May 2025 - Valerie Lara-Black

Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT May 2025

Welcome to the CO ALAS Membership Spotlight. Each month we introduce you to one of our many CO-ALAS members. Let’s see what they are doing and what’s on their mind!

This month we are featuring Valerie Lara-Black, Principal at Peakview Academy in the Thompson School District. Valerie shares her professional career and current bio below. You can read the diverse experiences that have led to her various leadership roles. One of our shining stars!

🌟 Career Highlights & Education

For over 20 years, Valerie Lara-Black has led and contributed to public education in a variety of roles. She began her career as a middle school Spanish and English Language Development teacher, then transitioned into school leadership. Valerie built her leadership skills in diverse school communities, first serving as an Assistant Principal at a K–8 Arts Magnet school, then at a high-needs K–5 elementary school, where she played a key role in moving the school from Priority Improvement to Performance within three years.

As a Principal, Valerie has focused on growing the capacity of her colleagues by mentoring peers, facilitating professional learning, and leading district-wide committees. In 2023, she opened Peakview Academy in the Thompson School District—a consolidated Early Childhood through 8th grade school—serving over 600 students in a socioeconomically and culturally diverse community.

Valerie is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity at the University of Colorado, Denver. Her doctoral research explores how Professional Capital and Community Cultural Wealth influence Latinx school and district administrators' decisions to remain in leadership roles.

The daughter of migrant farm workers, Valerie takes deep pride in her accomplishments, which honor her family's sacrifices and values. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and a belief that education serves as a powerful tool for self-empowerment. As a mother, Valerie hopes to pass this drive on to her children, who are her inspiration and loudest cheerleaders!

✨ What is exciting about my job?

My job is exciting because no two days are the same. In an EC–8 school, I might move from supporting a 13-year-old with Algebra or navigating a friendship issue to helping a kindergartener find their missing lunchbox. I thrive on coaching and supporting teachers as they discover their strengths in the classroom—an experience that varies by content area, grade level, and even the day of the week. I’m also fortunate to work alongside an incredible team, both at my school and within our broader administrative network.

🧠 Words from a consejero/a

A consejero once asked me, “Are you an apple or an onion?” In other words, do you know your core, or do you have so many layers that, when peeled back, there's nothing left? That question stayed with me. When you know your core, you know what to lean into when things get hard. It becomes your compass—guiding tough decisions, courageous conversations, and your most challenging moments.

💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?

Leading in education is challenging because we are entrusted with society’s most precious asset—our children. Keep this in mind during both the high points and the hard moments. Be open to learning, willing to be challenged, and committed to celebrating yourself and others—even the small wins. These practices will sustain you.

☀️ If you catch me outside the office, you'll find...

…me reading or listening to podcasts on research and professional growth—or outside playing with my kids or spending time with my mom-squad.

🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?

CO-ALAS has enriched my life both personally and professionally. I've reconnected with old friends and built new relationships that bring joy and encouragement. The conferences and learning opportunities have deepened my professional growth, and the leadership experiences I've gained have impacted not only my own school but schools across Colorado. CO-ALAS creates space for current and aspiring Latinx educators to connect, collaborate, and grow—ensuring our children see strong, visible role models for generations to come.