Parisa Behzadi is the much-loved principal of Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary School, and her enthusiasm and dedication to her students and staff are what makes her this week’s HISD Star Educator.
Rodriguez Elementary is a perfect fit for Behzadi, who is passionate about learning about all world cultures, as the school and its surrounding neighborhood are a sample-size representation of the cultural and linguistic diversity for which Houston is known. Behzadi has seen her campus thrive utilizing practices like multiple response strategies which allow her to spend more time in the classroom with her students, where she says the “magic happens.”
Behzadi began her teaching career as a Corps Member with Teach for America where she was placed at HISD’s Fondren Middle School. Behzadi served as an ESL teacher, where she worked primarily with newcomer students, recent immigrants, or refugees to the United States. She founded the Newcomer Academy at Fondren, to help acclimate and support newcomer students and their specific needs, then spent some time as principal of Baker Ripley Charter School before returning to HISD and taking up the mantle at Rodriguez Elementary.
Behzadi views all her students as “future global leaders” and is endlessly encouraging of her staff, prioritizing growth and progress for everyone at Rodriguez.
Learn more about Principal Behzadi and hear from one of Rodriguez’s ESL teachers below:
Favorite subject in school: World Cultures/Human Geography. I learned every world capital by the end of third grade (for fun) and was obsessed with reading stories/narratives from around the world.
Favorite book: “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson will forever have a special place in my heart.
Favorite thing about Houston: Houston is one of the most culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in the nation. There is so much beauty within each neighborhood. This is my 13th year in Houston, and I can confidently share that there is ALWAYS somewhere new to explore, a new restaurant to try out, or something to do.
Goal for your students and staff this upcoming school year: This school year, we are celebrating 23 years of excellence at Rodríguez Elementary! As we celebrate our #JordanYear, our goal is to push our campus to the next level of academic excellence. Michael Jordan changed the game through his legendary determination and commitment to excellence. We are committed to an iconic year of academic achievement and growth! #SRE23, let’s go Space Rangers!