(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Feb. 10, 2026) — El Paso ISD Assistant Principal Vanessa Carrasco of MacArthur PK-8 School has been named the 2026 Region 19 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA).
"I am honored to be named TEPSA’s Region 19 Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Carrasco. This recognition reflects the collective work of an extraordinary community of educators whose commitment to advocacy, accountability, mentorship, and student success defines Region 19.”
The peer-based honor recognizes assistant principals from across the state who demonstrate outstanding leadership and foster a culture of excellence for PK-8 students on their campuses.
“Vanessa has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and vibrant learning environment in her school community,” said TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart. “We are honored to celebrate her leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring Texas students thrive.”
Carrasco serves as assistant principal at MacArthur PK-8 School, where she supports students, staff, and families through instructional leadership, campus culture-building, and student-centered practices. She has more than 15 years of experience in education and said she is deeply passionate about developing teachers, advocating for special populations, and leading through intentional, transformational practices.
“I am grateful for the support of the MacArthur PK8 and Bobby Joe Hill PK8 families, as well as the guidance of mentors through EPISD’s Empower Fellowship and our Executive Principals,” said Carrasco. “I am especially thankful for the encouragement of my family, who instilled in me strong values and a commitment to leadership. My children are a constant source of love and laughter and remind me daily of the impact instructional leadership decisions have on students."
One TEPSA Region Assistant Principal of the Year will be selected as the 2026 National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Assistant Principal of the Year for Texas. Supported by Horace Mann, the national award recognizes school leaders who demonstrate excellence through programs that meet the academic and social needs of all students, build strong community partnerships, and set high expectations for staff and students.
Honorees will be recognized during the Legacy Leaders Celebration on Monday, June 8, in Round Rock, Texas.
Founded in 1917, TEPSA serves PK-8 school leaders across Texas and is a member-owned, member-governed organization representing more than 5,900 members who collectively support the education of over 3 million PreK-8 students.