New La Jolla Elementary School Principal Rebecca Vogel is used to adapting.
Growing up in a military family, Vogel shuffled between the East Coast and Europe every two to three years.
Living among different cultures and demographics, Vogel broadened her perspective on the world. But no matter where she moved, school became a safe space for her, she said.
“My one … thing I knew was always going to be [there] no matter where I was was school,” Vogel said. “It didn’t matter what country I lived in, it didn’t matter what type of school I went to, it didn’t matter what the culture was. I was always in school, and I loved school.”
Though the faces and places changed, “my parents raised me to always show up for whoever you’re with and to respect them for who they are and what they bring,” she added.
Vogel recently made the move to La Jolla from Cabrillo Elementary School in Point Loma, where she was principal for six years.
Overall, Vogel is in her 27th year in education, including 16 as a teacher and the past 10 in administrative roles.
“I really loved that community and I loved that school,” Vogel said of Cabrillo Elementary. “It was my first principalship, so it’s like having your first class — your heart is always going to be connected. … We did a lot of great things over there as a team.”
When the listing for the La Jolla Elementary job came up, Vogel felt compelled to apply.
“I was just excited to try something that might’ve been a little bit out of my wheelhouse of what I would normally do,” she said.
The search for a new leader at La Jolla Elementary began in early February after then-principal Stephanie Hasselbrink announced her departure to take another role in the San Diego Unified School District.
Juan Romo, a retired mentor principal — one who guides and supports new or aspiring principals — stepped in as interim principal.
The announcement of LJES’ new principal came in March, and Vogel held a meet-and-greet with members of the school community March 17. She officially began the job 10 days later.
“We are thrilled to welcome … Rebecca Vogel to the La Jolla Elementary community,” San Diego Unified Area C Superintendent Mitzi Merino said in a statement. “She brings a deep commitment to ensuring every student is … supported, along with a strong track record of building positive school cultures grounded in relationships, high expectations and belonging. Her leadership aligns closely with our district’s goals, and we are confident she will continue La Jolla Elementary’s tradition of excellence.”
With multiple options on the table, Vogel elected to start at LJES before the summer break.
“I felt that coming into La Jolla early would really give me the time to get to know … my students, staff and families, build relationships and really know what we need,” she said. “And try to establish that now so we can really start the [next] school year strong.”
Rebecca Vogel (right) catches a Padres game with La Jolla Elementary School staff members. She says teamwork is one of her top priorities as a principal. (Provided by Rebecca Vogel)
Asked about her priorities as a principal, Vogel said she looks to provide robust opportunities for students and to focus on children as a whole — from academics to social and emotional wellness.
In a letter to LJES staff, students, families and other residents, Vogel expressed excitement about joining a “close-knit school community” and emphasized the importance of creating an environment “where every student is known, valued, challenged and supported to reach their fullest potential.”
She also preaches a team-first approach, she told the La Jolla Light.
“It’s not about me,” Vogel said. “It’s really about our team and where we’re going and what we want. So we’re beginning to have those conversations, and we’ll build.”
Away from school, Vogel is an avid Padres and Chargers fan. She also likes spending time with her family, reading, traveling, walking and going to the beach. ♦