Her Story
About Katie
Katie Pisciotta serves as the Principal of Penngrove Elementary School in Penngrove, California, bringing 14 years of experience in education and educational leadership. She began her career in education in 2012 and has built a distinguished record of fostering inclusive learning environments where students, educators, and families thrive. Appointed to her current leadership role in 2026, Pisciotta is committed to cultivating a positive school culture by building meaningful connections with students, staff, and families while ensuring the school's mission and vision remain at the center of daily operations and long-term strategic goals.
Before becoming principal, Pisciotta served as Associate Principal at Casa Grande High School, where she provided instructional leadership and supported student achievement through collaborative initiatives and school improvement efforts. Earlier in her career, she was Dean of Student Supports at Lawndale High School in Southern California, leading comprehensive intervention programs focused on MTSS, RTI, PBIS, restorative practices, attendance, behavior, and student success. She also served as an English teacher, Activities Director, English Department Co-Chair, Journalism Advisor, and ASB Director, developing expertise in curriculum, instructional leadership, teacher mentoring, and student engagement. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes relationship-building, collaboration, and empowering others to succeed.
Pisciotta earned a Master of Education in Teaching from the USC Rossier School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Sonoma State University. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, particularly young women who may not yet recognize their own potential. She believes in helping others discover their strengths and grow into confident leaders through encouragement, opportunity, and support. Recognizing the financial challenges facing California schools, Pisciotta advocates for creative, solutions-oriented leadership that transforms limitations into opportunities for innovation. She also encourages women entering educational leadership to prioritize self-care, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and build strong networks of family, colleagues, and fellow women leaders, emphasizing that lasting success is achieved through collaboration rather than trying to do everything alone.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building authentic relationships, leading with a servant leadership mindset, and maintaining a commitment to continuous growth. I believe that fostering meaningful connections with students, staff, and colleagues has been the foundation of my leadership journey, enabling me to create a positive impact while continuing to learn, grow, and serve others with purpose and integrity.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to believe in my abilities and step outside my comfort zone to embrace new challenges. Supported by mentors and colleagues who saw my potential, I learned that true professional growth happens when you lean into the unfamiliar rather than playing it safe. Their guidance not only built my confidence as a leader, but also taught me that continuous learning and women empowering one another are essential to driving meaningful success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to prioritize taking care of yourself. As women and especially educators, we often have a natural tendency to serve others and place their needs before our own, but neglecting our well-being can ultimately limit our ability to lead effectively. I have found that investing in my own health and personal growth has made me a stronger, more resilient leader. Remember that you do not have to navigate your career alone—surround yourself with a supportive team, lean on your family, seek guidance from other women leaders, and build a community that will encourage and empower you throughout your journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education, particularly in California, is navigating ongoing budget constraints while continuing to provide high-quality learning experiences for students. Although limited financial resources can be difficult, I view them as an opportunity to think creatively and develop innovative solutions rather than simply expecting educators to do more with less. Effective leadership is about finding ways to turn obstacles into opportunities, collaborating with others, and approaching challenges with the mindset that there is always a path forward to transform a "no" into a "yes."
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, service, empathy, connection, and balance are the core values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe that effective leadership begins with putting people first, fostering supportive and inclusive environments, and building meaningful relationships grounded in trust and respect. I also recognize that taking care of myself is essential, as maintaining balance enables me to lead with greater purpose, compassion, and resilience while serving others effectively.
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