Take Five with Mauricia Estes: Assistant Principal of Carter School of Excellence

Take Five is a series that highlights some of the many members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our schools. If you know someone who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

In honor of National Assistant Principal Week, we’re excited to spotlight the incredible Assistant Principal Mauricia Estes at Carter School of Excellence! As a school leader, AP Estes is passionate about encouraging student voice, building teacher capacity, and strengthening connections within her school community.

AP Estes's career originally started in the private sector, but she pivoted to education in 2008 as a resident teacher with the Academy for Urban School Leadership and never looked back. After teaching at Morton Elementary School for four years, AP Estes spent another five years at Marquette Elementary, where she was a teacher, math coach, academic director, and eventually the assistant principal. Finally, AP Estes moved to Carter, where she has been the assistant principal for the last seven years.

Each of these school communities gave AP Estes incredibly valuable experiences, and she describes her time at each as a “total joy.” This joy is key to the way AP Estes shows up for her community every day—open-hearted, passionate, and ready for any challenge that comes her way.

What drew you to education?

My career started in tech, and I was the only African American and one of only a few women in my workplace. I looked around and wondered what it would take for there to be more people who looked like me doing this kind of work. I knew the talent existed, so where was the opportunity? I wanted to make a change. So, I took the leap to education, and I am so glad that I did.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The children! Being able to connect with the students and help them is such a joy for me. I love seeing what students are learning and helping make them make connections to how what they’re doing in the classroom applies to their real lives. And I’m so proud of our students, their kindness, and their ability to advocate for themselves. They show up every day ready to do the work.

How would your school community describe you?

Approachable, compassionate, and supportive. I’m known for my ability to bring the joy factor to any professional learning experience through ice breakers and creative activities. I’ve also been told that my calm spirit helps foster meaningful conversations, especially when it comes to problem-solving in the workplace.

What is a piece of advice that you wish you could give your younger self?

When you start second-guessing and doubting yourself, you have to be strong enough to feel that fear and just step out on faith and do it anyway.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love spending time with my husband and our eight-year-old son. We sit at the dinner table and we talk and laugh together every day. We love having dance parties. My family is a huge source of joy and inspiration for me. I also love traveling and reading!