Brittany Hughes is in her first year as principal of Sierra Verde STEAM Academy, a Deer Valley Unified School District K-8 school.

Learn more about the principal at this school focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math in northern Glendale:

• What did you chose to work in the district?
Before coming to Deer Valley, I always heard such wonderful things from staff that worked in the district. I knew that if they loved their jobs and working for the district, they must be doing something right and I wanted to be a part of it. As an employee of Deer Valley, I couldn’t be happier to work for such an amazing organization who puts students first while also focusing on teacher/staff well-being and connectedness. I have always felt like Deer Valley is truly a family.
• What do you like most about what I do?
I love knowing that I am making a difference every single day. The relationships that I can build in this role is the best part of the job.
• Where did you come from?
I am a native Arizonan, born and raised in Tempe. I began my professional career in Prescott Valley and eventually found my way back to the Valley.
• If you had picked a different occupation, what might it have been?
This is a tough one because I always wanted to be a teacher (after my dreams of being a Spice Girl didn’t work out) and I couldn’t imagine doing any other job. At one point, I began a program for clinical mental health counseling but my passion has always been in our schools.

• What I’m looking forward to the most this school year?
I always look forward to seeing the growth our students make throughout the year. Although April brings state testing, it also brings exciting community events like our annual STEAM night, movie night and so much more. Any time that we can showcase all of the fun we have here, and invite our community in, those are the times I look forward to the most.
• What is your vision for the school?
My vision is to continue to provide an extraordinary opportunity for our students to grow academically and digitally, but also grow socially and emotionally to become effective communicators and leaders.
• What is your favorite community cause and why?
We partner with so many amazing organizations that give back to our community. Each year, we raise money for check for a lump during Breast Cancer Awareness Month — which is special to us and our community. We are also extremely proud of our work with Packages from Home. Each year around Veteran’s Day, we make donations that go directly to our troops all over the world. This year, our eighth graders are going above and beyond to give back to our community through St. Mary’s Food Bank. They will be making a huge difference as they spend a day at St. Mary’s to feed our local families in need.
• What are your interests and hobbies?
Other than spending time with my incredible children, I am happiest when I am out fishing and enjoying nature. I greatly enjoy getting lost in a good book, when I have the time.
• What was the best and/or worst time of your life?
When I was young, my older brother suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury after getting in an accident. It is through this traumatic event that my life trajectory and perspective changed. During this time, a teacher influenced my life so greatly that education became a passion. I also began to get more involved in special education - volunteering in special education classrooms, at Phoenix Children's Hospital, and getting involved in the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona. I learned that the worst times in your life provide the most unique opportunities for growth and learning - developing passions that did not exist before. The shift in perspective I experienced as a young child is something I draw upon every single day as a principal.

• What are the trait(s) I admire in others?
I always admire those who demonstrate empathy and kindness. I love an innovative thinker who jumps at the chance to embrace changes that improve systems and ways of life.
• What people inspire you (and how)?
My third grade teacher from Elementary School inspired me to be an educator. I will remember her forever as the one who lead with kindness and cared about the whole child above all else. My brother inspires me every day through his resiliency. My children continue to inspire me every day to be a better person. I am also greatly inspired each day by the students and staff at Sierra Verde - they are the reason I come to work each day and love what I do.
• What is your advice to today’s youth?
Be present and make connections. Sit across from someone at dinner without your phone and listen to them. Dive with them into deeper conversation and give them quality time. Connect. The pictures and videos are nice, but the memories you can create without the phone will change your life.
• What is one thing you want students to know about me?
I don’t live at school. I get out sometimes.
• What is one thing you want parents to know about me?
Our goals are always the same — together, we can make it happen.