Ayer Introduction

Gaspar de Portola Middle School: Principal

Elizabeth “Listy” Gillingham has been principal at de Portola Middle School in the San Diego Unified School District for the past three years. Listy earned her B.A. and single-subject teaching credential from San Diego State University , as well as an M.A. and administrative credential from United States International University in San Diego . Listy started her education career as a middle level mathematics teacher in 1983. She progressed to high school ten years later and then worked as a resource teacher on special assignment at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), supporting the intern program. As a teacher-leader, she has given presentations in over 25 states on successful math strategies. Listy served as a vice principal for four years at the high school level and has enjoyed having a balanced career in secondary education.

Listy believes that the success of de Portola lies in the partnership between the teachers, parents and students. The school culture is designed around providing an outstanding academic and social environment that meets the needs of every child. Collaboration between the teachers and the administrative team is what makes de Portola special, as everyone has an open-door policy. Teachers participate in lesson study, peer observations, department meetings and collaboration on both formal and informal bases. Clubs, mentoring programs, weekly staff development, master schedules designed to meet the needs of all students, and high expectations for all keep the school moving towards a continuous improvement philosophy.

Listy's high energy and positive approach to education contribute to de Portola's success as she provides a vision that supports what's best for children in every decision made. She loves middle level students and is an advocate for the middle school philosophy. Since students are in transition from grades six through eight, having a blend of elementary and secondary teachers working with them helps build their confidence while preparing them for high school. De Portola supports this transition by creating a culture and climate that teaches students how to get involved in school (clubs and sports), how to work with more than one teacher, how to use counselors and administrators to help them deal with others, and how to cope with whatever issues develop during their pre-teenage and teenage years.

California League of Middle Schools
6615 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 120, Long Beach, California 90803
Voice: 562/430-3136 or 800/326-1880 . . . FAX: 562/430-5607. . . E-Mail: info@clms.net