Dr. Susan Van Zant built a career around helping schools improve — and she hasn’t stopped pursuing that goal in retirement. As ACSA’s 2026 Retired Administrator of the Year, she exemplifies that a commitment to educational excellence is not necessarily tied to a job title.

Over 27 years in Poway Unified School District, Van Zant served as an elementary and middle school principal, earning a reputation as an accomplished instructional leader. Three of the schools she led were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, and she was named a National Distinguished Principal. She also taught educational leadership at Alliant University and National University, extending her influence to future administrators. As an author, she wrote books focused on literacy and writing, sharing practical strategies with educators beyond her own campuses.

In retirement, Van Zant expanded her service rather than stepping away from it. She spent 20 years as a senior educational consultant for the Consortium on Reaching Excellence (CORE), working with educators in urban, suburban and rural districts across the country. More recently, she has supported reading coaches through CALI Reads, a grant-funded program in San Bernardino City and Stockton Unified school districts. She also serves as a curriculum reviewer for EdReports, providing school leaders with an unbiased source for selecting high-quality instructional materials.

An ACSA member since 1978, Van Zant has remained active in Region 18 for decades. She served as president of the San Diego Association of School Administrators charter and now serves as vice president of membership for the region’s retired charter. She also prepares the newsletter for retired administrators in San Diego and Imperial counties, helping members stay informed, connected and engaged. Her long record of service reflects a deep commitment to community, mentorship and professional connection.

The best advice I ever received when I first became an administrator was to be a servant leader who works to foster a supportive environment that encourages growth for every member of the staff, within a collaborative environment where everyone feels that they are a valued and respected for their efforts.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? Some life hacks that I would recommend for a new administrator are: Work ahead: Complete observations, budgets and forms well in advance of when they are due. When emergency situations occur, you will have the time and energy necessary to devote to solving the situation in an efficient, calm and organized manner. Staff collaboration: Work with all staff members to ask questions openly, and share ideas, skills and resources. When there is a high level of open communication and everyone is working together to ensure that all students are achieving, academic scores within the school increase significantly. Make a to-do list: An up-to-date “to-do” list will help to ensure that you are not overlooking a key responsibility.

Prepare for the next day: Before you leave your office, set up for the next day. When you come to school the following morning, you will be relaxed, ready and prepared to attend your administrative tasks and meetings.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I met my husband when we were 15 at a YMCA dance. We made a life plan at age 16. We got married when we were 19. We both worked full-time and put ourselves through Long Beach State College. By the time we were 25 we didn’t owe anyone any money, and we both had teaching jobs in Borrego Springs. We have been happily married for 65 years.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your career? I was assigned to one of the lowest achieving middle schools in San Diego County. With positive support, teachers and all of the staff members were encouraged to work together to raise the academic achievement level of each student. If someone had an idea I would find and submit a grant to fund the idea, provide materials, or support. Our staff developed a variety of class schedules, formats, organizational plans, and before- and after-school tutoring and clubs. In four years, Meadowbrook Middle School was recognized as one of the top 143 Blue Ribbon Schools in the entire United States. One of our students went on to win the National Spelling Bee! All because everyone from the custodian to the principal worked together in a collaborative manner to ensure that our students were successful in everything they did.

How has ACSA supported you during retirement? As a member of ACSA, I am able to keep current with educational trends, legislation, and issues facing current school [leaders] through EdCal and Leadership magazine. As a result, I am able to share ideas and help teachers and administrators throughout the nation work with their students to create a positive learning environment, and improve student achievement levels.