Julissa Gracias
Chula Vista,CA
Summary
Passionate and dedicated educational leader committed to advancing equity and excellence in schools. Deeply aware of how leadership decisions can dismantle systemic barriers and foster safe, inclusive environments for students, staff, and families. Proven ability to cultivate protected spaces that support rigorous, relevant, and innovative instruction. Strong advocate for addressing the diverse needs of all learners through intentional curriculum development, instructional design, dynamic delivery, and targeted intervention strategies—both during and beyond the school day. Driven by a results-oriented mindset and a relentless commitment to student success through measurable outcomes.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal; Hilltop High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
Chula Vista, CA
07.2023 - Current
- Prepared midterm WASC report; supported principal's five-year vision by building strong relationships with staff and advancing instructional goals.
- Worked on expanding AP program.
Principal on Special Assignment; State and Federal Programs
Sweetwater Union High School District
Chula Vista, CA
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Supported implementation of State & Federal programs to ensure district-wide compliance.
- Prepared audit documentation for FPM, including reports and justifications.
- Facilitated parent meetings and staff trainings; supported district and school site needs.
Principal; Southwest Middle School
Sweetwater Union High School District
Chula Vista, CA
06.2018 - 10.2022
- Introduced AP Spanish with 100% pass rate; expanded STEAM programs (APRENDE, MESA).
- Developed and implemented Personal Education Plan (PEP) model.
- Led restorative practices through Tariq Khamisa Foundation workshops; established student-led climate surveys and round tables.
- Designed inclusive master schedule supporting AVID, Dual Language, and co-teaching models.
- Supervised and evaluated 65+ staff; served in Cabinet and MASD leadership roles.
Principal; Chula Vista Middle School
Sweetwater Union High School District
Chula Vista, CA
06.2014 - 06.2018
- Launched Dual Language and Restorative Practices schoolwide.
- Reinstated Parent Center; organized student round tables and anti-bullying campaigns.
- Increased student science competition outcomes and led LCAP implementation.
Assistant Principal; Granger Jr. High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
National City, CA
07.2013 - 06.2014
- Developed student-centered master schedule; led anti-bullying and iPad integration initiatives.
Assistant Principal; San Ysidro High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
San Diego, CA
09.2008 - 06.2013
- Led AP program expansion and writing initiative across departments.
- Prepared midterm WASC report; supported AVID Demonstration School designation.
Categorical Coordinator; San Ysidro High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
San Diego, CA
11.2007 - 09.2008
- Managed $1.5M in categorical budgets; coordinated Cougar Camp and strategic planning.
Teacher; San Ysidro High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
San Diego, CA
06.2005 - 11.2007
- Led BTSA mentorship, GATE development, curriculum writing, and charter initiatives.
Teacher; Memorial Academy
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, CA
06.1997 - 06.2005
- Led BTSA mentorship, GATE development, curriculum writing, and charter initiatives.
Education
Administrative Credential -
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA01.2006
Master of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction
Chapman University
San Diego, CA01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - English and Spanish Literature
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA01.1996
Study Abroad Semester Program -
St. Clare's College
Oxford, England06.1995
Skills
- Equity-Centered Leadership
- Instructional Coaching and Program Implementation
- Dual Language & Biliteracy Program Implementation
- Restorative Practices & Social-Emotional Learning
- Master Schedule Design
- Strategic Budget Oversight
- Community & Family Engagement
- Federal & State Program Compliance
Professional Development
- Dual Language Conference, San Diego State University, 2018
- National AVID Institute, Orlando, Florida, 2011
- ALAS Conference, 2008
- Charismatic Youth Conference, San Diego Convention Center, 1996-2001
- Adelante Mujer Conference, University of San Diego, 1996
Training
- WASC Training
- WASC Visiting Committee; Monrovia High School, March 3-5, 2025
- College Board Forum 2024
- Prepare Conference, Los Angeles, 2023
- Equity Conference, San Diego, CA 2023
- CAASFEP Nov 2022 PD Institute (California Association of Administrators of State and Federal Programs)
- Tarik Khamisa Foundation: Restorative Trainer Workshop, 2019
- Safe School Ambassador Training; 2019
- Worked with Dr. Cara Riggs, my coach via NCUST, 2018-2019
- Dual Language Conference, 2017, 2018
- Asset-based Practices in Engineering Design (APRENDE): Development of a Funds-of- Knowledge Approach, 2018 - present
- Restorative Practices, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- AVID Institute, 1997, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021,2022
- National AVID Institute (Orlando, Florida) 2011
- QTEL Training (San Francisco, CA) 2011
- Master Schedule Building Workshop, 2008
- Professional Learning Communities at Work Institute (Anaheim), 2007
- Grading for Learning Training, 2007
- Management Leadership Team (District)
- Common Core Trainings (San Diego County of Education)
Top Five Strengths as identified by the Gallup Strengths Finder
- Connectedness
- Learner
- Arranger
- Relator
- Achiever
Accomplishments
- Employee of the Year, 2020 (MASD)
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Assistant Principal; Hilltop High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
07.2023 - Current
Principal on Special Assignment; State and Federal Programs
Sweetwater Union High School District
10.2022 - 06.2023
Principal; Southwest Middle School
Sweetwater Union High School District
06.2018 - 10.2022
Principal; Chula Vista Middle School
Sweetwater Union High School District
06.2014 - 06.2018
Assistant Principal; Granger Jr. High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
07.2013 - 06.2014
Assistant Principal; San Ysidro High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
09.2008 - 06.2013
Categorical Coordinator; San Ysidro High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
11.2007 - 09.2008
Teacher; San Ysidro High School
Sweetwater Union High School District
06.2005 - 11.2007
Teacher; Memorial Academy
San Diego Unified School District
06.1997 - 06.2005
Administrative Credential -
Point Loma Nazarene University
Master of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction
Chapman University
Bachelor of Arts - English and Spanish Literature
University of San Diego
Study Abroad Semester Program -
St. Clare's College
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