Paul Castro

Great schools have great leaders – that's why Houston A+ Challenge invests in Houston educators like Paul Castro. He is one of more than 200 principals and APs from six area K-12 districts that have graduated from Houston A+ Challenge's two-year New Visions in Leadership Academy since 1999. Participants meet in groups to study the latest research, develop their leadership styles, and learn new techniques for helping teachers reach and inspire today’s students.

Paul Castro is Principal of Westside High School in Houston ISD and a 2002 graduate of the New Visions in Leadership Academy. He now serves as a coach for principals currently in the Academy.

What was your first impression of the New Visions in Leadership Academy?

When you join, the first thing they do is give you books. At first I was like, 'Oh great now I have something to put on my shelves so I can look informed.' But the expectation is that you actually have to read and participate in the dialogue and actually be involved. In other professional development trainings, that had never really been emphasized before. The idea was that being an active participant is important for us and the kids we serve. It was a very different concept. It was the first time I felt treated like a professional.

How has the work that you've done with Houston A+ changed you as a leader?

It has provided me with something that I can't quantify or explain –  it's a different way of thinking.  Now I read all the time, I'm always searching, always looking.  A+ is really dedicated to proving that the work we're doing matters, that it's relevant to the classroom – and that we're making an impact on kids. Out of all the things that I have done to improve myself as a leader, this has been the most valuable.

How have these changes impacted your teachers and students?

Houston A+ provided the learning on how to be accountable. It changed the way I work with my teachers, and gave me more of a "show, don't tell" philosophy. If I expect my teachers to engage their students in meaningful work, then I need to engage my teachers in meaningful work. If I tell my teachers that every minute they have with kids is important, and then I need to plan well for our monthly faculty meetings, so I don't waste their time. Knowing this allows me to be a better leader in my school.