Vanessa Blackwood to Become Assistant Principal at South Pasadena High School

South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) has hired Vanessa Blackwood to serve as Assistant Principal at South Pasadena High School.

For the past 16 years, Blackwood has served as an educator at Crescenta Valley High School. She taught French for 15 years and for the past year worked as a Teacher on Special Assignment, creating a Restorative Practices and Wellness Center within the school. During her tenure as a French teacher, Blackwood also served as the elected Department Chair for six years.

Blackwood’s experience includes working with the Instructional Leadership Team and administrators on master scheduling and hiring. She also has created pertinent professional development opportunities for teachers and completed extensive training on Restorative Practices for students. She recently focused on building community between students, parents, and staff by hosting Parent Leadership meetings in the Wellness Center and also helped teachers create activities for students focused on social emotional learning. As a French teacher, Blackwood served as adviser to the student French Club and also worked closely with the World Language Curriculum Study Committee approving textbook choices and discussing best practices in the World Language classroom. Blackwood brings experience working closely with counselors, psychologists, and administrators in a team approach.

Blackwood earned a Bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She also holds a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Concordia University. She looks forward to starting her new role with SPUSD on August 1, 2022. Blackwood will fill the Assistant Principal position held by Janet Wichman who retired in July 2022.

About South Pasadena Unified School District

Established in 1886, the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) serves approximately 4,800 students within five schools including three elementary schools, one middle school and one comprehensive high school in South Pasadena, California. Nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley, SPUSD has earned a reputation for providing high quality public education, attracting families who value challenging academic programs and outstanding teachers. Consistently recognized for superior performance, SPUSD students earn honors at the local, state and national level. The District draws vital support from parents and community members through the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, local PTAs and booster clubs.

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, scarroll@spusd.net.