Hempstead ISD proudly recognizes Talia Grundy, assistant principal at Hempstead Elementary School, as the recipient of the Superintendent’s Higher Heights Award for February. This award celebrates Hempstead ISD students, staff, and community members who go above and beyond to inspire students, support staff, and elevate the district’s mission of equipping students with the necessary tools to attain their maximum potential and prepare them for success in college, career, military, and life.
Grundy’s path to Hempstead ISD is one shaped by her dedication and work ethic. She first became familiar with the district while attending Prairie View A&M University. With 12 years of experience in Houston ISD and nearly four years in Clark County School District in Las Vegas, she returned to Texas in December 2021, serving as an ESSR tutor at Hempstead Elementary. By April 2022, she had stepped into a leadership role as an assistant principal.
Her proudest accomplishment at Hempstead ISD has been her efforts to enhance mathematics instruction through a hands-on approach. By sharing best practices and modeling instructional strategies, she has played a key role in improving teacher engagement and student success.
“The planning and collaborating I do with teachers helps increase student understanding, engagement, and achievement,” Grundy said. “Staff feel more comfortable presenting the curriculum and are better equipped to identify and address student misconceptions.”
Her impact is evident in the growing confidence of both students and educators, reinforcing her belief that education is the great equalizer.
Grundy is driven by a deep understanding of the power of learning. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring students develop the tools needed to succeed.
“If a student can think, research, and solve problems, they will possess many of the tools they need to be a productive citizen,” Grundy explained. “I work with teachers so they can push students to reach their full potential.”
Her leadership in professional learning communities has had a direct impact on classroom instruction and student achievement, demonstrating continuous growth and the definition of going to Higher Heights.
“Talia goes above and beyond in leading PLC meetings, ensuring they are purposeful, engaging, and focused on student success,” Hempstead ISD Chief Academic Officer Emily Vermeulen explained. “She prepares thoroughly, analyzing data, gathering resources, and structuring discussions so that teachers walk away with clear action steps. But she doesn’t stop there—she steps up as a leader on her campus, modeling best instructional practices and setting a high bar for quality teaching.”
Receiving the Higher Heights Award is a moment of reflection and motivation for Grundy.
“This award has allowed me to realize that I am making an impact on the lives of students through coaching and filling teachers’ toolkits with instructional and engagement strategies,” she said.
Looking ahead, Grundy is committed to helping Hempstead Elementary become a B-rated or better campus and increasing community awareness of education’s transformative power. She encourages fellow educators with a reminder that student mastery is worth the work and shares a guiding mantra:
"Good, better, best
Never let it rest.
‘Til your good gets better
And your better gets best!"
As Hempstead ISD continues striving for new heights, dedicated leaders like Talia Grundy serve as an inspiration to students, staff, and the community, proving that through hard work and passion, education paves the way to a brighter future.
If you would like to nominate someone who has made a significant difference or contribution to Hempstead ISD, please submit the nomination through the online Higher Heights Award Nomination Form.