We kick the new year off by learning more about Dr. Martín Casas, the principal of San Pasqual High School in Escondido Union High School District.
Casas recently shared about his experience leading through distance learning and the COVID-19 pandemic. His takeaways: listen and communicate often, and design flexible plans that are based on empathy.
"We have all learned that you can plan the best distance learning lesson (or professional development), but if you have not intentionally designed for the ambiguity (and trauma) associated with the pandemic, things will not go well," he said. "We have become better at designing for flexibility and changing conditions by listening to the social-emotional needs of our students and staff."
Casas explained that when stakeholders don't understand a decision, it makes a tough situation even more difficult. That's why he practices "listening, patience, communication, and action." With those values, "stakeholders will not always agree with your decision/choice, but they should always understand it."
Casas said he's appreciated the strong network of principals and found informal collaboration with colleagues to result in the most creativity and relationship-building.
(How can we create more opportunities for informal collaboration? Tell us by emailing Erin.Dare@sdcoe.net.)
His school team hasn't let up with efforts to become a student-centered, innovative school, continuing to explore and implement practices such as culturally responsive teaching; standards-based grading; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Casas has been principal at San Pasqual High School for the past five years and previously worked in Poway Unified School District. If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be
Jovita Idár, an educator, journalist, activist, and sometimes nurse, who is an important historical Latinx figure and often overlooked.
