The Hirsch Elementary Principal Says Her Work Is Personal Because She Once Walked the Same Halls
For Natasha Williams, Hirsch Elementary has always been more than just a school. It’s where she grew up, where she learned to love education, and now, where she leads as principal.
Williams recently shared her story with San Antonio ISD, recalling the childhood ritual of riding her bike to Hirsch at the start of each school year to check class rosters on the front doors. “My mom wanted me to be with a particular teacher. But they were all strong teachers,” she said. “I loved it at Hirsch. I loved my teachers.”
Today, she places the same trust in the school by enrolling her own kindergarten-aged son. “That’s just how much I believe in the teachers here and the work we are doing here,” she said.
Her connection to Hirsch began in second grade when her family moved to the Dellcrest neighborhood. From there, she attended Davis Middle School and Sam Houston High School before heading to Texas State University. Though she originally planned to pursue law, her work in social services drew her toward children and families. That passion led her into teaching.
Williams began her career at Cameron Elementary in 2007, teaching second and third grades for eight years. She later served as an instructional dean at Booker T. Washington Elementary and moved into administration as an assistant principal at Maverick Elementary. Five years later, she was offered the opportunity to return to Hirsch, where she served two years as assistant principal before stepping into the principal role.
“Coming back was like coming home,” Williams said. “When I see my students, I see myself. They walk the halls I walked and sit in the classrooms where I sat.”
That perspective guides her daily leadership. Each morning, she makes it a point to connect with students, greeting them at the door or visiting classrooms. “I try to make sure they understand the purpose of them being here,” she said.
Teachers remain at the center of her focus as well. “Teachers here made the difference for me as a kid,” she said. “So I’m constantly telling them, ‘It’s you. They’re here to see you.’”
For Williams, the mission is both personal and urgent: ensuring every child builds a strong foundation in reading and math. “Our students’ lives depend on those skills,” she said. “Being a school leader is a calling. I’m here for a purpose, and I want to make the biggest impact.”
