Meet Valor’s new Principal and Assistant Principal for the 25-26 school year; Mr. Chris Gooden and Mrs. Mary Lizarraga. They both come to us with extensive experience as teachers, coaches, and administrators.
Mr. Gooden, Principal
Mr. Gooden comes to Valor with 27 years of service in education. Mr. Gooden graduated from Ohio University with a BSEd. in Elementary Education in 1998. Christopher also has Master’s degrees in English and Educational Leadership. Over the past 27 years, he has worked in elementary and secondary schools as an English teacher, PE teacher, football and wrestling coach as well as assistant principal and principal in both middle school and high schools in Gilbert, Florence, Phoenix Union, and Fowler. Mr. Gooden emphasizes stewardship in education as well as the importance of effort and engagement in all aspects of the educational experience. Mr. Gooden is honored to become a member of Valor Preparatory Academy.
Mrs. Lizarraga, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Lizarraga is excited to begin this next school year at Valor Prep Academy and to be part of a community that values growth, diversity, and student success. She has been an educator for twenty-five years, serving in various roles including special education teacher, mentor, instructional coach, and administrator. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work closely with students with special needs, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse students and families—including immigrants, refugees, and community-based organizations. Her goal is to guide students in exploring and developing their intellectual, artistic, physical, academic, and social potential.