Description

Misty Her first entered Fresno Unified as a first grader, learning English as a second language. Her family was among hundreds of thousands of Hmong refugees who came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War.

She’s dedicated her career to giving back to the district where she grew up, starting as a bilingual instructional aide, then a teacher, principal, and deputy superintendent. In May, the school board appointed her as the new interim superintendent of Fresno Unified. She is the first woman to lead the district since its inception in 1873, and the first Hmong person, in a district where 10% of English learners speak Hmong at home.

What challenges does Her face in leading the third-largest school district in California? Why does her appointment as interim superintendent matter?

Guests:

• Bob Nelson, Outgoing superintendent, Fresno Unified School District
• Misty Her, Interim superintendent, Fresno Unified School District
• Lasherica Thornton, Reporter, EdSource

Read more from EdSource:

• Fresno’s first female leader vows to address the needs of each student
• From Fresno Unified to Fresno State: Bob Nelson finds another way to serve
• Politics, threats, agendas have permeated search for Fresno Unified superintendent, many say
• Community outrage leads to changes in Fresno Unified superintendent search

Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.