Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Aleli Vazquez, an educational leader and National Louis University alumni Hall of Fame inductee, about leading with purpose through school culture, instruction, and advocacy. Dr. Vazquez shares how earning her doctorate in 2020 supported her leadership during COVID, her work as a founding principal in Florida, and her current role as Dean of Faculty at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. 

She explains RCA’s high-energy, high-expectation model for grades 4–8 and its conferences that allow educators to observe live classrooms, learn RCA strategies, and implement systems like the house system. Dr. Vazquez details coaching and feedback practices centered on reflection, excellence, and support, and emphasizes sustainability through shared vision, transparency, staff ownership, and developing leaders. She gives her advice on educator leadership without titles, investing in people, protecting culture, and leading with heart, empathy, and excellence.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:39 Meet Dr Aleli Vazquez

03:12 Post Doctorate Journey

05:17 What Is Ron Clark Academy

07:15 Coaching Teachers at RCA

10:31 Visiting RCA Conferences

13:04 Influencing Through Adults

16:06 Culture Meets Instruction

20:42 Building Sustainable Legacy

24:19 From Principal to RCA

30:12 Advice for Change Makers

34:01 Closing Thanks