Dallas ISD celebrates teaching excellence by recognizing outstanding educators who are making a difference in the lives of students every day. Meet 2022-202 Principal of the Year finalist Sandra Fernandez, Nancy Cochran Elementary School.
Sandra Fernandez is in her third year as principal at Nancy Cochran Elementary, her 16th year as a principal, and her 27th year with Dallas ISD. She began her career as a bilingual teacher at Peeler Elementary, followed by an assistant principalship at Cesar Chavez Learning Center, and a principalship at Bonham Elementary. At Bonham, she led her team to an award from the National Center for Urban School Transformation as well as the National Blue Ribbon from the U.S. Department of Education. Fernandez holds a bachelor’s in Economics from Southern Methodist University, a master’s in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and a doctorate in Public and Urban affairs from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a product of Dallas ISD, having attended Lipscomb Elementary, Lisbon Elementary, Oliver Wendell Holmes Academy, Adamson High School, and Skyline High School. Fernandez believes that all students should have the opportunity to reach their full potential and that putting the right people in our students’ paths can ensure their success not just in school, but in life.
View the full list of the 2022-2023 Principal of the Year finalists here.
