Dr. Alisa Zapata has served as principal of Westside High School since 2022, where she and her team work to provide a vital, engaging educational experience for their zoned students, Westside’s STEAM magnet, and Futures Academy of Health Science students. She is this week’s HISD Star Educator.

Zapata has done it all during her time with HISD, from teacher to assistant principal to principal at Tinsley Elementary School and Stevenson Middle School. She was instrumental in transitioning Stevenson into a STEM magnet to create new learning opportunities for her students.

Zapata earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston and completed her doctoral degree at Texas A&M Commerce. She is committed to fostering an environment of support and encouragement and to preparing students for success after high school, no matter where their individual paths take them.

Learn more about Principal Zapata and her love for the Westside community below.

Favorite subject in school: My favorite subjects were any classes/courses which allowed me to utilize my analytical skills.

Favorite book: Stick Together by Jon Gordon and Kate Leavell.

Favorite thing about Houston: My favorite things about Houston are the diversity and the friendliness of the people.

Goal for your students and staff this upcoming school year: Our goal is to support and promote growth so that our students and staff rise to their potential.