Do you have an abundance mentality required to achieve success regardless of the challenges? This week’s guest believes that while smarts are required, one’s attitude really matters.

Dr. Michael Hinojosa, who served as a superintendent for six public education systems, including two of the largest school systems in America, shares his journey from immigrant student to a scholarship recipient to a teacher and coach, his passion for public education, and his experience as a superintendent in public schools. Listen as he discusses the importance of attitude in executing solutions and serving others, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

#qualityeducation #publiceducation #michaelhinojosa #dallasindependentschooldistrict #disd

Let’s stay engaged, stay curious, and continue to make an impact.

Show Notes

About the Guest(s):

Michael Hinojosa is an experienced educator and former superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). He has had a long and impressive career in education, with a passion for public schools and urban education. Hinojosa’s parents, who had a third-grade education, instilled in him the importance of education, which led him to pursue a career in teaching. He started as a teacher and coach before transitioning into administration, eventually becoming a superintendent. Hinojosa has dedicated his career to improving student achievement and providing opportunities for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He has been recognized for his transformative work in the DISD and is now serving as the Chief Impact Officer at Engage2Learn, where he continues to support and mentor urban superintendents across the country.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Cecilia Edwards interviews Michael Hinojosa, former superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), about his career in education and his passion for public schools and urban education. Hinojosa shares the story of his parents, who emphasized the importance of education and inspired him to become an educator. He discusses the defining moment in his life when a teacher encouraged him to apply for a scholarship for future teachers, which ignited his interest in the field. Hinojosa also reflects on the challenges and successes he experienced during his tenure as superintendent of the DISD, including the transformation of the district and the importance of building strong relationships with the community and business partners. He emphasizes the need for a sense of urgency and a guiding coalition to drive meaningful change in education.

Key Takeaways:

• Hinojosa’s parents, who had a third-grade education, instilled in him the importance of education and inspired him to pursue a career in teaching.
• A teacher’s encouragement to apply for a scholarship for future teachers sparked Hinojosa’s interest in education and set him on the path to becoming an educator.
• Hinojosa is passionate about public schools, particularly urban education, as they serve all children and provide opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• The role of a superintendent is to improve academic student achievement, but it also involves building strong relationships with the school board, staff, and community.
• Hinojosa believes in the power of partnerships with the business community to support and enhance public education, and he has successfully engaged business leaders in his initiatives.

Notable Quotes:

• “Public schools are, you know, we serve all of God’s children. We don’t get to pick our kids.” – Michael Hinojosa
• “It’s not about you. It’s about the people that you serve and how do you come back.” – Michael Hinojosa
• “Incrementalism is innovation’s worst enemy. So you gotta be bold to go out and pull things off that we did in Dallas.” – Michael Hinojosa

Resources:

• Dallas Independent School District (DISD)
• Engage2Learn

Please note that URLs were not explicitly mentioned in the transcript.

To listen to the full episode and gain more insights from Michael Hinojosa’s extensive experience in education and his passion for public schools and urban education, tune in to the podcast. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from this series.