Page 10 - Heroes In Education Program for Flip_Neat

George Fuentes

Principal of the Year - Elementary
Dearborn Elementary Charter Academy

George Fuentes brings over 20 years of dedicated service to public education,
having served as both an elementary and secondary educator, as well as an
elementary school site administrator. His professional journey includes roles as a
middle school and high school teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
students, as well as a DHH transition teacher, Program Specialist, Assistant
Principal, and Principal.

Mr. Fuentes earned his Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge, where
he also became fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). He went on to receive his teaching and
administrative credentials from California Lutheran University, where he also completed a Master’s degree
in Educational Leadership.

Currently, Mr. Fuentes serves as an elementary school principal at Dearborn Elementary in Northridge, a role
he has held for the past four years. As an educational leader, he is committed to fostering a safe, supportive,
and engaging learning environment for both students and staff. He collaborates closely with families,
educators, district leadership, and the broader community to ensure every student has the opportunity to
thrive academically and socially.

Kathy Jamison

Principal of the Year - Secondary
CHIME Charter Institute

Kathy Jamison has been in education for over 25 years. She graduated from CSU,
Northridge, with a degree in English and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in
Elementary Education. Prior to teaching, she had an extensive career in retail management but returned to
education to make it her permanent career. She worked for a private school as a 2nd-grade teacher and, in
addition to teaching, was the Assistant to the Principal. In 2006, Kathy received her Master’s Degree in

Elementary Education and an Administrative Credential from Grand Canyon University in Arizona. She joined
CHIME as a 2nd grade teacher in 2007. In 2013, Kathy was selected as Principal of CHIME's middle school.
She was a master teacher, training a number of CSUN student teachers embarking on their own educational
journey, and has always worked closely with the CHIME administrators. She believes that CHIME is a
community where all students, parents, and professionals appreciate and value diversity. "It is a privilege to
work in such an amazing environment."