From Chief Academic Officer to Superintendent: Dr. Maria Vazquez’s Journey in Transforming Education

More Than a Test

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. Maria Vazquez, an esteemed educator and the Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. Join our host, Laura Glaab, as she delves into Dr. Vazquez's incredible journey, from initially planning to retire as the Chief Academic Officer to embracing the opportunity to become the Superintendent. Together, they discuss the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the potential for transformation in education.

Dr. Vazquez shares her insights on engaging parents, dealing with emotional situations, and the importance of focusing on individual students within the larger organization. She reveals her top priorities of school safety, academic support, and mental health, along with her dedication to providing students with choices and opportunities for success. Dr. Vazquez's personal story of her immigrant parents' sacrifices and her commitment to honoring them adds a poignant touch to the conversation. This episode is filled with inspiring anecdotes, valuable lessons, and a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of students.

Timestamps

[00:02:51] School safety, pandemic impact, student support, partnerships.

[00:05:15] Seeking replacement funding for expiring federal dollars.

[00:10:31] School board ensures student success and values diversity.

[00:13:50] Expectations clear. Collaboration is key. Gratitude for the team.

[00:16:59] Investing in children's success through understanding and support.

[00:19:53] Appreciate angst, listen, help, pathways, and the superintendent's journey.

[00:25:18] Career progression led to becoming superintendent during the pandemic.

[00:29:04] An unexpected path embraced despite family concerns.

[00:31:20] Parents sacrificed for education and were devastated by career switch.

[00:36:08] Balancing growth and discomfort leads to success.

[00:37:18] Expanded role includes academics, operations, and support.

[00:40:55] The parents' role in children's reading includes involvement and support.

[00:46:58] Intrigued by AI's impact on education and fascinated by its capabilities; can be transformational for families and kids.

[00:48:56] Groupthink and kindness drive innovation within organizations.

Connect with Dr. Maria Vazquez

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maria-f-vazquez

Website: https://www.ocps.net/home

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD