In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down in Monterey, California, with recently retired acting Superintendent and Chief of Human Resources Dr. Robert Martinez. With over three decades of experience across every level of education—from school psychologist to site leader, HR chief, and superintendent—Robert brings a deep and personal perspective on what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in our school systems since 1987. He shares the story behind his book Recipes for Resilience, opens up about leaving home at 16, and offers insight into how educators can build stronger teams, develop future leaders, and embrace the AI-powered changes coming to classrooms. This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of education.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Esmeralda Garcia, Director of Expanded Learning at Calexico Unified—possibly the southernmost district in California—to explore how she’s reimagining education outside the traditional school day. From ballet to credit recovery, Esmeralda’s after-school programs are driven by a vision to close opportunity gaps and bring resources to kids who need them most. She opens up about her roots in social work, the one teacher who changed her life, and her mission to be that difference for others. Hear how her leadership, humility, and relentless commitment have built a thriving expanded learning program that’s making a real impact. Plus, she honors two people who shaped her journey—including a beloved student whose memory continues to inspire her work.

On this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Tim Woody, Executive Director of High Schools and CTE from Iredell-Statesville Schools, to explore how CTE programs are redefining student success by building tangible, monetizable skills — and why early career guidance is key to unlocking real-world opportunities after graduation.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo, CEO of Subject.com, interviews Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba, Superintendent of Los Nietos School District, live from the ACSA Superintendents’ Symposium in Monterey, California. They discuss actionable strategies for K-12 district leadership—from building strong family-school relationships and implementing culturally relevant meals to empowering student voice and launching programs in cybersecurity and wellness. Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba reflects on his path from LAUSD student to superintendent and shares how small districts can drive big innovation in TK–8 education.

In this episode of On the Subject, Michael Vilardo sits down with Crystal Castaneda, Superintendent of Byron Union School District, in California. From teaching ABCs to her sisters in a closet to leading one of the most forward-thinking K–8 districts in the Bay Area, Crystal shares her journey through every level of education—and the innovation she's championing today. They dive into MTSS success, teacher collaboration wins, and what truly separates Gen Alpha from Millennials. Stay to the end for a touching story about a fourth-grade English learner that reminds us why we do the work.

On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo, co-founder and CEO of Subject.com, sits down with Jaime De La Torre, Director of Instructional Technology at Las Cruces Public Schools, New Mexico’s second-largest district. From growing up just 30 miles south in Anthony, NM, to impacting students across Texas and New Mexico, Jaime shares his journey into education, how his wife inspired his career path, and what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose. They dive into the evolving role of edtech, the power of mentorship, the balancing act of digital vs. in-person learning, and how schools can prepare Gen Alpha for an AI-driven world. If you're passionate about innovation in education, this one's for you.

In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo heads to sunny San Diego for the third stop on our nationwide tour highlighting trailblazing educators. This week, we sit down with Dr. Maurissa Koide, Director of Secondary Education at Milpitas Unified School District, to explore her unconventional journey from aspiring ballerina to public school champion. Maurissa shares how her experiences in medicine, politics, and education shaped her mission to create equitable, innovative learning environments rooted in community, representation, and belonging. We dive into restorative practices, project-based learning, digital disruption, and how to truly prepare students for life beyond high school. It’s an inspiring conversation that reminds us why educators are the real MVPs.

On this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo takes the podcast on tour to San Diego, California, where he sits down with Leo Perez, Associate Superintendent at Shasta Union High School District. They dive into Leo’s unexpected journey into education, the power of community colleges, and how schools must evolve to meet the needs of Gen Alpha. They also discuss critical thinking, innovation in learning, and why the future of education must move beyond the traditional classroom model. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how educators can prepare students for a world that’s changing faster than ever.

In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Erika Tejeda, Principal at Perris Union High School District, to explore her inspiring journey from being a first-generation student who once hated school to becoming a transformative leader in education. Erika shares her candid experiences with systemic barriers, the importance of representation, and how she’s pioneering new approaches to high school education with CTE pathways, mental health support, and student-first policies. Her passion for equity, innovation, and meaningful relationships is revolutionizing how students learn and thrive. Tune in for a raw and insightful conversation on how we can reimagine the future of education.

In this episode of On The Subject, Michael Vilardo sits down with Kathleen Porter, a lifelong educator with 38 years of experience, currently leading innovation at Poway Unified in San Diego. From growing up in Phoenix with an inspiring mother who defied expectations to pioneering engineering programs and embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, Kathleen shares her journey and insights on the future of personalized learning, innovation in education, and the impact of believing in students. Plus, hear the powerful story of Rodney—a student whose life was transformed through education.