SAUSD's Amplifying Leadership Podcast

Start 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 prioritie...

Ever 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...

Eric 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 laun...

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. • Overvie...

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 inm...

Explore 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 en...

Unlock 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 ov...

What 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, Doro...

Discover 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 int...

Once 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...

In 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 th...

Unlock 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 v...

Embark 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...

Ever 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 o...

Ever 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 o...

Imagine 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...

Imagine 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 educa...

Are 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 behavio...

What 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 throu...

What 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 actio...

Welcome 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...

If 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 no...

On 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, an...

Ever 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 princip...

Today, 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....