Assistant Principal's Message

I am very grateful and excited to be a part of Nottingham as one of your Assistant Principals!  I hold a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and have been an educator for 18 years.

I can proudly say that all my years of experience have been with Spring Branch, and I do live by its core values.  As an educator, my experience ranges from teaching kindergarten and 3^rd grade, providing instructional interventions for PK to 2^nd grade, planning, delivering, and assessing instruction in all content areas for all elementary grades. I have also coached and assisted teachers with instruction and building student-teacher relationships.  It has been, and continues to be, an honor to be part of this great school district. 

On a personal note, Houston has been my beloved home since 2001, and I would not change it for anything since this is where I met my wife.  I have two teenage sons who love to play soccer. You can usually find me on a soccer field watching them play during the weekends.  Some of my hobbies include getting to know people, spending time with family and friends, and watching any kind of live sport.

My goal for this coming year is to support Nottingham’s mission of creating an inclusive, learner-centered environment where our students can become problem-solvers, engage in their own learning, and connect with other people so that they can achieve academic excellence.  My goal for teachers is to work collaboratively, learn together, and achieve excellence in teaching through the implementation of researched-based instructional practices.  Together, we will continue getting stronger as a team and guarantee a place for every child!

Parents, thank you in advance for entrusting us with your children.  I am looking forward to meeting you and creating a partnership where we meet your children’s interests so that they can find joy in learning, and we can equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful.  I cannot wait to meet your children and hear their stories.  As always, please know that I am only a phone call or email away if you have any comments, questions, or concerns. I am here to support you in every way I can.

Respectfully, 

Carlos Ortiz 

I am so happy that you are here, Knights! 

I have over a decade of experience as an educator and am passionate about building relationships and student achievement. I am excited about being a part of the Knight family where I can grow professionally and help students become T-2-4 ready. 

Spring Branch's core values brought me to the district, and I am thrilled to pour into every child to ensure that they have all the proper tools to be successful, outstanding citizens. 

The teachers at Nottingham show up each day for our students, and I am honored to be able to work alongside such an amazing group of educators.

Outside of NHE, I enjoy watching sports, reading, traveling, riding my Peloton, and spending time with family and friends. I'm married and have three kiddos who are all Nottingham Knights! 

I'm looking forward to building positive relationships with NHE students, staff, and families and serving our community. 

Let's go, Knights! 

Shalesha Smith