#11 Robert Hernandez

A university professor impacts student lives at such a crucial moment in one's development. For co-host Jacob Larsen, Dr. Rob McLain from California State University, Fullerton is an educator who truly made a difference. Come listen to an intriguing conversation about the state of Social Science education in our country today. This intellectual back and forth will surely be intriguing and will hopefully start a dialogue that can make a positive impact on non-STEM fields.

Our first repeat guest! What is the life of a union president like? Today we dig into the difference between a summer intervention and a summer enrichment program, what a union's role is in the search for a new superintendent, running schools like a business, and how large districts communicate with their stakeholders as such an important post is filled. Come listen to conversation about a process that happens outside the classroom, but has a major impact on it.

Special Education Teachers experience a different side of our education system. The way students in that population have been managed in the public school system has dramatically changed over the years. Today, we speak to Robert Hernandez, an innovator in the Special Education department. Listen to his journey that includes a major improvement in the way our large district meets the needs of mild-mod students. 

Many people in education grow up wanting to be teachers, but many don't. Valerie Glover went into journalism with the hope of working for Rolling Stone magazine, but eventually found her way into a school library. Come learn how she approaches teaching from a rapidly changing part of every school's campus. With years of experience, she has led teams through multiple WASC reviews and even chaired our district Health Benefits Committee.

Feast on a light-hearted conversation as we are joined by hospitality veteran, Mr. Juaqin Chavez. Indulge your epicurean senses as he discusses his over 20 years in the industry and be amazed at how much the restaurant business can be just like teaching in a classroom. Take notes as we relate how many of the skills necessary to help a dinner party have a successful meal are similar to what teachers need to do to ensure that their students are satisfied too.  Be sure to listen until the very end when Mr. Chavez makes a very special revelation, that is not to be missed.

It should come as no surprise that teachers often get lots of help in how to be effective in the classroom (sometimes too much), but the help that teachers get behind the scenes regarding working conditions, health benefits and salary might not be as familiar to most people. Norma Ortiz is fighting the good fight, tirelessly working at the highest of levels on behalf of teachers so that teachers can focus their attention on teaching. Her personal story of going from being a public school secretary to being the current CTA Executive Director for the Santa Ana Educators’ Association is riveting.  With over 30 years as a labor advocate, you’ll understand why we are delighted that she is on our corner.

We often hear about all the cuts that happen in public education to the fine arts. But just how important is music to a well-rounded education? We are joined by our high school Band Director who discusses the significance of band in his own life as well as how meaningful music can be for all students at every grade level. Enjoy his perspective as he mellifluously discusses how band saved his life as a new student arriving in America not speaking very much English and was able to communicate his feelings through the drums.

We are joined by Professor Berger who brings with him both the weight of over 40 years in academia and being Michael’s father.  He guides us through the treacherous experience of being on staff as Argosy University was closing its doors due to bankruptcy. What would happen to the students in the graduate program as the university was shutting its doors? He discusses the expanded role professors would have to play as students confronted the existential reality of the death of their university.

Mock Trial is one of the most interesting activities high school students can participate in, while at the same time gaining and developing essential academic skills. We are joined by Theresa Bernard, the Mock Trial Program Director for the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County.  Enjoy an engaging conversation as Theresa discusses how the program helps students develop an understanding of and appreciation for the American judicial system, the rule of law and their rights and responsibilities as citizens, while at the same time explaining how she went from being a high school participant, herself, on a local team to running the whole show.

How does a large district prepare to hire a new superintendent? What are the roles, responsibilities, and nuances experienced by an assistant superintendent? We are joined this week by Dr. Daniel Allen, the assistant superintendent of teaching & learning for our school district. He gives great insight into the life of a leader in one of the country's largest districts. We dive into the thoughts and considerations of the district administration as they searched for a new superintendent as well.