that all decision-making includes nothing but high expectations for all school members. My commitment begins with a collaborative approach in building a positive and safe climate for all students, empowering staff, and involving the community as seen through the lens of the agency vision.

The culture of an organization is critical and my passion for leading with a servant leadership approach has aligned well with my day to day operations. I care about people! No job is beneath me or too big or small. I lead with an approach of, “Be the hardest worker in the room.”

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My elementary school days were wonderful. It is one of the reasons that I am involved in education today. Every child should experience the happiness and sense of involvement that I had because every child deserves it.

I remember field days, student council, talent shows, and giving the speech at my junior high graduation. I am still proudly in contact with my 3rd grade teacher who remembers me as a bright, happy and curious child.

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