Meet Elizabeth Ward, the newly assigned principal for Sessions Elementary School. High energy? Check. Enthusiastic? Double check. Brings a can-do spirit to school every day? Triple check.

Ward was welcomed to Sessions from Canyon Hills High School (formerly Serra High) in Tierrasanta, where she was associate principal for six years. Ward is Tierrasanta through and through. Ward was born in Newport, R.I., but moved to and was raised in San Diego. She attended Tierrasanta Elementary, Farb Middle, and graduated from Sierra High.

Her fondest childhood memories are spending the summers back on the East Coast with her grandparents. Both her mother’s parents were teachers. “My grandfather was a high school teacher, athletic coach, and school headmaster or principal. I followed in his footsteps due to wanting to be just like him.

“My grandfather was energetic, kind, outgoing, and everyone loved him and I wanted to be just like that,” Ward said.

After high school, Ward attended University of San Diego for her undergraduate degree in communication studies. She earned her teaching credential and master’s degree in teaching from National University, and back to USD for her administrative certification.

After teaching all levels of high school English for 18 years, and coaching field hockey for 21 years, Ward was promoted to associate principal. Earlier this year, the opportunity to have a school of her own presented itself. She applied, and after 14 weeks as interim principal at Sessions Elementary, the assignment became permanent on April 11.

Ward’s goals for her school include creating a climate “where all students are achieving academically, feel welcomed every day, and that they belong here every single day. I am interested in creating strong partnerships with the families by being visible, easily approachable, and consistent communication. I am eager to lead the work the staff has started here at Sessions. “Sessions is an International Baccalaureate school so our vision revolves around our students embodying the IB Learner Profile and ensuring all students are experiencing equitable academic, social, and emotional success,” she added.

The title of International Baccalaureate (IB) school is used to designate a school, staff, and community dedicated to a unique instructional model and curriculum plan that emphasizes an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. All IB schools emphasize the development of a student’s learner profile: to be a knowledgeable, inquiring, open-minded, and respectful thinker. IB students will learn to communicate, take risks, act with integrity, and recognize their interdependence with other people and the world in which they live.

Ward’s daughter will turn 12 in August. “I am a single mom with a large village of friends and family. My favorite children’s authors are Kate Dicamillo (‘The Journey of Edward Tulane’), and Katherine Applegate (‘Crenshaw’). We have always had animals in our family. Currently, we have an 8-year-old black lab, Abby, and a 2-year-old golden retriever, Bo Bear.

“My parents live close to me and are amazing grandparents. My mom has inspired me to be a successful and confident woman in whatever I do.”

In both summer and winter, Ward enjoys the outdoors in and around Big Bear Lake. “I love to be on boats and on the water.”

Fun Facts about Elizabeth Ward

1.) Ward is conversationally fluent in Spanish. Her dream is to spend an entire summer in Spain.

2.) She is a member of the board of directors of Angel’s Foster Family Network.

3.) She played sports growing up. Her favorite sports are basketball, soccer, and field hockey.