Principal
My name is Gabriela Juarez-Casagran, and I am a proud first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in South Los Angeles. My journey with LAUSD began as a student at Lenicia B. Weems Elementary School, followed by Emerson Middle School and Los Angeles High School, where I was a magnet student.
I became a teacher assistant at Norwood Elementary School while pursuing my degree at California State University, Los Angeles. I started teaching as a bilingual sixth-grade teacher at John Adams Middle School where I spent eight years nurturing young minds.
I transitioned to Arroyo Seco Museum Science Magnet where I taught 5th and 6th grades. During my time there, I also served as the Magnet Coordinator for eight years and as the Categorical Program Advisor for one year.
I was privileged to work as a Title III coach at the Local District Central, supporting the Eagle Rock/Highland Park community. I also served as an assistant principal at Dr. Julian Nava Learning Academy in South Los Angeles, focusing on instructional leadership and student success.
As the current principal of Charles White Elementary and Visual Arts Magnet, I aim to foster an inclusive school environment grounded in respect, trust, and open communication with all stakeholders. I am committed to enhancing instructional leadership by supporting teacher development through targeted professional opportunities, empowering them to use data effectively to meet students' academic needs. Additionally, I am to strengthen our parents' capacity to support their children at home, ensuring our students are well-prepared for middle school and beyond.
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character----that is the goal of true education."
- Martin Luther King Jr.