Alum Named ACSA Administrator of the Year
A state organization serving 17,000 California educators named University of La Verne alumna Gina Zietlow a 2016 Secondary Principal of the Year, making her the second alum to be awarded by the organization in as many years.
Dr. Zietlow, Principal of Gahr High School in Cerritos, will be honored Nov. 11 by the Association of California School Administrators at its Leadership Summit in San Diego.
“I am overwhelmed by this honor and recognition,” Zietlow said. “It is amazing to be recognized for the work that I have loved doing during my 10 years as the principal of Gahr High School.”
Dr. Zietlow has worked at Gahr since 1994, starting as an English teacher and working her way up into leadership roles. She served as assistant principal from 2001 to 2006, and became principal in 2006.
While pursuing an administrative credential at the University of La Verne, Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Hansen encouraged her to also obtain a doctorate degree from the University.
“Some of the administrators in the ABC Unified School District had completed their doctorate at the University of La Verne and they shared with me the practicality of the learning experiences,” Zietlow said. “That is what sold me on the idea of attending La Verne.”
She earned her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership in 2011.
Zietlow said the University taught her the importance of collaboration, a practice she has carried into her leadership role.
“I learned that I needed to include others when building a vision and give people responsibility so that they are invested in where you are going,” she said.
Collaboration is a key factor in being selected as an Administrator of the year.
ACSA, which advocates for all kindergarten through 12th-grade public school students and adult learners, selects honorees based on criteria such as promoting student success in ways that are shared and supported by the school community and families. Honorees are also selected for responding to diverse community interests and use of new technology, among other factors.
Dr. Zietlow is the second University of La Verne alum to be awarded by ACSA since 2015.
Dr. Ron Carruth, Superintendent of the Whittier City School District, was named the Marcus Foster State Administrator of the Year last year for his inclusive management style and being a skilled manager for change. He earned a Doctorate in Education from the University in 1997.
