“I don’t fit a cookie cutter. Our students’ needs aren’t cookie cutter, either.”
Jenise Wright has something to say – actually, several things as you’ll discover – about the 450-plus students and 15 teachers she leads as principal of Del Valle’s Early College and Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) High School, a Regions Bank community partner.
To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we visited with Wright, a lifelong educator, to learn more about the school, her passion for education and why she’s grateful to Regions team members for their support.
How do you describe Del Valle?
“We moved into our new building this year and it’s beautiful! Our culture is collaboration; we have deep roots in our community, we care about one another. We are an Early College High School of Excellence, and our students exhibit that excellence daily. They reflect our collegiate culture by knowing and meeting our expectations. I don’t have to be in the halls all the time because our students self-monitor. They’ll inform me if they see a peer not following our standards of excellence.”
You’re very open about your personal “why” of entering the education field. What inspired you?
“My childhood was hell, but it groomed and shaped me into the person and educator I am today. I grew up not feeling loved or cared about at home. At school, no one asked me about what was happening at home, and I was bullied by both girls and boys throughout elementary and middle school. My high school years were a little better because of a track coach who trained me in hurdles and cared about my well-being. He inspired me to attend the same college he did. I wanted to become what he was for me. People are my passion, and my goal is to see all our students the way he saw me.”
What are your priorities in your role?
“I am an instructional leader with the privilege of leading some of the best teachers in Central Texas. Our teachers are phenomenal. They inspire me to be the greatest me, and my focus is to guide them to be the same for themselves. When our staff soars, we can be the wind beneath the wings of our students helping them reach unimaginable heights.”
“This was our third year to have Regions team members teaching classes after I connected with Stephanie Perryman back in 2022. We started with our P-TECH freshman for work-based learning. This year, I said, ‘You know what? This is good for all kids to learn.’”
“My parents didn’t teach me about being financially responsible. The session the Regions team teaches allows our seniors to glean those insights before they leave our four walls. It’s giving them the necessary tools to make educated decisions about their finances when they attend college and enter the workforce.”
Misha Burkett (Regions Community Development manager) is phenomenal; we connected instantly. I admire her for traveling from Houston to help me pour knowledge into our students. I’m in awe she’s willing to do that for us.”
What are the greatest challenges you see for your students?
“Balancing high school and college classes. The workload is heavier than the traditional high school students, and there is a lot of anxiety that comes with it. We’re constantly training students on time management.”
Graduation season is approaching. You’ll soon be speaking at Del Valle’s commencement, and you’re known for inspiring and instilling self-confidence in students through some of your sayings. Can you share a few?
“Get rooted and grounded in who you are. Grow down, so you can grow up.”
“Be like an eagle! Wing up, lock up and rise up, so you can see all the possibilities around you – and soar, scholar, soar!”
“Keep your life sweet and simple by remembering your ABCs and 123s – Always Be Courteous and remember, you are the one 1 responsible 2 take care of 3 three things: your mind, your body and your soul.”
“I may not be good enough for you, but I am more than enough for me.”
“What does excellence look like in this situation?”
“Go forth and do great things.”