TASA’s “Inspiring Leaders” tagline is not just a reminder of TASA’s commitment to leadership development; it describes our members themselves — school leaders who inspire others as they work to prepare future-ready students. Meet Dana Bashara, one of those Inspiring Leaders.
Dr. Dana Bashara has worked in Alamo Heights ISD for the last 22 years, serving in several positions, from fifth-grade teacher to superintendent, the post she’s held for the last two years. Because Bashara’s mother was an elementary school teacher and her father was a high school football coach, she was raised with immense appreciation for the public school system and was inspired to go into the field by watching her parents serve their students.
“I’m passionate about leadership development and love the opportunity to support leadership growth in our district starting with our teachers,” Bashara says. “I value the investment in leadership in our teachers to build capacity in our schools to shape school culture and transform the way we are currently educating our students. Our teacher leaders never cease to amaze me.”
Bashara is dedicated to leadership development beyond her district, as a participant in a Bexar County superintendents group along with her involvement in TASA’s Future-Ready Superintendent Leadership Network, the Texas Council of Women School Executives and TASA’s Texas Public Accountability Consortium. Through these connections, she is able to give and receive support that has helped her develop as a leader.
“Collaboration with these thoughtful leaders has been essential to building capacity in my own district, and has been critical to my own personal learning and growth as a new superintendent.”
Dr. Frank Alfaro, who serves as assistant superintendent for administrative services in Alamo Heights ISD, says Bashara is an inspiration in the district and beyond. “Her energy, passion and inclusive approach to doing the work makes TASA a stronger organization,” he says. With more than two decades of service in Alamo Heights, Bashara is exceptionally proud of her district. She says that the commitment and service she’s seen from the entire AHISD team helps keep her motivated, even when the job gets tough.
“I practice gratitude daily, and so when the challenges and stress come, I am rooted in all that is around me that is good, and right,” she says. “Yes, this career can be challenging, but it is in the challenge that great opportunity lies.”
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