April 1, 2026 by Staff News

Assistant principal leading with values, elevating the game

Assistant principal leading with values, elevating the game

Great leaders often anchor their actions in core values that will help bring out the best in themselves and those around them. Cassie White Rodriguez, assistant principal at Buckner Terrace Montessori, leads by example, fostering a culture that inspires both teaching and learning through resilience, collaboration, and compassion.

The week of April 6-10 is National Assistant Principal Week, to recognize the contributions these campus leaders make to learning and the school environment every day.

White Rodriguez’s path to education began in her own childhood when school became a safe haven.

“I had teachers who believed in me and made school interesting,” she said. “I knew I wanted to give back in that same way. Over time, I realized I could expand that impact beyond my own classroom by supporting teachers and students, which led me to pursue campus leadership as an assistant principal.”

Her leadership journey was encouraged by her former principal, who reminded her that she belonged in rooms of impact. White Rodriguez gained the confidence to take steps beyond the classroom when she was still a teacher. That support led her to apply to the Aspiring Leaders Program at Southern Methodist University, a two-year master’s degree program designed for educators who want to become assistant principals.

“One of the first classes we took was called ‘Leading with Values,’ a course that helped us take a deeper look into ourselves and identify our core values,” White Rodriguez said. “We learned how to use values to lead with integrity and unite a staff in achieving common goals. That experience gave me the confidence that I was on the right path.”

As an assistant principal, White Rodriguez prioritizes being an instructional leader. She remains visible in classrooms, supports teachers in refining their instructional practices, and helps solve problems in real time. She also builds meaningful relationships with students, encouraging and supporting them as they work toward their goals.

Dallas ISD is celebrating its outstanding leaders with the theme “APs Elevate the Game.” Activities during National Assistant Principal Week recognize that they show up each day ready to take on challenges, support their campuses, and elevate outcomes for students and staff.

“I believe leadership is about serving your school and community, while continuously growing to new heights,” White Rodriguez said. “It’s about listening more than we speak, building strong relationships, and leading with integrity.”

For White Rodriguez, her success is rooted in never forgetting what it feels like to be in a classroom.

She began her career at Buckner Terrace Montessori as an instructional coach in 2018, and after four years of teaching students in kindergarten through fourth grade, she stepped into her current role.

Buckner Terrace Montessori school is a B- rated campus, earning a strong score of 88 from the Texas Education Agency. That success reflects the campus’ theme of “discovering the magic of learning” and its commitment to strong community partnerships and a dedicated focus on creating a positive environment.

“I hope students remember that I believed in them,” White Rodriguez said. “I want my impact to be long lasting—not just in systems or programs, but in people. If teachers grow in their practice and students leave more confident and prepared because of the work we’ve done together, then that’s the kind of legacy that truly matters.”

Help Dallas ISD celebrate assistant principals

In honor of National Assistant Principal Week, cast your vote for your favorite assistant principal across the district. Winners and prizes will be announced Friday, April 10. To participate, vote here through April 8.

Teachers and staff can also join the celebration by participating in the AP Bingo Challenge, highlighting the many ways assistant principals elevate the game. To play: