Today’s guest is Michael Hinojosa, the Superintendent of Schools in Dallas, Texas. Dallas, Texas is also where Michael grew up and went to school, the same town his own children went to school in, and also where he has taught and coached for many years. DISD is a rapidly growing school district with 150,000 students in 230 schools. Hinojosa has a thoughtful Board, a strong team, and is in his 10th year as Superintendent — all reasons education in Dallas keeps on getting better!

Tune in to learn more about what’s going right for education in Dallas in Michael Hinojosa’s own words! Michael speaks about why they’ve made early learning a priority; their incredible initiatives that are greatly helping underserved and underrepresented students; the partnerships they have that also aid students in receiving better, more accessible education; and how they work with teachers to improve their practice.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:14] About today’s episode!

[:52] Tom welcomes Michael Hinojosa to the podcast.

[:57] Michael speaks about growing up in Dallas and becoming Superintendent in his hometown.

[1:44] Michael talks about the huge population that makes up DISD.

[3:13] As Michael thinks about leading this huge district, what are his main priorities? How does he think about the work in general?

[4:49] Why has Michael made early learning a priority? What are some of the things they have accomplished within it?

[6:03] Why Michael supports public school options.

[7:03] What is a P-Tech program?

[8:38] How many P-Techs DISD currently has and how they’re planning on expanding.

[9:47] Michael speaks about the incredible partnership DISD has with the Dallas County Promise and what it means for students.

[11:22] Michael’s view on teacher preparation and development.

[13:03] How does DISD work with teachers to try and improve their practice?

[14:20] Michael speaks about his pros and cons for the state test and the accountability system in Dallas.

[16:39] Michael elaborates on one of DISD’s new strategic initiatives: their race equity agenda.

[17:48] Michael expresses his enthusiasm for his position as Superintendent and his love for the community in Dallas.

[18:42] What Michael has learned about the importance of learning environments and what he has done to update the physical school plans.

[20:04] How does Michael keep learning about this work? What is he doing to stay informed about the work that he does?

[21:20] Tom thanks Michael Hinojosa for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dallas Independent School District (DISD)

More About DISD’s P-Tech Programs

Dallas County Promise

Teach for America

Urban Teachers

Austin ISD

Tulsa Public Schools

Council of the Great City Schools

Texas Urban Council of Superintendents

 

For More on Good Governance and Innovation in Texas Schools, Listen to:

Season 2, Episode 72: “”

 

Get Involved:

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