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Leading with Purpose: Equity, Mentorship, and the Future of Public Education with Dr. Balderas
In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Beaverton School District and incoming Superintendent of the Puget Sound Educational Service District. With 35 years in education, including 15 as a superintendent across Oregon, Washington, and California. Dr. Balderas brings a wealth of experience and a personal story rooted in resilience.
He shares his journey from growing up as the child of migrant farmworkers and an English learner to becoming the National Superintendent of the Year. Together, Nate and Dr. Balderas explore what it takes to recruit and retain bilingual teachers, build strong district cultures, and create pathways for emerging leaders. They also dive into how mentorship, relationships, and systemic structures can transform schools and close opportunity gaps.
Looking ahead, Dr. Balderas reflects on his upcoming transition to Puget Sound ESD, where he will support more than 35 districts and 425,000 students across the Seattle metro area, scaling collaboration and impact on a regional level.
Timestamps
01:53 Growing Up as a Migrant Child & Early Educational Experiences
04:57 From ESL Student to National Education Leader
08:25 Recruiting & Retaining Bilingual and Diverse Teachers
10:41 Building Healthy District Cultures
12:31 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship in Leadership
14:54 Preparing to Lead Puget Sound Educational Service District
16:44 Building Relationships for Successful Transitions
18:27 Creating Pathways for Emerging Latino Leaders
20:38 Optimism for the Future of Public Education
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re an educator, school leader, or anyone passionate about equity in education, this conversation with Dr. Balderas offers powerful insights. His story exemplifies the American dream, from migrant farmworker roots to national leadership, and underscores the importance of mentorship, diversity, and systemic change. You’ll hear how he has built teacher pipelines, improved graduation rates, and cultivated inclusive school cultures, all while keeping
Connect with Gustavo Balderas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-balderas-d-ed-35343710
Website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/
Follow Us:
Nate Lichte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lichte/
Lebra Website: https://www.lebrahq.com/
Lebra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebrahq
About Lebra Podcast
The Lebra Podcast is where host Nate Lichte speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.
👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Lebra Podcast for more conversations on leadership, equity, and the future of learning.
View all episodes
By Nate Lichte
In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Beaverton School District and incoming Superintendent of the Puget Sound Educational Service District. With 35 years in education, including 15 as a superintendent across Oregon, Washington, and California. Dr. Balderas brings a wealth of experience and a personal story rooted in resilience.
He shares his journey from growing up as the child of migrant farmworkers and an English learner to becoming the National Superintendent of the Year. Together, Nate and Dr. Balderas explore what it takes to recruit and retain bilingual teachers, build strong district cultures, and create pathways for emerging leaders. They also dive into how mentorship, relationships, and systemic structures can transform schools and close opportunity gaps.
Looking ahead, Dr. Balderas reflects on his upcoming transition to Puget Sound ESD, where he will support more than 35 districts and 425,000 students across the Seattle metro area, scaling collaboration and impact on a regional level.
Timestamps
01:53 Growing Up as a Migrant Child & Early Educational Experiences
04:57 From ESL Student to National Education Leader
08:25 Recruiting & Retaining Bilingual and Diverse Teachers
10:41 Building Healthy District Cultures
12:31 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship in Leadership
14:54 Preparing to Lead Puget Sound Educational Service District
16:44 Building Relationships for Successful Transitions
18:27 Creating Pathways for Emerging Latino Leaders
20:38 Optimism for the Future of Public Education
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re an educator, school leader, or anyone passionate about equity in education, this conversation with Dr. Balderas offers powerful insights. His story exemplifies the American dream, from migrant farmworker roots to national leadership, and underscores the importance of mentorship, diversity, and systemic change. You’ll hear how he has built teacher pipelines, improved graduation rates, and cultivated inclusive school cultures, all while keeping
Connect with Gustavo Balderas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-balderas-d-ed-35343710
Website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/
Follow Us:
Nate Lichte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lichte/
Lebra Website: https://www.lebrahq.com/
Lebra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebrahq
About Lebra Podcast
The Lebra Podcast is where host Nate Lichte speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.
👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Lebra Podcast for more conversations on leadership, equity, and the future of learning.