Straight from the Supe with Superintendent Ben Churchill

Rheia Alschbach, Director of Capital Planning, and Jessica Kimbrell, Director of Facilities Design and Construction, discuss their favorite aspects of their work, what a facilities master plan entails, and how they juggle multiple projects across Poway Unified School District.

Westview High School teacher Jose Lucero discusses what being named a District Teacher of the Year means to him, how he approaches education, and why he became a teacher.

Melissa "Missy" Lathram from Sunset Hills Elementary School shares why she became an instructional assistant and what being named a District Classified Employee of the Year means professionally and personally.

Superintendent Ben Churchill discusses the latest issue of Poway Unified's EmpowerEd magazine and what it means to be a human-centered school district.

Mesa Verde Middle School science teacher Cherene Askar shares what being named a District Teacher of the Year means to her and her journey to find her passion for teaching.

Josh Bess, teacher at Willow Grove Elementary, shares what being named a district teacher of the year means to him and how it reflects his approach to teaching.

Zachary Manlapid, director of choirs at Mt. Carmel High School, and Patrick Coleman, department chair of arts and electives at Del Norte High School, discuss the importance of arts education and creating spaces for students to thrive creatively.

Traci Jackson, math teacher on special assignment, and Melissa Yu, math teacher at Meadowbrook Middle School, share their approach to high-quality, innovative math instruction and breaking down misconceptions about mathematics in school.

Chief Technology Officer Armando Obregon breaks down Poway Unified’s technology plan and how the district is working to ensure students are prepared for the future of education inside and outside of the classroom.

Instructional Assistants Lizette Vega Pineda, from Twin Peaks Middle School, and Jaimee Gopen, from Morning Creek Elementary School, discuss the role of IAs at Poway Unified and their incredible work to support students.