Soila Cynthia Salinas
Edinburg
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Senior Assistant Principal with 7+ years of educational leadership experience. Committed to advancing academic excellence and student growth through strategic initiatives, data-informed decision-making, and strong instructional leadership. Recognized for fostering a positive, inclusive school culture and building collaborative relationships with students, staff, and families. Known for leading with integrity, inspiring excellence, and consistently delivering measurable results in student achievement and school performance.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Assistant Principal of Instruction
IDEA Los Encinos College Prep
McAllen, TX
11.2024 - Current
- Lead and support instructional efforts in College Prep, specializing in math and science, including AP and Pre-AP courses while also serving as the ELA API lead. Drive teacher development through strategic coaching, detailed feedback, and data-driven coaching cycles to elevate instructional quality and student achievement. Continuously analyze student performance data to implement targeted interventions, ensuring measurable academic growth. Manage the testing coordinator, overseeing all assessment processes while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and effective execution. Provide leadership support by mentoring and developing instructional leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Collaborate cross-functionally to align curriculum, lead professional development initiatives, and implement school-wide instructional enhancements that drive excellence. Led the lesson plan system and culture system at our school.
Sr. Assistant Principal of Instruction
IDEA Los Encinos Academy
McAllen, TX
07.2019 - 10.2024
- Lead and support K-5 instructional efforts, overseeing K-3rd grade self-contained classrooms, DI Point Person, ELAR, Reading Intervention, Hotspot, PE, and AR facilitation. Created and led the lesson plan system for the school. Implement coaching cycles to enhance teacher effectiveness, provide constructive feedback, conduct observations, and lead data-driven coaching conversations to improve instructional quality and student outcomes. Analyze student data to identify strengths and areas for growth, driving targeted improvements while collaborating with operations to ensure teachers have the necessary resources for success. Launched RTI as a founding campus and constructed and maintained a great system. Coached RISE and SPED programs to effectively support diverse student needs. Act as the primary contact for parent investment and communication, fostering strong family engagement and partnership in the educational process. As a founding Assistant Principal and Summer School Point Person for four consecutive years, played a pivotal role in shaping school structures and policies, leading professional development initiatives, and enhancing overall instructional impact. Additionally, engage families, oversee assessments, and mentor new teachers to strengthen school culture. Organize school-wide events, facilitate ongoing professional development, and monitor curriculum implementation to significantly enhance student achievement and foster a positive learning environment.
Teacher Resident, Kindergarten Teacher, K-2 Interventionist, Team Leader
IDEA Academy Alamo
Alamo, TX
12.2013 - 05.2019
- I started as a first-grade co-teacher, quickly mastering K-1 reading and language programs that contributed to goal achievement. Promoted to kindergarten teacher within a semester of being hired, consistently meeting instructional goals and leading after-school reading tutorials. Built strong relationships with students and stakeholders to drive success. Served multiple terms as Kindergarten and PK team leader, developing data trackers, PTGs, and attendance improvement strategies. Transitioned to K-2 Interventionist, deepening expertise in reading programs and supporting achievement gap closure. Pursued professional growth in school leadership, including DI training becoming a DI coach at the highest level.
Assistant Manager/Collector
Prestamos Del Rey
Edinburg, TX
04.2012 - 11.2013
- Managed customer accounts and ensured timely payments, addressing past-due accounts and developing payment plans. Excelled in customer service, handling in-person and phone interactions, managing various administrative tasks, and working with multiple software systems. Collected data, processed transactions, and performed field collections to ensure financial targets were met.
Administrative Assistant/Office Clerk
The University of Texas-Pan American
Edinburg, TX
02.2009 - 08.2012
- Supported the Music Department by managing data entry, creating schedules, and preparing various documents including agendas and memos. Directed departmental calls, handled correspondence, and maintained accurate filing systems. Enhanced organizational efficiency by managing communications and office operations effectively. Build on my customer service skills as I worked with college students, other departments of the university, and my superiors.
Cashier, Secretary, Team Leader, Assistant Manager, Store Manager
Aguilar’s Meat Market
Edinburg, TX
08.2005 - 09.2011
- Developed foundational customer service skills through various roles starting as a cashier and progressing to Store Manager, where I was responsible for directly engaging with customers and addressing their needs. Delivered exceptional service in a fast-paced environment, honing communication and problem-solving skills while managing customer inquiries, concerns, and feedback. Built strong relationships with customers by providing personalized service and ensuring a positive shopping experience, contributing to customer loyalty and repeat business. Gained experience in handling diverse customer interactions, from routine transactions to complex service issues, enhancing my ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively. Oversaw store operations, including staff scheduling, inventory management, customer service, and financial transactions. Developed strong leadership and organizational skills, contributing to a positive work environment and effective store management.
Education
Master of Education - Administration
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX05.2025
Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice
The University of Texas-Pan American
Edinburg, TX05.2013
Associate degree - Secondary Education
South Texas College
McAllen, TX05.2013
High School Diploma -
Edinburg North High School
Edinburg, TX05.2007
Skills
- Leadership and Management Skills
- Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans to enhance school performance and achieve academic goals
- Team Leadership: Experience in leading and mentoring teachers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment
- Instructional Leadership: Expertise in coaching teachers, improving instructional practices, and using data to drive educational outcomes
- Professional Development: Skilled in organizing and conducting professional development sessions to elevate teaching standards
- Instructional and Curriculum Skills
- Curriculum Development: Proficient in designing and evaluating curriculum that meet educational standards and address student needs
- Data Analysis: Strong ability to analyze student performance data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement
- Assessment Implementation: Experience in administering and interpreting assessments to drive instructional decisions and student support
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement: Effective in building and maintaining relationships with students, families, and the community to support school initiatives and student success
- Conflict Resolution: Skilled in addressing and resolving conflicts between students, parents, and staff in a constructive manner
- Public Speaking: Confident in delivering presentations and communicating with diverse groups, including staff meetings, parent conferences, and community events
- Operational and Organizational Skills
- Resource Management: Adept at managing school resources and ensuring that teachers and staff have the necessary tools and support
- Program Implementation: Experience in leading and managing school-wide programs and initiatives to improve student outcomes
- Event Coordination: Capable of organizing and overseeing school events, activities, and programs that contribute to a positive school culture
- Personal Attributes
- Visionary Leadership: Ability to set a clear vision for the school and inspire others to work towards achieving it
- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle a variety of tasks and respond to changing priorities in a dynamic school environment
- Commitment to Excellence: Demonstrates a strong dedication to achieving high standards of educational practice and student achievement
- Technical Skills
- Educational Technology: Familiarity with educational technology tools and systems that support teaching and learning
- Data Management Systems: Proficient in using data management systems and educational software to track student progress and performance
Accomplishments
- Delivered curriculum training opportunities to academic staff.
- Completed CAP: Systems & Procedures; Leading a Leader
- Completed SPA
- Graduated from RELAY
Certification
- EC-6th Grade Bilingual Generalists
- May 2015 – Present
- TEA, Completed 2023
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Professional Development
- Cadre of Aspiring Principals Program
- June 2024 – Present
- Participating in a structured program designed for aspiring principals to develop advanced leadership skills, strategic planning, and school management expertise.
- Engaged in networking opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experiences tailored to prepare for principalship.
- June – July 2022
- Completed 56 hours of professional development focused on key areas of instructional leadership, including:
- Leading an Equity-Centered Culture: Strategies for fostering an inclusive and equitable school environment.
- Coaching Adults: Techniques for effective coaching and supporting teachers and staff.
- Data-Informed Instruction: Utilizing data to drive instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
- Leading Planning Meetings: Skills for leading effective planning sessions and aligning instructional goals.
- Leading Weekly Data Meetings: Facilitating data-driven discussions to monitor progress and make informed decisions.
- Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing strategic plans to enhance school performance and achieve educational goals.
Timeline
Sr. Assistant Principal of Instruction
IDEA Los Encinos College Prep
11.2024 - Current
Sr. Assistant Principal of Instruction
IDEA Los Encinos Academy
07.2019 - 10.2024
Teacher Resident, Kindergarten Teacher, K-2 Interventionist, Team Leader
IDEA Academy Alamo
12.2013 - 05.2019
Assistant Manager/Collector
Prestamos Del Rey
04.2012 - 11.2013
Administrative Assistant/Office Clerk
The University of Texas-Pan American
02.2009 - 08.2012
Cashier, Secretary, Team Leader, Assistant Manager, Store Manager
Aguilar’s Meat Market
08.2005 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice
The University of Texas-Pan American
Associate degree - Secondary Education
South Texas College
Master of Education - Administration
Lamar University
High School Diploma -
Edinburg North High School