Norma Barragan began her career at Dallas ISD, where she has dedicated 26 years to shaping the lives of students and educators. Growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents, she had limited exposure to higher education. She knew college could be the key to creating a better future for her family. While raising two young children, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Bilingual Education from Texas Woman’s University in 1998, driven by a desire to build a life of opportunity.

Barragan firmly believes that every child deserves the chance to succeed. Her philosophy is simple: education is the most powerful tool for change, and with the right support, every student can thrive. As a leader, her mission is to ensure that all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Under her leadership, Soto Elementary has transformed. The school improved from a “B” to an “A” rating, and parental involvement and community engagement grew significantly. Barragan helped launch Brighter Bites, providing fresh produce to families to eliminate nutrition as a barrier to learning. She also led Soto to become a Leader in Me Lighthouse-Certified School, emphasizing leadership, character education, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

Barragan’s innovative thinking and transparent decision-making earned her recognition as Region 1’s VIP Principal, a testament to her unwavering belief in the potential of every child and the importance of strong community partnerships.