S4E17 - Deeper Learning Stories: LA Region South Superintendent Andre Spicer

Episode Notes In this keynote from the 2023 Deeper Learning Conference, hear from LA Region South Superintendent Andre Spicer, who tells about what was missing from his own education, and how he's making sure every kid in his district gets what he didn't. To find out more about the deeper learning conference visit the website, deeper-learning.org Andre Spicer (@drespicer88 on twitter and @regionsouthsupt on Instagram), a career educator of 27 years, has had the honor of serving children, families and communities as a Teacher, Dean, Coordinator, Principal and Instructional Director, Administrator of Instruction and Superintendent. Andre grew up in Compton, California where he learned first-hand, the perils of inequities, systemic racism and oppression plaguing our inner city public schools. Before becoming an educator, Andre served in the United States Marine Corps (1988-1992). A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Andre uses many of the leadership qualities that he learned serving alongside some of the world’s finest men and women. Andre attended California State University Long Beach to obtain a BA in History and Teaching Credential. He attended CSUDH earning a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Today, Andre is a PhD student at Claremont Graduate University where he is engaged in research on college access for Black and Latinx students while sharpening his tools as an urban leader. As principal, Andre eliminated barriers through a cycle of continuous improvement, professional development and training emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and the persistent achievement gap of Latinx students and Black students. As Administrators of Instruction for LD Central, Andre’s responsibilities included, aligning student needs with resources to ensure academic success, while assisting the Local District Superintendent and Community of Schools in providing instructional support to all schools within the service area. Mr. Spicer served proudly as President of the LAUSD Council of Black Administrators. During his tenure, the membership of over 400 administrators gained knowledge on how to better serve the communities of under-served students. Andre and team ensured that the Black Educational Civil Rights Agenda was at the forefront of their work, and under his leadership members of COBA collaborated to advocate for the acceleration of black student achievement. As President, Andre oversaw the 40th and 41st Annual Black Child Conference and Scholarship Luncheons. Attended annually by over 1000 faculty members and parents, the conference provides workshops on a variety of topics including CLRP, MTSS, College Board, and student access to STEM and STEAM education, all vital tools to help ensure equity throughout our schools. Currently Andre is serving as the Region South Superintendent for Los Angeles Unified School District Click here to learn more about the High Tech High Graduate School of Education