HISD recognizes Parisa Behzadi as Star Educator

Parisa Behzadi, the principal of Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary School, has been recognized as this week’s HISD Star Educator. Known for her enthusiasm and dedication to students and staff, Behzadi's approach to education aligns well with the cultural and linguistic diversity of Houston.

Behzadi's career began as a Corps Member with Teach for America at HISD’s Fondren Middle School. There, she served as an ESL teacher, primarily working with newcomer students, recent immigrants, or refugees. She founded the Newcomer Academy at Fondren to support these students before becoming principal of Baker Ripley Charter School. She later returned to HISD to lead Rodriguez Elementary.

Behzadi views all her students as “future global leaders” and emphasizes growth and progress among her staff. She utilizes multiple response strategies to maximize classroom interaction.

In an interview, Behzadi shared some personal insights:

- Favorite subject in school: World Cultures/Human Geography.

- Favorite book: “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson.

- Favorite thing about Houston: Its cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.

For the upcoming school year, Behzadi aims to push Rodriguez Elementary towards higher academic excellence in celebration of its 23rd anniversary.