Superintendent's Hangout

Step into the journey of Dr. Olivia Graeve, whose personal narrative transcends geographical boundaries and academic disciplines. As a groundbreaking professor of engineering at UC San Diego, Dr. Graeve not only shapes the minds of our future innovators but also weaves a web of international collaboration through the ENLACE program. Her story, from a childhood in Tijuana to academic prestige in San Diego and beyond, embodies the spirit of unity and the power of STEM education to bridge communities and transcend and eliminate borders. Learn more about the ENLACE program here.

I chatted with the remarkable Amanda Ripley, best-selling author and journalist who has embraced a fresh lens on the world of conflict. As described in her latest book “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out” Amanda explores the landscape of 'high conflict’ and steers us towards constructive, rather than destructive, outcomes. To learn more about Amanda and her work: amandaripley.com thegoodconflict.com

Juan Arambul comes from a family of educators. He works as an educational leadership consultant with the ANEW Project, an organization centered around thoughtful progress and positive change. Listen to learn more about Arambul's mission to inspire students and disrupt the stagnancy that often characterizes schooling in the 21st century. Please note that this episode was filmed. You can find the video here.

Shana Morgan is the owner of Morgan's Monograms, a custom embroidery service and storefront in La Mesa, California. The path of entrepreneurship is not laid with roses, and Shana’s narrative is a testament to the thorns encountered along the way—betrayal, financial upheaval, and natural disasters. With its rich history of craftsmanship, the embroidery industry has been revolutionized by technological advancements and the digital age. Shana provides a front-row seat to the meticulous dance of balancing customer satisfaction with the necessity of evolving and keeping pace with a global market. Prepare to be inspired as we share insights, laughter, and lessons from the front lines of small business ownership and the relentless drive that fuels an entrepreneur's journey. Learn more about Shana Morgan in a recent San Diego News article. Learn more about Morgan's Monograms.

Dr. Nicole Wahab is a lifelong educator and serial entrepreneur. Nicole's story is a symphony of resilience, echoing Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down," and serves as a testament to never yielding in the face of adversity, whether leading from the front of a classroom or the helm of a business venture. She illustrates her drive and entrepreneurial spirit, from founding a charter school to being the corporate executive of a sports company and starting her own technology integration business. The episode ventures into the post-Covid era's call for career reimagining, where adaptability is king, and the courage to redefine oneself is paramount. Learn more about Dr. Nicole Wahab.

Hedy Chang is the Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works. A 1986 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Hedy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion about the intricate tapestry of factors that influence why students may not make it to class. Her Chinese American background and family legacy of activism provide a rich context as we discuss her dedication to unraveling the complexities of chronic absenteeism—an issue that's foundational to achieving justice in our education system. Learn more about Hedy Chang and Attendance Works.

Tracy Thompson is the San Diego County of Education (SDCOE) Executive Director of Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS). This episode charts Tracy's harrowing escape from the clutches of gang life and his current role as a beacon of hope for at-risk youth. Tracy opens up about the mentors who redirected his path and his selfless commitment to those he now serves. Learn more about Tracy Thompson and the JCCS.

Jack Wong is the CEO of Kamehameha Schools. Jack joined Kamehameha Schools in 1997, first serving as senior counsel from 1997-2000, then as director of the Endowment Legal Division from 2000-2013. Drawing from his unique journey from the legal realm to the helm of one of Hawaii's most influential educational institutions, Jack imparts wisdom on cultivating a shared vision while managing a diverse workforce. His insights offer a roadmap to any leader striving to navigate the complexities of steering a multifaceted organization without losing sight of its core values and mission. Learn more about Jack Wong. Visit the Kamehameha Schools website. Watch a video about the legacy of Kamehameha Schools.

Jasmine LeFlore is a Senior Aerospace Engineer, Social Entrepreneur, and Co-founder of Greater Than Tech. Throughout the conversation, Jasmine shares her relentless journey, from defying doubters to channeling her grief into a catalyst for change, all while celebrating the mentors and role models who ignited her trailblazing spirit. This led to her co-founding Greater Than Tech where she is not just breaking barriers; she's building bridges for underrepresented voices in STEM fields. Jasmine and Dr. Sciarretta explore the essential role of hands-on experience and the integration of business skills in nurturing the next generation. Learn more about Jasmine LeFlore and Greater Than Tech.

Glenn E. Singleton is the Founder and CEO of Courageous Conversation, an agency that guides leadership development in education, government, corporation, law enforcement, and community organizing. Glenn unveils the personal encounters and revelations that have shaped his life's work in the form of his pivotal Courageous Conversation protocol. He outlines the four foundational agreements vital for maintaining engagement and managing discomfort as we confront the complex realities of race in our everyday conversations. The episode closes with his experiences of systemic change, from the corridors of school districts to the boardrooms of multinational corporations. Join us for this compelling narrative that not only informs but also empowers us to take part in the courageous conversations that are crucial for a thriving, diverse society. Learn more about Glenn Singleton and Courageous Conversation®.

Richard Barrera is the elected representative for District D on the San Diego Unified School District's (SDUSD) Board of Trustees and returns as the first guest to record a second episode on the podcast. A true advocate for educational equity and a seasoned trustee, Richard discusses the intricacies of leading a major urban school district into the future. Richard reveals the strides made within San Diego schools, delving into the transformative journeys of students and the narrowing of the opportunity gap among communities within the district. The conversation details how the district is addressing upcoming budgetary hurdles, Richard's commitment to equity, and the role schools play during community crises. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of education with an inspirational leader who's been at the helm of change for over a decade and a half. Learn more about Richard Barrera.

Retired DEA special agent Rocky Herron has embraced a new challenge an anti-drug and alcohol ambassador for the San Diego County Office of Education. Rocky joins us to unravel a gripping story of his transition from the front lines of the drug war to the classrooms of San Diego County and beyond (he’s delivered his message to students in 17 countries) where he's on a mission to shield future generations from substance abuse. The conversation journeys through his personal evolution, revealing the real-life impact of narcotics on communities, the cross-border ramifications of the fentanyl crisis, and the crucial and often overlooked role of drug education in schools. Learn more about Rocky. Read a story about Rocky in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Peter and Chris Sciarretta join their brother, Dr. David Sciarretta, on this special episode to discuss their family's journey through education, from childhood to careers. They reflect on attending a Waldorf school that prioritizes capacity over content, but isn't without its challenges in staying relevant amidst today's educational landscape. The brothers cap off the episode by discussing the joy of learning and being a lifelong learner as a tool for personal growth.

Bill Melton is a retired lifelong educator, world traveler, and deep thinker. Bill shares his tale of choosing the path less traveled, leading him to the world of education. He reflects on his career that includes tenures as a high school principal and a member of the Albert Einstein Academies Board of Trustees. The conversation then shifts to the present and future of teaching, examining the role of technology and how the pandemic has reshaped classroom dynamics. His passion for education, the continual evolution of learning, and the dedication required from educators resonates throughout our conversation, inspiring us to embrace the journey of personal growth.

Mary Shannon Heinzelmann is a long-time Arts Teacher at Albert Einstein Academies (AEA) in San Diego, CA. From her roots in a musically and artistically inclined family to her transformative teaching methods, Mary Shannon's story illustrates the serendipitous magic of pursuing a passion. This discussion includes the positive and negative impacts of the digital age on the many forms of art, how California is breathing new life into arts education, and the impact art has on all subjects in a student's education.

Scott Mitchell is the Dean of Students and Faculty Affairs at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. Scott discusses how Buddhist modernism and American culture intersect in surprising ways and the significance of Buddhism in a society that often values individual over collective experiences. He shares his personal journey and reflects on the profound impact of his brother Eric's legacy. Learn about and donate to the Eric C Mitchell Scholarship fund. Purchase Scott's book The Making of American Buddhism. Watch Scott give a talk at the DharmaBum Temple.

Jon Detra's life reads like an adventure novel, from martial arts and dance, to the cutting-edge world of mobile technology. Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, Jon experienced many twists and turns in a journey that led him to San Diego, CA as a young engineer at Qualcomm. After decades of growth being a creative problem solver and executive leader, Jon shares how his diverse passions have shaped his outlook on life, work, and the importance of staying agile in the face of change.

Dr. Pedro Noguera is Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education. Dr. Noguera recounts his ascent from the streets of Brooklyn to the pinnacle of educational thought leadership. Feel the pulse of our nation's schools through his eyes, as we uncover the deep-seated challenges and innovative solutions that define today’s educational landscape. With Dr. Noguera's astute insights, this episode promises a powerful exploration into the heart of what can make or break the future of young learners, especially those who are most vulnerable. Read more about Dr. Noguera.

Kay Hoffman is a retired teacher, school administrator, out-of-the-box thinker who also happens to be Dr. Sciarretta's mom. This conversation, which kicks off season 2 of the podcast, touches on topics including education, medicine, school leadership, aging, and much more.

Dr. Sciarretta shares his review of Chris Joffe's new book, "All Clear: Lessons from a Decade Managing School Crisis." The book ventures beyond typical safety protocols, uncovering the layers of complexity in crisis management and the power of community unity in fortifying our educational institutions. This includes multifaceted strategies that Chris illustrates through his Swiss cheese model of school safety, emphasizing the need for comprehensive methods that connect security technology, training, and community engagement. This episode will give you a sneak peak to the books insights that promise to arm you with knowledge and inspire a collective commitment to safer schools. Order Chris Joffe's book: "All Clear: Lessons from a Decade Managing School Crises"