Take Five with Maria Vazquez-Listenbee: Assistant Principal at José de Diego Elementary School

Take Five is a series that highlights some of the many members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our schools. If you know someone who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Happy Assistant Principal Appreciation Week! This week, we’re excited to spotlight Ms. Maria Vazquez-Listenbee, the assistant principal at José de Diego Elementary School. She joined the school community at the beginning of 2025, and says the most rewarding part of her job is the hugs, excitement, and pure joy of working with kids in a diverse community.

Although school leadership wasn’t initially part of her career plan, AP Listenbee discovered her passion for education while working in her university’s Summer Bridge program, where she supported students from first-generation backgrounds who often face educational inequities. This opportunity pushed her towards the Teach For America program, which prepared her for her role as an IB Coordinator and, ultimately, as an assistant principal.

“Reflecting on my family's experience and my own pathway in education as a first-generation, Black and Puerto Rican student, I realized that while we work hard, we still face educational inequities that act as roadblockers,” she says. “My drive and passion are to ensure that my success in education isn’t the exception, and that all students like me are equally supported. Equity has always been at the center of my story in education.”

Learn more about AP Listenbee below!

What are some of your biggest priorities this school year?

Two main priorities we’ve been honing in on are restorative practices and uplifting student voice. This year, we’ve partnered with New Root to support our staff with restorative practices, and, as administrators, we also use these practices in our own communication to build student-centered learning environments. We continue to uplift student voice through opportunities such as the student council, student voice surveys, our upcoming involvement in the next To&Through Middle Grades Network Cohort, and much more.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I’d describe myself as a leader who is a “warm demander.” I hold this style true to how I show up with my students, staff, and community. I lead with empathy and really value building joy within my school community, but I also believe that being clear is being kind, so I’m big on transparency and keep an open-door policy because, at the end of the day, I’m here to collaborate and help everyone grow together.

What advice would you give to a first-year assistant principal?

I would definitely say rest. You have to pour a lot into this type of work, but you can't pour from an empty cup. Rest is vital in any work that involves social justice, equity, and communities. Every day, be intentional about finding little moments of joy, even on the hard days, because you can't cultivate joy in our students and our community unless we're cultivating our own.

What is your message to other school leaders during Principal Appreciation Month?

We are amazing, resilient, the unsung heroes of schools, and we cultivate magic every day. Sometimes, it’s easy to dim your own light when we are helping others shine all the time. Know that it’s okay to shine a little bit and to get your roses and your praises, because we work hard.

What do you like to do when you’re not at De Diego?

I love spending time with my two sons and my husband, who actually works on the CPS Talent team. We love to garden, run around, go to swim lessons, and spend time together with family!