Administration
Principal
My name is Sharonda Brown, and I have had the privilege of serving as the principal of Ida Handley STEM Elementary for the past four years. It has truly been one of the greatest joys of my career.
At Handley, we believe that with hard work, support, and determination, all students can be successful. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to create a safe and welcoming learning environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe strong relationships are the foundation of learning, and that begins the moment our scholars arrive each day and are greeted with a smile.
Social-emotional learning is an important part of our campus culture. We intentionally foster practices that help students understand, manage, and work through their emotions while developing the skills needed to build positive relationships and make responsible decisions.
We also recognize that the world is constantly evolving, and our scholars must be equipped with lifelong skills that prepare them for future success. Through STEM activities and challenges, students at Handley develop leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will help them thrive in an ever-changing world.
Great things continue to happen at Handley, and it is an incredible honor to continue the work of transforming lives today for a successful tomorrow.
Your Proud Panther Principal,
Mrs. Brown
Assistant principal
My name is Vanessa Hernandez and I am so excited to be a part of the Handley STEM family to serve as your Panther Assistant Principal. I am proud to be a product of GISD. I attended Shorehaven Elementary Kindergarten-3rd grade, Kimberlin Academy 4th-5th grade, Austin Academy, and Garland High School. I still give a hoot! My children have all attended Garland ISD schools as well!
I hold a bachelor' s degree from Texas State University, a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, both from the University of Texas at Arlington. I have been in education since 2007 in Garland ISD. Throughout my years in Garland ISD I've worked as a bilingual 1st grade teacher, 4th grade and 5th teacher, interventionist, curriculum support teacher for Math, and Assistant Principal.
"Panther Pride, It's Inside!",
Mrs. Hernandez