CARLSBAD— Carlsbad High School is set to welcome a new principal Oct. 20 following the Board of Trustees’ decision to select Joshua Porter at its Oct. 8 meeting.
Porter is currently the assistant principal at Foothill High School in Tustin, Calif.
“Dr. Porter is a well-regarded instructional leader with key attributes that align with CUSD’s mission and vision,” Carlsbad Unified School District’s Superintendent Dr. Suzette Lovely said. “He will be an asset to our team and a great fit for Carlsbad High School.”
Matthew Steitz, the current principal, accepted a promotion with Vista Unified School District as director of secondary education.
“It is an honor to be selected to lead this exemplary school, with its strong traditions, supportive community, and high quality staff,” Porter said.
Porter has experience as an elementary, middle and high school teacher in History, Math, Science and English, according to Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services Rick Grove.
Porter has experience implementing Common Core standards and with data driven instruction. He’s also led teacher training on the implementation of technology into the classrooms.
In his previous positions, Porter worked as a coach and CIF League President. He was involved outside of the classroom, including working with ASB and booster clubs to provide support and financial oversight, according to Grove.
CUSD is also celebrating Maria Teran-Cruz who was selected as one of five San Diego County Teachers of the Year at the 24th annual “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers.”
Cruz is a fourth grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, where she has taught for 16 years.
“It is an impressive accolade to be selected as San Diego County Teacher of the Year,” Lovely said. “There are over 26,000 dedicated teachers in the county. Mrs. Cruz is the first CUSD teacher to be recognized countywide as Teacher of the Year.
Cruz immigrated to the country when she was 18 years old and is a strong role model to the students, according to Assistant Superintendent Grove.
As part of a school wide fitness program, Cruz teaches Dance PE to the entire student body.
“Mrs. Cruz’s attitude and energy screams ‘I love what I do!’” Jefferson Elementary Principal Chad Lund said. “She is an asset to Jefferson and beyond worthy of this honor.”
A district selection program chose Cruz after a process of observation and interviews, according to Grove.
