IDEA Walzem

After graduating, transitioned to San Antonio to attend Texas Lutheran University, where she later received a BA in Sociology and Psychology. After various roles aligned to her interest in child advocacy, in 2014, her passion for education led her to join the IDEA Walzem Academy team as a 1st grade co-teacher.

She knew this was a way for her to give back to an organization that had given her so much while she was a student. By January, she was promoted to lead kindergarten teacher. For 3 years, she closed the gap with her kindergarten students by getting them on track for academic goals by the end of each year. In 2017, Arreola was named Assistant Principal of Instruction at IDEA Walzem Academy, where she led teachers to increase student achievement across K-2 for the next four years.

Arreola transitioned to the role of Direct Instruction Program Manager in 2020. Over the next three years, she further developed her skill as a regional leader and coached Assistant Principals across the IDEA San Antonio region to achieve strong academic results for our students. She is extremely dedicated to IDEA’s mission of College for All. She knows firsthand what IDEA can do for families, and she is proud to be an IDEA Alumna as well as work for an organization that gives hope and support to families. She believes that her journey and experiences have led her to back to IDEA Walzem Academy to now serve in the role as principal.

His journey into education started at IDEA Pharr CP, where he taught middle school science for many years before returning back home to San Antonio. Upon his return, he taught Biology and Algebra I at IDEA Ewing Halsell CP for several years before transferring to IDEA Carver CP. After being part of the Cougar Team and Family for several years, he took the next step in his career towards leadership by becoming an Assistant Principal of Instruction. In this new role, he thrived by supporting IDEA Carver to receive consecutive TEA "A" Ratings, reach 30% AP scholars, and matriculation of 100%. This success than led him to be selected for the CAP and SPA programs to refine his leadership skills.

He became a member of our Wolf Pack here at IDEA Walzem in October of 2024, where he had the opportunity to learn from and support the College Counseling team towards their 90% TSI exemption. At IDEA Walzem, he has truly learned what it means to lead a pack. He has gained significant professional development in school leadership under the guidance and mentorship of current and former principals. Mr. Vasquez is deeply invested in fostering strong relationships with students and families. He is driven by his passion for growth and development of teachers and leaders, and student safety and learning are always at the forefront of hid decision making.

I obtained my Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University, but I decided to go into the field of education after realizing that I wanted to make an impact in my community. My journey here at Walzem commenced in 2016, when I was hired as an Interventionist for 6th & 7th grade. I have had 7 amazing years in the classroom. My passion for helping scholars reach their potential and challenging them while learning, is what keeps me going.

While I have had endless learning opportunities in my various roles as a teacher, my continued goal as an Assistant Principal of Operations is to instill confidence in scholars so that they will be able to communicate with others, seek further education or employment, and be involved in the community. It gives me great pleasure to know that I am impacting individuals, not only to help them reach their educational endeavors, but to also become effective citizens.

I love my job and enjoy working and collaborating with all stakeholders that help run our school efficiently to help teachers and students succeed and be safe. I believe every child is unique and deserves a caring, engaging, and safe atmosphere where they are given the opportunity to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially. As an Assistant Principal, I want to help students and teachers meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing a safe, collaborative environment.

Ms. Benavides manages all recruitment, enrollment, and onboarding for all new families for IDEA Walzem (K-12). She is passionate about leading all campus operations to ensure the instructional team focuses on leading instruction for every Walzem Wolf.