Sycamore Magnet Academy
Administration
Principal
Dr. Estela Salas-Sarmiento has served in public education for more than 25 years. She joined TUSD from Centralia Elementary School District where she served as principal of Raymond Temple Elementary School.
“I am excited to join Sycamore Magnet Academy as the new principal,” said Dr. Salas-Sarmiento. “I’ve loved teaching primary and middle school; the opportunity to lead a TK-8 school is a dream come true. I cannot wait to meet the SMA family and continue to develop world-class programs under one unified mission and vision.”
Dr. Salas-Sarmiento began her career in the Downey Unified School District, where she taught for 20 years, served as an English Learning Development (ELD) Coordinator, and led the ELD department for Sussman Middle School for five years. Prior to her current position as principal at Raymond Temple Elementary, she served as an assistant principal at Craig Williams Elementary school in the Bellflower Unified School District.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Salas-Sarmiento to the TUSD Family,” said Superintendent Mark Johnson. “She has a strong track record as a site principal, and her ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, parents, and the community is exemplary. I am highly confident that her attitude of service and willingness to form positive relationships with all stakeholders will allow SMA to continue doing tremendous work!
Dr. Salas-Sarmiento has a bachelors in Liberal Studies with Spanish minor, a teaching credential with a bilingual crosscultural authorization (BCLAD), a Master’s in Education: Multicultural Education, from California State University Dominguez Hills, a Doctorate in K-12 Leadership from California State University Fullerton, and a management certificate from Harvard Business School.
I am honored to serve as Assistant Principal at Sycamore Magnet Academy. I am committed to fostering an environment where each child feels valued, respected and loved. Our dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and innovative students all make Sycamore Magnet Academy thrive. As a “pack-minded” community, we inspire and nurture students to be tomorrow’s global leaders.
The 2020-2021 school year marks my 11th year in education and seventh year working for TUSD. I’ve taught first/second and fifth grade and have formally mentored new and aspiring teachers. I’ve also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) classes through Tustin Adult School, and created and taught a Parent Literacy program for Spanish speakers. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communications and master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Educational Technology. I’m excited to build relationships with our students and their parents to give our student body the best opportunities to excel.
email - yrivera@tustin.k12.ca.us
I am so excited to join the wolfpack at Sycamore Magnet Academy. I started my career teaching high school Physics, Earth Science, and Engineering for nine years. For the last seven years I have been supporting educators all over Orange County as a STEM coordinator at the Orange County Department of Education. As I transition back to being on a school campus, I am so lucky to be part of such a vibrant community. It is an honor to work with the students, staff, and families in the SMA wolfpack to ensure amazing outcomes for each of our learners.
email - mecasalino@tustin.k12.ca.us