FORT WORTH, Texas–Michelle Heilig is proud to be a part of the ILTexas community. The Woodhaven K-8 principal has been with the charter since its inception in 2012, crediting its mission as her reason for joining.

“The part of the mission that talks about building character and servant leadership . . . that wasn't really something that I saw really being emphasized in ISDs and so that's what brought me [to ILTexas],” she said. 

Heilig’s journey with the charter began at ILTexas Garland High School where she was a teacher. She later served as the middle school assistant principal for the Keller K-8 and Grand Prairie K-8 campuses before becoming principal of Woodhaven K-8 in 2019. 

For Heilig, being a principal is both a challenge and responsibility, however, she strives to make sure students, families, and staff get the most out of their time at the charter. 

“Any principal will tell you that [the role is] something that we take very seriously,” she said.

“I try to make sure that I'm doing the things that are helping everyone to have a good positive experience when they're here at the school.” 

When asked what she loves about being at the charter, she highlighted its trilingual curriculum. 

“I love what we stand for and what we're able to provide students, which is a unique learning opportunity where we're focusing on language and leadership.”

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