Shattering Inequities Podcast

What it Means to Have Board Member Support | Lisette Mendez Garcia and Suzan Solomon | Shattering Inequities Podcast | EP 108

In this debut episode of the Shattering Inequities Podcast, host Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle introduces listeners to the podcast’s mission: uncovering bold, research-driven strategies that actively dismantle educational inequities and expand opportunity for every student.This episode features two accomplished school board leaders — Suzan Solomon and Lisette Mendez Garcia — who share their personal journeys into public education leadership and their decades of collective experience serving diverse school communities.Throughout the conversation, Suzan and Lisette explore what equity looks like in action, not just in theory. They discuss protecting and expanding arts education, ensuring equitable access to transformative student experiences, and using data-informed instructional systems to close learning gaps. The episode also highlights the importance of healthy governance structures, clearly defined board roles, and deep respect for educators and support staff as foundational drivers of student success.Both guests emphasize the critical role of community and parent involvement, intentional leadership development, and ongoing board member education. Their insights reinforce a central belief of the podcast: every student deserves a premium education, regardless of background, zip code, or circumstance.This episode offers an inspiring and deeply practical look at how dedication, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership can produce meaningful, lasting outcomes for students.⏱ Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Shattering Inequities Podcast 00:36 Meet the Host and Purpose of the Podcast 01:42 Introducing the Guests: Suzan Solomon and Lisette Mendez Garcia 02:28 Suzan Solomon’s Journey and Advocacy 06:03 Lisette Mendez Garcia’s Path and Impact 11:10 Defining “Not on My Watch” Moments in Education 18:53 Ensuring Equitable Education for All Students 25:39 Teacher Insights from Different Schools 26:08 Excitement and Collaboration Among Teachers 29:37 Innovative Leadership in Education 30:21 Addressing Teacher Burnout with Creative Solutions 31:48 Respect and Support for Educators and Staff 36:16 Community and Parent Involvement 37:38 Navigating Board Member Roles and Responsibilities 44:34 Maintaining Integrity and Avoiding Adversarial Relationships 49:47 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsShattering inequities requires more than conversation — it takes action, research, and collective wisdom. ✔️ Share your insights or reflections in the comments ✔️ Join the conversation and contribute your perspective ✔️ Help shape future white papers and conference presentationsWhat is your “not on my watch” moment in education? We invite you to share what you believe every student deserves — and what you would fight to protect.#ShatteringInequities #EducationLeadership #EducationalEquity #SchoolBoardLeadership #PublicEducation #StudentSuccess #AllMeansAll #TeacherSupport #SpecialEducation #EnglishLearners #CommunityEngagement #SystemsChange #ClosingAchievementGaps #EducationPodcast

The Whittier Story Continued | Monica Oviedo | Shattering Inequities | EP 107

The Whittier Story ContinuedIn this episode of the Shattering Inequities Podcast, host Dr. Robin Avelar LaSalle interviews Dr. Monica Oviedo, a prominent educational leader in California. The discussion focuses on effective strategies to close achievement gaps for historically underperforming students. Dr. Oviedo shares her journey from growing up in a predominantly white community to leading transformative changes in education. Key topics include implementing high expectations, fostering teacher collaboration, and utilizing data-driven approaches to achieve remarkable results. Dr. Oviedo emphasizes the importance of systemic changes, collaboration, and maintaining a relentless focus on instructional quality to ensure all students receive a premium education. The episode concludes with actionable insights for educators committed to overcoming educational inequities.00:00 Introduction to Shattering Inequities Podcast00:52 Meet Dr. Monica Oviedo03:42 Monica's Early Life and Influences08:05 Turning Around Pioneer High School14:13 Data-Driven Success in Whittier Union32:44 Instructional Practices and Teacher Collaboration37:24 Developing Teacher Leadership37:57 Role of Administration in Student Success39:02 Instructional Pathways and Teacher Collaboration41:41 Cultivating Effective Leaders45:44 Challenges and Strategies in Education Systems50:27 Focus on Core Instruction and Collaboration52:17 Addressing Systemic Barriers57:47 Long-term Vision and Partnerships01:10:12 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf this episode resonated with you:💬 Share your insights or reflections in the comments👥 Nominate an educational leader whose work is producing real results📄 Contribute your strategies as we crowdsource solutions for systemic change🔔 Subscribe to the Shattering Inequities Podcast for future episodes focused on research-driven, real-world impactTogether, we can ensure every student receives a premium education — regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance.#ShatteringInequities #EducationalEquity #LeadershipInEducation #SystemsChange #InstructionalLeadership #ClosingTheAchievementGap #DataDrivenEducation #EquityInAction #TeacherLeadership #StudentSuccess #EducationReform #PremiumEducation #CollectiveImpact #SchoolLeadershipYoutube tags:Shattering Inequities Podcast, Dr Monica Oviedo, educational equity, education leadership, school system reform, closing achievement gaps, data driven education, instructional leadership, teacher collaboration, systemic change in education, equity in education, college readiness, A-G completion, superintendent leadership, public education reform, historically underserved students, education systems change, leadership best practices, instructional improvement, education podcast

The Whittier Story | Sandy Thorstenson | Shattering Inequities | EP 106

Former superintendent Sandy Thorstenson shares her transformative journey from a student in regular classes to becoming an educator who proved that demographics do not determine destiny. In this powerful episode, Sandy reveals how she led Whittier Union High School District from underperformance to the 75th percentile statewide, closing achievement gaps from 35% to 9% over 14 years through systematic reform and unwavering belief in every student's potential. Tune in inside: educational leadership, achievement gap closure, district transformation, collaborative culture, formative assessments, professional learning communities, teacher leadership development, standards-based education, intervention systems, organizational change managementKey takeaways:Demographics do not determine destiny-this mantra drove systematic change across an entire districtCommon formative assessments and weekly professional collaboration created the foundation for improvementDeveloping teacher leadership capacity was crucial for sustainable change at scaleStrategic personnel decisions, including moving ineffective staff, were necessary for transformationRelationships and servant leadership create influence more powerful than positional authorityEmbedded support systems must accompany high standards to ensure student successContinuous learning and visiting exemplar sites accelerated improvement effortsOrganizational culture health determines whether reforms take root and flourishCollective efficacy among staff members drives results more than individual excellenceRegular classroom visits by leaders demonstrate commitment and build accountabilityTimestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction and podcast purpose 00:01:34 – Introducing Sandy Thorstenson00:02:55 – Sandy's personal story and educational journey 00:05:04 – From regular classes to rigorous coursework 00:07:26 – District performance and transformation results 00:09:26 – Getting started with foundational work 00:11:03 – Common assessments and professional collaboration 00:13:01 – Building teacher leadership capacity 00:16:13 – Strategic personnel decisions and leadership changes 00:20:00 – Hiring the best of humanity 00:22:06 – Not on my watch philosophy 00:25:06 – Why isn't everyone doing this work 00:28:22 – The importance of continuous learning 00:31:24 – Classroom visits and relationship-building 00:34:22 – Closing the achievement gap systematically 00:37:12 – Learning from other successful districts00:39:19 – Final reflections and gratitudeQuote of the show: "It is absolutely critical to have the entire team rowing in the same direction but they don't have to sing the same tune necessarily."If this conversation reminded you why leadership matters, and why every child deserves someone in their corner, take a moment to:👍 Lift this message by liking the episode🔔 Follow for more bold insights on transforming education💬 Share your biggest leadership lesson or reflection🔗 Pass this forward to a fellow educator, leader, or policymaker who needs to hear itSubscribe to the Shattering Inequities Podcast for more inspiring conversations with educational leaders who are proving that every student deserves premium education regardless of their circumstances.#EducationalLeadership #AchievementGap #DistrictTransformation #EquityInEducation#StudentSuccess #ProfessionalLearningCommunities #EducationalEquity#SchoolImprovement #SystemicChange #CollectiveEfficacy

The Anabelia Story | Dr. Sarah Mott Gonzales and Anabelia Luna | Shattering Inequities | EP 104

Two women whose stories sit on opposite sides of the K–12 system—a former administrator and a first-generation college graduate—reveal the quiet forces that shape who gets access to a “premium education,” and who gets overlooked.Sarita, a veteran educator who transformed struggling schools, shares the moment she discovered how a broken system can derail a student’s entire future—and what it took to rebuild that system so more kids could thrive.Then Anabelia, a high-performing Latina student, recounts how a single conversation with her counselor almost convinced her she “wasn’t college material.” Her story highlights the assumptions, blind spots, and cultural misunderstandings that deter countless capable students from the opportunities they deserve.Together, their experiences unpack a bigger truth: inequity isn’t just about resources. It’s about expectations, information, and systems designed without real guardrails. And those things can be changed.Key Discussion Points00:00 – Opening: Why inequities persist even when adults mean well02:11 – Meet Sarita: From Title I teacher to turnaround leader05:02 – The student is scheduled for Algebra I three times08:48 – Meet Velia: First-gen student labeled “not ready” for college12:20 – How assumptions shape course placement and opportunity15:54 – What really happens to students who choose community college19:30 – The “default to university-eligible” mindset22:07 – The power of affiliation and why involvement predicts graduation26:45 – What a real data-driven K–12 system looks like32:18 – How counseling caseloads influence student futures36:12 – The GPS model: real-time support, not early warning41:50 – What parents can do — even if they don’t know the system45:03 – Wisdom for educators: the tangible + the intangible50:12 – Closing: The collective responsibility to shatter inequitiesIf you’re a school or district leader, counselor, teacher, parent, or anyone who believes kids’ futures shouldn’t depend on luck—this conversation will stay with you.Don’t forget to: 👍 Lift this conversation by liking the video 🔔 Subscribe to stay part of the movement to expand opportunity 💬 Share the insight that hit closest to home 🔗 Pass this along to someone who works with students#EducationEquity #K12Leadership #CollegeAccess #FirstGenSuccess #ShatteringInequities #StudentSuccess #EducationReform #SchoolLeadership #CounselorLife #DataDrivenSchools

Breaking Math Barriers: Systems Solutions for Educational Equity | Omar Zuniga & Lisa Ceja | Shattering Inequities | EP 103

Mathematics education serves as the ultimate gatekeeper for student success. Yet systemic inequities continue to block historically underserved students from accessing premium math instruction. In this powerful episode, Dr. Robin Avelar-La Salle sits down with two exceptional educator-leaders, Omar Zuñiga and Lisa Ceja, who have dedicated their careers to dismantling barriers in mathematics education through systemic solutions rather than individual fixes.Key takeaways: - The mathematics bottleneck prevents historically undersuccessful students from accessing all post-secondary options, making it a critical equity issue in education- Simply improving individual teacher instruction without establishing clear rigor standards across all classrooms perpetuates systemic inequities- Schools often lack alignment on what constitutes grade-level mathematics, leading to vastly different educational experiences for students in the same district or even the same school- Establishing a clear instructional "floor" using objective standards like state assessment blueprints ensures all students receive premium education regardless of zip code- Finger-pointing between grade levels about student preparedness wastes valuable instructional time and maintains achievement gaps- Data reflection sessions focused on standards alignment and assessment previews dramatically improve student outcomes when teachers collaborate systematically- Grading practices can inadvertently maintain inequities, particularly when zeros cannot be recovered from or when assessment formats don't match what students will encounter- Both educators experienced firsthand the isolation of being underrepresented in advanced mathematics, driving their passion for creating inclusive math environments- Systems work, not just instructional strategies, provides the foundation for sustainable equity improvements in mathematics educationSubscribe to hear more conversations that uncover research-driven strategies for transforming education and shattering inequities for every student. Like this episode if you're ready to look beyond surface-level solutions and dive into the systems work that creates lasting change in mathematics education.#EducationEquity #MathematicsEducation #SystemsChange #EducationalLeadership #TeacherCollaboration #StudentSuccess #EquityInSTEM #EducationReform #ProfessionalLearning #AchievementGap

Transforming Education Through High Expectations | Dr. Paul Gothold | Shattering Inequities | EP102

Join Dr. Robin Avelar-La Salle as she sits down with educational transformation champion Dr. Paul Gothold to explore how one leader dismantled systemic inequities and achieved remarkable results for historically underserved students. From his unexpected journey into education working with probation and expelled children to leading groundbreaking reforms in Lynwood Unified and San Diego County, Dr. Gothold shares the courage, strategies, and unwavering belief in all students that drove unprecedented academic gains.Tune in inside: educational equity, student achievement gaps, high expectations for all students, detracking initiatives, college readiness programs, superintendent leadership, systems change in education, premium education access, deficit mindset elimination, rigorous curriculum implementation0:00:01 Intro - Welcome to Shattering Inequities Podcast 0:00:35 Host introduction and guest welcome 0:02:08 Podcast mission and crowdsourcing intelligence approach 0:04:32 Dr. Gothold's background and journey into education 0:06:00 Early experiences with probation students and breaking stereotypes 0:09:25 Philosophy on school as opportunity builder, not obligation 0:10:00 The algebra teaching moment and challenging low expectations 0:12:02 Linwood Unified situation and community demographics 0:14:00 Community visioning process and college aspirations 0:15:41 Addressing tracking systems and creating equity 0:18:28 Eliminating course prerequisites and opening access 0:20:03 Professional development systems and monitoring progress 0:24:06 Results - API gains and most improved district status 0:25:27 A-G rates improvement from 15% to over 50% 0:27:03 The secret sauce - love your children and reject current reality 0:29:01 Systems thinking vs. individual blame 0:30:02 Deficit mindset challenges and treatment of students 0:31:03 From lens to mirror - taking responsibility for conditions 0:32:01 Research on school impact vs. external factors 0:33:02 Challenging "some will, some won't" mentality 0:34:04 San Diego County leadership and vulnerable populations 0:35:14 Building coalitions and shared vision 0:37:05 Navigating political tensions while keeping focus on students 0:38:23 Technical skills needed for equity work 0:40:05 Leadership continuity challenges and solutions 0:42:04 Creating superintendent preparation programs 0:44:01 Nine competencies for transcendent superintendents 0:46:06 Summary of key themes and systems approach 0:48:00 Leadership testing moment with unaccompanied minors 0:51:04 Closing inspiration and call to action 0:52:24 Outro - Thanks for listeningQuote of the show: "If 100% of your kids aren't leaving the stage with options, then there's a gap, and we need to look at the system to see what we can do differently to reach them and get them engaged in their studies - this is on us."Make sure to subscribe and share this episode with education leaders who believe every student deserves a premium education. Like this content and leave a review to help us reach more changemakers working to shatter inequities in education.#EducationalEquity #StudentSuccess #SystemsChange #EducationLeadership #HighExpectations #CollegeReadiness #SuperintendentLeadership #ShatteringInequities #PremiumEducation

Every Student Deserves Premium Education: Introducing the Shattering Inequities Podcast | EP 101

Welcome to the Shattering Inequities podcast, where bold, research-driven strategies are transforming education for every student—especially those historically left behind.Hosted by Dr. Robin Avelar-LaSalle, founder and president of Orenda Education, this podcast is more than inspiration—it's an action research project. With over four decades of experience disrupting systems that create uneven outcomes, Dr. Avelar-LaSalle brings together educators and leaders who are achieving measurable results with vulnerable student populations.What makes this podcast unique:📊 Evidence-Based: Every guest has demonstrated proven results with students facing adverse childhood experiences🔬 Research Platform: We'll analyze patterns across episodes, publish findings, and create white papers capturing effective strategies🌍 Crowdsourced Wisdom: Your insights shape our collective understanding of what truly works💡 Real Solutions: Learn from "education blue zones"—places where entire communities overcome the odds by design, not chanceDid you know? Students with 3+ adverse childhood experiences are 3x more likely to face academic failure. Yet some educators are shattering these predictions at scale. This podcast uncovers how.Join us as we identify the do's and don'ts, challenge conventional wisdom, and celebrate the leaders creating premium education for ALL students—no matter their circumstances.Orenda: The energy force inherent in every human being that gives us the power to change the world and change ourselves.May the Orenda be with you.🔔 Subscribe to join our action research community💬 Share your insights and "education blue zones"📄 Help shape future white papers on educational equity

Shattering Inequities Podcast

Shattering Inequities Podcast: Empowering Educators with Real-World Leadership InsightsWelcome to the Shattering Inequities Podcast, a dynamic and inspiring audio journey designed for educators, administrators, and education influencers who are passionate about driving meaningful change in the education system. This podcast brings you real-life stories, actionable strategies, and thought-provoking conversations with a diverse array of guests, including superintendents, school district leaders, academic experts, elected officials, non-profit leaders, and heads of educational associations. Each episode is crafted to provide practical, research-based solutions and inspiration to help educators navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and impact.What to Expect from Shattering InequitiesThe Shattering Inequities Podcast dives deep into the art and science of initiative leadership, offering real-world examples that resonate with educators at all levels. Whether you're a superintendent leading a large urban district, a principal shaping a small rural school, or an education advocate pushing for systemic change, this podcast equips you with the tools, frameworks, and inspiration needed to work smarter, not harder. Our episodes focus on the human side of leadership while delivering technical precision through practical methodologies that you can implement immediately.Each episode explores critical topics such as handling high-stakes situations, making informed decisions, and learning from both successes and missteps. We discuss the consequences of choices—good and bad—and how they shape the path forward for educators and their communities. From the latest trends in educational innovation to proven frameworks for success, Shattering Inequities offers a systems-based approach to leadership that prioritizes impact and equity.Our conversations are designed to inspire and empower, providing a space for educators to reflect on the hard work and finesse required to lead in today’s complex educational landscape. Expect candid discussions about the challenges of leadership, impromptu questions that dig deeper into guests’ experiences, and personal stories that reveal the journeys behind today’s most influential education leaders. Whether it’s a superintendent navigating budget cuts or a non-profit leader advocating for underserved students, our guests share insights that are both relatable and transformative.Why Listen to Shattering Inequities?Real-World Leadership Insights: Hear from superintendents, principals, and education influencers who share their triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned in leadership roles across diverse school districts and organizations.Actionable Strategies: Discover research-based, practical methodologies to address critical situations, streamline decision-making, and foster equity in education.Inspiration for Educators: Find motivation in stories of resilience, innovation, and impact from leaders who are shattering inequities in their communities.Trends and Innovations: Stay ahead of the curve with discussions on cutting-edge educational trends and time-tested frameworks for success.A Human-Centered Approach: Connect with the personal and professional journeys of guests, gaining a deeper understanding of the human side of leadership.Who Should Listen?The Shattering Inequities Podcast is perfect for educators, school administrators, academic researchers, policy advocates, and anyone committed to advancing equity and excellence in education. Whether you’re looking to refine your leadership skills, gain new perspectives on systemic challenges, or find inspiration to tackle tough issues, this podcast is your go-to resource. Our audience includes:Superintendents and district leaders seeking innovative solutions.Principals and teachers aiming to create inclusive, high-performing schools.Education advocates and non-profit leaders working to close opportunity gaps.