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Evolution of an Educator: Navigating Multiple Roles in Public Education
Shirley Barrera ‘03
Vice Principal at Lewis Elementary, 
Downey Unified School District 

Shirley Barrera ’03 earned her B.A. in Communicative Disorders from ºÚÁÏÍø and has dedicated the past 20 years to inspiring students and supporting educators. She began her career as a substitute teacher before moving into the classroom in 2006, where she taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. In 2015, Shirley became an instructional technology coach, helping teachers integrate technology into their curriculum through lesson modeling, coaching, curriculum planning, and districtwide professional development. In 2019, she joined the founding team of her district’s Dual Language/IB school as the IB Coordinator, guiding teachers through the development and implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and supporting the school through full authorization. 

In 2023, Shirley stepped into school leadership as a Vice Principal, where she now helps guide a vibrant elementary community of more than 700 students. She supports district initiatives, fosters positive school culture, manages student discipline, and strengthens partnerships with families. Beyond her professional dedication, Shirley is a proud mother of three—an aspiring college-bound senior, a high school track athlete, and a devoted baseball-playing seventh grader. She and her husband of 18 years, whom she met during her final year at ºÚÁÏÍø, are both proud alumni of The Beach.