Season 3, Episode 1 | Dr. Gloria Ciriza, Superintendent, San Diego County Office of Education

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of "Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged."  Sponsored by a champion of schools, school leaders, teachers and employees - SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union - we have an incredible Superintendent to kick off the new season.  Actually, quite fitting for the first episode as we have the first female Superintendent of the San Diego County Office of Education, Dr. Gloria Ciriza.  Listen in as Dr. Ciriza, a 30 year champion of educational equity, discusses her mission to create a culture of belonging in schools. She emphasizes the importance of addressing poverty through social inclusion and highlights the role of schools as community hubs. Dr. Ciriza outlines the office's support for 43 districts, including teacher credentialing and fiscal resources. She addresses chronic absenteeism as a key challenge, advocating for community engagement and co-creation. Dr. Ciriza stresses the need for intentional design in schools to foster a sense of belonging, drawing from research by John Powell and Susie Wise.Here's a summary of the insightful and impactful conversation with Dr. Gloria Ciriza: Dr. Gloria Ciriza's Background and RoleDr. Ciriza shares her excitement and gratitude for her new role, emphasizing the community's support.She describes her previous role as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Programs, focusing on student mental health, wellness, safety, and special education.Dr. Ciriza highlights the importance of the community school strategy and the support provided to vulnerable children through juvenile court and community school programs.She discusses the preparation and perspective gained from her previous role, which has helped her in her current position.Role of the County Office of EducationDr. Ciriza explains the role of the County Office of Education in supporting all 43 school districts in San Diego County.The office provides services such as teacher credentialing, professional development, and fiscal resources.She mentions the importance of supporting small school districts, which may not have the infrastructure of larger districts.Dr. Ciriza shares her plans to visit small districts like Mountain Empire to understand their needs and provide support.North Star Goal and Community SchoolsDr. Ciriza discusses the North Star goal of addressing poverty through an educational lens, focusing on social exclusion rather than material wealth.She emphasizes the role of schools in creating a culture where students and families feel they belong.The concept of community schools is introduced, where schools act as hubs for various community services and activities.Dr. Ciriza highlights the importance of celebrating the cultural diversity within the county and bringing communities together around these differences.Personal Journey and Teaching PassionDr. Ciriza shares her personal journey, starting as a teacher and being inspired by friends to pursue higher education.She attended Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, known for its teacher education programs.After teaching in Mexico City, she returned to San Diego and began her administrative career.Dr. Ciriza encourages teachers to step into new opportunities with courage and passion, emphasizing the importance of being open to growth and leadership roles.Creating a Culture of BelongingDr. Ciriza discusses the importance of creating a culture of belonging, starting with self-reflection and recognizing personal biases.She mentions the book "Designed for Belonging" by Susie Wise, which provides insights into creating inclusive environments.Dr. Ciriza emphasizes the role of relationships and environment in fostering a sense of belonging.She highlights the need for intentional design in creating spaces that make people feel welcome and valued.Challenges and Strategies for Addressing Chronic AbsenteeismDr. Ciriza identifies chronic absenteeism as a significant challenge and discusses strategies to address it.She emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes and working with districts to implement best practices.Dr. Ciriza shares her recent meeting with the Office of Youth and Community Restoration to study the issue of chronic absenteeism.She stresses the need for community engagement and co-creation in designing solutions to support student attendance.Importance of Community EngagementDr. Ciriza encourages community members to engage with local schools and participate in community events.She highlights the role of community support in creating a positive school environment and addressing challenges.Dr. Ciriza emphasizes the importance of showing up for schools and being part of the school community.She shares her vision of schools as hubs for community activities and support, benefiting both students and the broader community.Final Thoughts and Call to ActionDr. Ciriza thanks the audience for their support and emphasizes the collective responsibility to care for children.She encourages listeners to focus on relationships with children in their lives and support their aspirations.Dr. Ciriza highlights the importance of professional and community engagement in creating a supportive environment for children.She concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her vision and work, and encourages continued support and collaboration.Thank you for unplugging and listening to Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged.  Be sure to subscribe to the show and share with your colleagues! The Presenting Sponsor for Season 3 of Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged is Schools First Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California serving school employees and their families since 1934.  Please learn more about Schools First Federal Credit Union by visiting https://www.schoolsfirstfcu.org/