Trent Heffner
Rio Rancho,New Mexico
Summary
Strategic and relationship-centered educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in public education, including 26 years in school administration and 22 years as a principal. Proven success leading organizational improvement, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, communications, talent development, and performance management initiatives. Recognized for building high-performing teams, fostering shared accountability, and aligning people, systems, and resources to achieve organizational goals. Experienced in developing partnerships with businesses, community organizations, elected officials, and families to expand opportunities and resources for students while creating cultures of continuous improvement that support student success and organizational excellence.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Joe Harris Elementary School
07.2019 - Current
- Launched and successfully established Joe Harris Elementary School during COVID-19 pandemic, creating systems, culture, staffing structures, and operational processes from ground up while navigating significant uncertainty and change.
- Provide leadership for strategic planning, budgeting, personnel management, instructional improvement, communications, stakeholder engagement, and school operations.
- Led school in attaining recognition as New Mexico Vistas Spotlight School every year
- Cultivated culture of shared accountability emphasizing continuous improvement in student achievement, staff growth, and organizational excellence.
- Led implementation of collaborative Professional Learning Communities, intervention systems, progress monitoring structures, and data-informed decision-making processes.
- Launched Less Scroll More Soul, focusing on fostering healthy technology use and enhancing family involvement through collaborative efforts with community partners.
- Implemented and led Love & Logic parenting sessions as well as additional family engagement programs intended to fortify connections between home and school.
- Fostered partnerships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders to enhance resources and opportunities for students and families.
- Recognized, enhanced, and strategically aligned staff strengths to foster high-performing teams and develop future leaders.
- Partnered with the Joe Harris PTO to build a highly engaged school community, helping generate nearly $200,000 in support of student programs, staff initiatives, and school improvement efforts over a five-year period.
Principal
Vista Grande Elementary School
07.2004 - 06.2019
- Provided instructional and operational leadership for a large and rapidly growing elementary school community.
- Led school improvement initiatives focused on student achievement, instructional effectiveness, organizational performance, and positive school culture.
- Directed personnel, budgeting, facilities, community partnerships, and implementation of district strategic priorities.
- Collaborated with district leadership to support strategic priorities and organizational goals.
- Developed teacher leaders and future administrators through coaching, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
- Strengthened family and community engagement through collaborative partnerships and outreach efforts.
- Facilitated parenting and financial literacy programs for families in collaboration with faith-based organization.
- Built strategic partnerships with local businesses and community stakeholders to secure resources and support the installation of playground equipment and athletic field improvements when traditional funding sources were unavailable.
Assistant Principal
Dennis Chavez Elementary School | Albuquerque Public Schools
07.2003 - 06.2004
- Supported instructional leadership, personnel supervision, student discipline, school operations, and school improvement initiatives.
- Collaborated with staff and community stakeholders to support student success and positive school culture.
Assistant Principal
Mountain View Middle School
07.1999 - 06.2003
- Assisted in managing school operations, instructional programs, staff development, and student achievement initiatives.
- Supported implementation of school improvement efforts and organizational goals.
- Authored the successful National Blue Ribbon School application, contributing to the school's national recognition.
Mathematics Teacher
Eagle Ridge Middle School
08.1999 - 05.2000
Pathfinder Teacher & Junior Varsity Basketball Coach
Rio Rancho High School
08.1997 - 05.1998
Math, Humanities, and Science Teacher
Lincoln Middle School
08.1994 - 05.1997
Education
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) - Education Administration
University of New Mexico
12-1999
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Secondary Education
University of New Mexico
07-1995
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Elementary Education
University of New Mexico
07-1993
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Improvement
- Shared Accountability & Continuous Improvement
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Performance Management
- Communications & Public Relations
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Family & Community Partnerships
- Talent Development & Leadership Coaching
- Team Building & Staff Development
- Change Leadership
- Employee Performance Management
- Public Speaking & Facilitation
- Verbal & Written Communication
Certification
- New Mexico Level III-B Administrative License
- New Mexico Teaching License
Timeline
Principal
Joe Harris Elementary School
07.2019 - Current
Principal
Vista Grande Elementary School
07.2004 - 06.2019
Assistant Principal
Dennis Chavez Elementary School | Albuquerque Public Schools
07.2003 - 06.2004
Mathematics Teacher
Eagle Ridge Middle School
08.1999 - 05.2000
Assistant Principal
Mountain View Middle School
07.1999 - 06.2003
Pathfinder Teacher & Junior Varsity Basketball Coach
Rio Rancho High School
08.1997 - 05.1998
Math, Humanities, and Science Teacher
Lincoln Middle School
08.1994 - 05.1997
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) - Education Administration
University of New Mexico
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Secondary Education
University of New Mexico
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Elementary Education
University of New Mexico
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY IMPACT
- 32 years of service in public education.
- 26 years of administrative leadership experience.
- 22 years serving as a principal.
- Led schools recognized for academic excellence, continuous improvement, and strong organizational culture.
- Founder of Less Scroll, More Soul, a community initiative focused on healthy technology habits and family engagement.
- Developed and facilitated parent education programs supporting student success, family engagement, and parenting skills.
- Collaborated with faith-based organizations and community partners to provide parenting education and financial literacy opportunities.
- Built strategic partnerships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, and community leaders to support schools and families.
- Experienced public speaker, presenter, and facilitator for professional development, parent education events, leadership training, and community forums.
- Known for identifying talent, developing leaders, building high-performing teams, and creating cultures of shared accountability.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 30+ Years in Public Education
- 26 Years in School Administration
- 22 Years as a Principal
- All Schools Recognized as High Performing Schools
- Parent Educator
- Proven Leader in Strategic Planning, Organizational Improvement, and Stakeholder Engagement
- Deep Knowledge of Rio Rancho Public Schools and the New Mexico Educational Landscape