Shows
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast18. “Future-Ready Santa Ana”—A Conversation with Our New Superintendent, Dr. Lorraine PérezStart with heart, stay with purpose, and make the system work for every learner—that’s the through-line of our conversation with Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Pérez. We open up about the values that steer her leadership—future generations, trust, and authenticity—and how “clarity is kindness” shapes a focused plan for student success across Santa Ana Unified.We dig into the three academic priorities that anchor our work: early literacy by third grade, English learner progress with reclassification by fifth grade when possible, and college and career readiness that gives every graduate real options. You’ll hear how the gr...
2025-10-2730 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast17. Bridging Creativity and Technology in Education: Eric Timmons and the Power of AI in the Arts Classroom, Part 2Ever had a student ready to abandon a passion project because they were overwhelmed by technical challenges? Eric Timmons, CTE, Film and ELA teacher at Santa Ana High School, shares a powerful story about using AI to save a student's documentary on gentrification - just one example of how artificial intelligence is transforming classroom possibilities.From accidentally discovering AI's creative potential while writing songs about "private buffets" during a trip to Sri Lanka to revolutionizing his classroom management with AI-generated rubrics, Eric takes us on a journey that challenges conventional thinking about technology in education. Rather than...
2025-03-1421 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast17. Bridging Creativity and Technology in Education: Eric Timmons and the Power of AI in the Arts Classroom, Part 1Eric Timmons takes us on a transformative journey through the world of educational filmmaking, revealing how authenticity and student voice are reshaping career pathways for underrepresented youth in Santa Ana.The story begins with a pivotal moment of pedagogical humility—when students rejected Timmons' theater program, he asked why instead of doubling down. This simple act of listening launched a revolutionary approach to education that now thrives as the Saintly Film Academy CTE pathway at Santa Ana High School. The four-year program blends English language arts with progressive film production skills, creating cohorts of students who move th...
2025-03-0723 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast16. Welcoming All: SAUSD's Immigration Support Plan [English]SAUSD is actively ensuring that every student and family, regardless of immigration status, feels safe and empowered through the implementation of its Immigration Support Plan. This episode highlights the district's commitment to creating a welcoming environment, legal supports, mental health resources, and active engagement with families to navigate the complexities of immigration.• Overview of SAUSD's Immigration Support Plan • Importance of the board resolution for community safety • Legal frameworks ensuring students' rights • Training staff for immigration-related inquiries • Engaging families and providing resource access • Navigating educational systems for undocumented students • Mental health supports available for studen...
2025-02-1920 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast16. Bienvenida a todos: Plan de apoyo a la inmigración del SAUSD [Español]SAUSD garantiza activamente que cada estudiante y familia, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, se sienta seguro y empoderado a través de la implementación de su Plan de Apoyo a la Inmigración. Este episodio destaca el compromiso del distrito de crear un ambiente acogedor, apoyo legal, recursos de salud mental y participación activa con las familias para navegar las complejidades de la inmigración.• Descripción general del Plan de Apoyo a la Inmigración del SAUSD • Importancia de la resolución de la junta para la seguridad de la comunidad • Marcos legales que gara...
2025-02-1920 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast15. Preparing and Supporting Our Students for the Future: High School Inc. and the Power of Community Partnerships, Part 2Explore the future of education with Felix Lugo and Mark McLaughlin from High School Inc., and discover how they're revolutionizing learning through work-based experiences. Listen as Felix shares their collaboration with business partners to align classroom teachings with industry needs, empowering students with relevant skills and real-world exposure. From using industry-standard tools to engaging with professionals like CEOs and chefs, High School Inc. bridges the gap between education and the workforce, preparing students for success. This episode promises to enlighten you on how staying current with industry trends and technology shapes the educational landscape.Witness the transformative...
2024-11-1519 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast15. Preparing and Supporting Our Students for the Future: High School Inc. and the Power of Community Partnerships, Part 1Unlock the secrets of transforming education and community in Orange County with Felix Lugo, Executive Director, and Mark McLaughlin, Board President of High School Inc. This episode promises to leave you inspired as we explore how their innovative partnership with the Santa Ana Unified School District and the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce has expanded from impacting just 90 students in 2006 to over 1,700 today. Discover the diverse academies in culinary, healthcare, automotive, new media, global business, and engineering, and how these pathways not only prepare students for the workforce but also build a strong community foundation. Felix and Mark share...
2024-11-0925 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast14. A Champion for Justice and Equality: Dorothy Mulkey’s Trailblazing Path from Local Activist to National Civil Rights HeroWhat fueled an 84-year-old grandmother from Santa Ana to take on the US Supreme Court in a fight for housing equality? Hear the powerful journey of Dorothy Mulkey, whose childhood in Kentucky's tight-knit school community instilled values of justice and equality that would later shape her activism. From her choice to join the Navy to facing racial segregation in Santa Ana’s Little Texas, Dorothy recounts the pivotal moments that set her on a courageous path against Proposition 14.Discover the grit and resilience that carried Dorothy through a four-year legal struggle, all while being a new mother fa...
2024-09-2737 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast13. Empowering the Next Generation: Gerry Correa on Innovation, Resilience, and Leadership, Part 2Discover the revolution in school culture as we engage with Gerry Correa, Principal of Carr Intermediate School, who shares his journey towards creating an environment where every student's efforts and personal development are celebrated. In our conversation, we unveil the subtle yet impactful changes in aesthetics and the powerful practice of daily affirmations that have transformed Carr into a community where open communication and support thrive. Learn how embracing innovation and a forward-thinking philosophy are pivotal for educators to stay on the cutting edge, and why the traditional confines of a classroom no longer limit the scope of learning.
2024-04-1227 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast13. Empowering the Next Generation: Gerry Correa on Innovation, Resilience, and Leadership, Part 1Once a skeptic, now a believer, Gerry Correa joins us to unveil the remarkable impact AI has had on his life and career in education. His story, from navigating language barriers and stereotypes to becoming the principal of Carr Intermediate School, strikes at the heart of perseverance. Together, we unearth the power of technology, as Gerry recounts how ChatGPT transformed his approach to writing accreditation reports—proving that AI can indeed be a formidable ally in the realm of education.Our conversation takes an emotional turn as Gerry shares the story of the teacher who saw a sp...
2024-03-2926 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast12. Roots of Resilience: Strengthening Families and Communities, Part 2In part two of our conversation with SAUSD's FACE team, we unlock the treasure trove of cultural wealth and knowledge lying in the heart of our communities with Lisa Solomon and Elisa Briseño-Sandoval, who illuminate the paths to asset-based community engagement in education. This heartfelt conversation celebrates a collective endeavor towards inclusive school-community partnerships, where the richness of family elements is interwoven into student-focused events. You'll be inspired by stories of communities coming together, embracing equity, and empowering one another to lead in the technological and educational frontier looming ahead.Feel the warmth of trust-building as w...
2024-03-2225 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast12. Roots of Resilience: Strengthening Families and Communities, Part 1Unlock the secrets to building a thriving educational community with Lisa Solomon and Elisa Briseño-Sandoval, the trailblazing leaders of the FACE team at Santa Ana Unified School District. Our conversation is a celebration of engagement, uncovering the innovative strategies that are connecting schools with families and community partners alike. Discover how the FACE team is championing parental voices, ensuring their inclusion in the decision-making fabric of their children's education, and seamlessly weaving the Eight Dimensions of Wellness into the heart of their programs.Step into our collaborative learning space as we illuminate the cultural wealth and a...
2024-03-1525 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast11. Foresight in Leadership: Jerry Almendarez's Vision for SAUSD's FutureEmbark on an inspiring exploration with Jerry Almendarez, the trailblazing superintendent of SAUSD, as he shares the riveting tale of his voyage through the realms of educational leadership and technological innovation. Engage with his vision of a future where AI and blockchain are not just buzzwords but critical tools in levelling the academic playing field. Jerry opens up about his evolution as a leader, his efforts in amplifying the voices of students, teachers, and the community, and the delicate art of balancing tech-savvy solutions with the irreplaceable value of human connections.Feel the pulse of change as...
2024-03-0839 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast10. Crafting Characters, Changing Lives: Inside Ernesto Cisneros’s Creative Mind, Part 2Ever wondered how stories of resilience and struggle can inspire young minds? Here's a golden chance to peek into the diary of Ernesto Cisneros, an acclaimed author and educator, as he reveals how his personal journey has shaped his writing. He shares his trials in getting published, the significance of diverse representation in literature, and how his narratives have made a profound impact on students, propelling them to dream big and find their own voice.Engage with Ernesto as he navigates through a myriad of themes ranging from overcoming self-doubt to addressing complex topics in children's books...
2023-12-1524 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast10. Crafting Characters, Changing Lives: Inside Ernesto Cisneros’s Creative Mind, Part 1Ever wondered how stories of resilience and struggle can inspire young minds? Here's a golden chance to peek into the diary of Ernesto Cisneros, an acclaimed author and educator, as he reveals how his personal journey has shaped his writing. He shares his trials in getting published, the significance of diverse representation in literature, and how his narratives have made a profound impact on students, propelling them to dream big and find their own voice.Engage with Ernesto as he navigates through a myriad of themes ranging from overcoming self-doubt to addressing complex topics in children's books...
2023-12-0827 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast9. In His Own Time: The Eric Salcedo Timeline to TriumphImagine the challenge of transferring to a new school district for high school, constantly trying and struggling to fit in. Now, imagine transforming that mindset, rising above adversity, and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. This is the story of our guest, Eric Salcedo, a proud alumnus of Santa Ana Unified School District. Eric's tale is a testament to resilience and determination, shaped by the indelible influence of his custodian father, his struggles in school, and the profound impact of a young substitute teacher's message that forever altered his attitude towards education.Eric's journey...
2023-11-1036 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast8. Bridging Voices: Hector Bustos’s Journey from SAUSD Student to Transformative Board MemberImagine being the youngest and the first LGBTQ+ member to serve on the Board of Education? That's right, we're sitting down with Hector Bustos, the remarkable clerk of SAUSD's Board of Education. This episode takes you along a heartfelt journey, from Hector's days at Segerstrom High School to now leading the Board of Education, showcasing his unyielding devotion to public education, diversity, and inclusion. It's a powerful narrative of resilience and determination that breaks barriers and fosters a generation of empathetic leaders.Curious about Hector's perspective on ethnic studies in our education system? We've got you covered...
2023-11-0357 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast7. Notes of Innovation: Robyn MacNair on Transforming Arts EducationAre you ready to redefine your understanding of the role of music in early learning? We're thrilled to welcome Robyn MacNair, the electrifying Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts, to our podcast. Robyn opens our eyes to the transformative power of music through an in-depth look at the PK-TK Music Program. Learn how this carefully structured program uses music to promote positive behavior, hands-on learning, and active engagement for preschool students. With an inclusive approach, it's also proven effective for students with special needs, as it aligns perfectly with the desired results, developmental profiles, and data-driven strategies for behavior...
2023-10-2725 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast6. Nurturing Century’s Future: A Circle of Leadership with Principal Nata ShinWhat if you could transform an entire school community with empathy, commitment, and innovative thinking? Our spirited guest, Principal Nata Shin, has done just that, and she's here to share her inspiring story. As a woman with a deep-rooted passion for mathematics and a clear understanding of her cultural background, Nata's journey in education has not been ordinary. She guides us through her experiences, from her early days as a student teacher to her current role as the principal of Century High School, illuminating the challenges she overcame and the successes she achieved.Century High School isn't...
2023-10-2035 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast5. Empathy and Strategy: Understanding and Supporting Early Learners in the ClassroomWhat if the challenging behaviors of your early learners are actually their way of communicating their needs and emotions? This episode takes you on a journey into the fascinating world of early learning with Diana Torres, Damaris Sandoval, and Andrew Montoya. We explore the importance of empathetic connections and unique insights into how we can understand these silent messages behind every action. Diana gives us an insight into the significance of understanding the 'why' behind every behavior, while Damaris elaborates on the impactful role of classroom environments and their contribution to a child's cognitive, social, emotional and imaginative growth...
2023-10-1320 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast4. Heartfelt Leadership: Principal Bertha Benavides on Cultivating Community and Compassion in EducationWelcome to an episode brimming with wisdom, resilience, and a generous dash of cultural richness. Ever met someone who turned a disparaging comment into a beacon of motivation? Meet Bertha Benavides, the dynamic principal of Willard Intermediate School, who turned a dismissive sentiment from a counselor into a propelling force for her educational journey. From Mexico to the U.S., her story unfolds in a saga of relentless determination and an unwavering commitment to empowering students through education.Bertha's leadership is as inspirational as it is heartwarming. Imagine entering a school where the principal's love for cooking...
2023-10-0738 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast3. Paying for Success: The Game-Changing Model of Outcomes-Based ContractingIf SAUSD's new outcomes-based contracting initiative had a face, it would be that of our incredible guest, Jennifer Cisneros, the Dynamic Director of Expanded Learning at SAUSD. Jennifer takes us on an engrossing journey into the world of outcomes-based contracting in education, an innovative approach that focuses on paying for results rather than just services. This game-changing model is not just about fiscal responsibility, but also about ensuring the quality of services, with the ultimate aim of nurturing student success. Dive deep as Jennifer unveils how the Expanded Learning Department at SAUSD is revolutionizing the learning landscape w...
2023-09-2225 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership PodcastPromo for Episode 3: Outcomes-Based ContractingOn the next episode of 'SAUSD’s Amplifying Leadership', we will dive into the transformative realm of 'Outcomes-Based Contracting' - a groundbreaking shift that promises a brighter future for our students.Join us as Jennifer Cisneros, Director of Expanded Learning, demystifies this innovative approach, exploring its profound impact on student experiences, fiscal advantages, and the visionary path it paves for SAUSD.Supported by lauded studies from institutions like the Harvard Kennedy School, the emphasis on results over mere processes speaks volumes of its potential.With Jennifer at the helm, witness how our ev...
2023-09-2101 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast2. The Journey of Authenticity: Core Values in LeadershipEver wondered how your core values shape your leadership and decision-making process? Get ready to embark on an enlightening journey as we navigate the role core values play in authentic leadership with distinguished scholar and thought leader, Brené Brown, and our very own deputy superintendent of educational services, Dr. Lorraine Perez. We explore how identifying and embracing your core principles guide you to your authentic self, and how your experiences shape your decisions and interactions. Join us as we delve into the influence of core values on our decision-making process, fostering authenticity and vulnerability. Hear Dr. Perez sh...
2023-09-1527 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership PodcastPromo for Episode 2: Core Values & LeadershipToday, we’re diving into a subject that is fundamental yet often overlooked: the crucial role of core values in leadership. Values aren’t just words or ideas we casually throw around—they form the very bedrock of our actions, our decisions, and how we interact with the world. To illuminate this compelling topic, we are once again joined by a dear friend and a beacon of educational leadership, Dr. Lorraine Perez, our Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services. So, whether you're an educational leader, an educator, or simply someone keen to dig deeper into the soul of leadership, today...
2023-09-1301 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast1. Exploring the Power and Potential of Community SchoolsAre you ready to shift your perspective on education? This episode offers a transformative exploration into the realm of community schools. We’re privileged to have two leading figures in this educational movement share their incredible knowledge - Dr. Lorraine Perez, Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services, and Dr. Lupe Gomez, Principal of Pio Pico Elementary School. Together, we discuss the essential role of community schools in shaping our children's futures. From the historical roots of the community school movement to the importance of restructuring our current education system through an equity lens, this episode promises to leave you with a...
2023-09-0933 min
SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership PodcastPromo for Episode 1: Community SchoolsHere is a quick peek into our very first episode, where we will dive deep into the heart of Community Schools, exploring their magic, their might, and their monumental role in shaping the future of our children. Joining us are two exceptional leaders who are at the forefront of this transformative educational movement.Visit us at our Buzzsprout site for more ways to listen, links to our social media sites and any referenced materials, and complete transcripts of our full-length episodes: https://bit.ly/SAUSDAmplifyingLeadership
2023-09-0801 min