Leaders

Our school leaders are passionate about education and are dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Prior to joining Tolleson ESD in 2022, Mr. De la Huerta served in the Isaac School District district for 13 years, first as a middle school math teacher, and later as an assistant principal in both elementary and middle school sites. He served the Madison Elementary community as principal of Camelview Elementary for two years. He also served the Glendale Elementary community first as a teacher from 1994 to 1996 and later as the principal of Desert Garden School for nine years. 

Joe De la Huerta was born and raised in Glendale, Arizona. After graduating from Glendale High, he attended Glendale Community College where he earned an associates in automotive science. Joe worked as a heavy-line technician for two years at Courtesy Chevrolet. After visiting his sister who was a teacher in Sunnyside School District in Tucson, Mr. De la Huerta knew that he was called to be an educator. He attended ASU West and ASU Main where he earned a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in bilingual education and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in math education and, finally, in educational administration and supervision.

Mr. De la Huerta has been married to his wife who is also an educator for nearly 30 years. He is the father of two adult daughters. When not working on school tasks, Joe enjoys working on cars and doing maintenance and improvements to his home.

Regarding his latest assignment as the Aztec interim principal, Joe states, “I’ve been blessed to work with many caring communities in my career. I’ve found that the PH Gonzales community—students, families, and staff—care a great deal about the success of our treasures and the future of Tolleson. It is a great privilege and an honor to be part of this story.”

Ms. Ortega, Assistant Principal

Ms. Ortega was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Grand Canyon University.

Ms. Ortega began her career in education with the Isaac School District in 2005. She taught first and second grades at P.T. Coe Elementary School from 2005 to 2014. In 2014, she became an instructional coach for the school and was promoted to assistant principal the following year.

We are honored to have Ms. Ortega as our assistant principal. Her passion for education involves providing an exciting, rigorous, safe learning environment for all students. She loves to inspire, engage, and encourage students to be the best they can be in and out of the classroom. She knows all students are capable of success—No Exceptions!

Outside of school, Ms. Ortega enjoys running, going to the movies, shopping with her mom, and traveling. Overall, she loves spending time with her husband and family.