The Willow Glen Resident

Photograph by Skye Dunlap

Sunseri Shines: Anita Sunseri credits the staff of Willow Glen Elementary School with helping make her first week as principal a success. She says her goal is to 'be a well-organized school.'

New Willow Glen Elementary principal sees herself in a teacher-supporting role

Anita Sunseri relies on staff to help her learn about the school

By Mary Spicuzza

Willow Glen Elementary School's new principal, Anita Sunseri, is caught up in a flurry of end-of-the-day activity. As teachers and staff shuffle in and out of the busy office, Sunseri warmly thanks just about every one of them for their help in making the first week of school a success.

Sunseri even hugs her predecessor, Gloria Burns, and settles into her seat for a period of relative calm.

"I call her my better half," Sunseri laughs as Burns walks out of the office. "I don't know what I'd do without her. She's my mentor."

As Sunseri describes her team-oriented approach to running a successful school, it becomes apparent that she would describe just about every member of the school's 100-person staff with as much reverence as she does its former principal.

"My job is to learn this school, to learn its culture," Sunseri says. "I have a fabulous staff, and I plan to rely on them a lot. I see my role as one of support for the teachers."

Sunseri, a San Jose native and former teacher who has been working in school administration for 12 years, is embarking on her first term as principal during the regular school year. She was summer school principal at Almaden Elementary for several years, and during that time was assistant principal for Burnett Academy. She says she didn't always have her sights set on school administration, until the superintendent of the Mount Pleasant School District pulled her aside and encouraged her to take a leadership role in the education system.

As Sunseri describes her goals for the school, it becomes evident that her appreciation of teamwork is matched by a keen sense of leadership. And, speaking like a seasoned principal, Sunseri says her vision includes providing students with guidance through order and organization.

"My goal is to be a well-organized school where students can learn and follow the rules," Sunseri says intently. "Within that, I believe students can learn better."

While Sunseri wants to focus during her first year on working with the staff to constantly improve student achievement, she says she's already impressed by the existing discipline and enthusiasm she's seen during the first week of school.

"I'm basically just really glad to be here. ... I feel lucky to be working with a dedicated staff that truly wants to be here," the proud principal grins. "This is a fabulous opportunity for me."

On the horizon for the new principal is another new opportunity--she'll lead her school's group in the Founder's Day Parade along Lincoln Avenue on Sept. 20. "Another new experience for me," Sunseri laughs.

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