South Side Spotlight: Bonnie Salas

Editor’s note: This story was published via a partnership between KSAT and Live from the Southsidea new local and Latina owned magazine which works to improve and expand community relations by promoting events, stories and businesses.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Bonnie Salas has always had a deep passion for learning, which has shaped her personal and professional journey.

She began her academic path at Palo Alto College. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood from Our Lady of the Lake University, where she discovered her love for teaching and child development.

With seven years of experience in K-12 education, Bonnie Salas has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. This depth of experience led her into roles as a reading coach and instructional coach, where she focused on improving instructional practices among fellow teachers. Her commitment to leadership led her to pursue a Masters in Educational Leadership at Trinity University, a journey she completed in 2015 alongside a close-knit cohort of twenty professionals.

Her career took a pivotal turn when she became director of a small campus within Somerset Academies in Texas.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Bonnie Salas has always had a deep passion for learning, which has shaped her personal and professional journey.

For eight years, Bonnie led Somerset Academy Brooks, a school that serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Under her leadership, the campus flourished and programs such as Early College High School were introduced, allowing students to graduate with an Associate’s degree.

Bonnie’s journey was not without challenges. She worked full time while attending school and raising her first child as a single teenage parent. Despite the difficulties, she persevered, motivated by her parents’ belief in the power of education. After her father passed away while she was pursuing her studies, she continued, knowing that every achievement made him proud. Today, her husband and children are her biggest supporters, and they are proud to live and work on the South Side of San Antonio.

Although Bonnie initially did not intend to become a director, the encouragement of her mentors and the recognition of her potential led her to leadership roles. This support allowed her to make a significant impact on students’ lives. In addition to academics, Bonnie is deeply involved in her community and serves on several boards and committees to effect positive change.

Looking ahead, Bonnie remains committed to nurturing future generations of students and leaders, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. She believes in the power of education to open doors that may seem out of reach.

Connect with Bonnie on LinkedIn (Bonnie Salas) or follow her school on Instagram @brooks_bengals and Facebook @Somerset Academy Brooks.

This article originally appeared on Live from the South Side.

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