Empowering Equity: A Superintendent's Journey in Education Leadership

💡 Key Takeaways

• Student-Centered Focus: Emphasizing the importance of student voice in educational practices to tailor a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

• Equity in Action: Jefferson Union High School District's commitment to equity through specific programs and the support of organizations like the National Equity Project.

• Leadership Journey: Toni Presta's unique career path, exemplifies the value of stepping back to refresh and re-engage with leadership from a reinvigorated perspective.

• Changing Grading Practices: Innovative approaches such as allowing test retakes to focus on mastery and promote a more equitable grading system.

• Advocacy for Authentic Leadership: The impact of authentic and courageous leadership, inspired by visionaries like Brené Brown, in fostering change and equity.

Driving Equity in School Systems

In the heart of the conversation between CT Leong and Toni Presta, the theme of fostering educational equity takes center stage. Presta, the superintendent of Jefferson Union High School District, introduces her district's unwavering focus on equity. From the beginning, she emphasizes that "from the board to myself, my executive cabinet, the principals, the staff at the school sites, we are very focused on equity and on providing all of our students what they need when they need it."

Her work involves creating systems that ensure marginalized students receive the support and resources necessary to thrive. Notably, Presta's district engages with renowned entities like the National Equity Project and Courageous Conversation to initiate transformative dialogues that cultivate an inclusive school culture. By encouraging "courageous conversations," they address pervasive inequities head-on. These efforts exemplify the district's commitment to reshaping educational landscapes to serve every student's best interests, transcending mere rhetoric.

The ripple effect of such an approach is profound. When equity becomes part of the institutional framework, students are more likely to succeed academically and socially. The district's structured, thoughtful approach underscores the vital role of leadership in setting a vision and rallying the educational community around it.

 

"We asked them, do you feel seen, heard and valued at school?"

 

Navigating Leadership Transitions: A Journey of Renewal and Reflection

Toni Presta's career trajectory offers another compelling theme: the value of stepping back and realigning one's professional path. Stepping down from a superintendency, she recounts, "I was actually pretty tired. It was a very small school district of 500 students. When you're a superintendent in a very small school district, you wear many hats." Her decision to momentarily exit a top leadership role was rooted in seeking balance and rejuvenation.

This decision underscores a leadership strategy often overlooked: the necessity of taking a professional pause to reflect on personal and institutional goals. "I have felt rejuvenated again and itching to become superintendent again," she shares, illustrating how shifts in roles can replenish energy and drive. This period away from superintendency also equipped Presta with new perspectives, allowing her to return to leadership with renewed vigor and insights.

Her journey paves the way for current and aspiring leaders to contemplate career trajectories beyond conventional routes. By embracing periods of retreat as opportunities for growth, leaders can reenter the field more prepared to inspire change and effect meaningful impact.

Leveraging Student Voice for Educational Transformation

A pivotal insight Presta shares involves the authentic integration of students' perspectives into the decision-making process. "We asked \[students], do you feel seen, heard and valued at school?" This straightforward query seeks to uncover the students' lived experiences, demonstrating a commitment to cultivating receptive and supportive learning environments. The results: a transformational feedback loop offering real-time insights for educators.

Presta continues, explaining how her district has adopted innovative educational methods like "allowing students to take a retake \[on exams]... because our goal is mastery." Such initiatives align with equity-driven goals by removing traditional barriers that might hinder student achievement. These changes, inspired by direct input from students, enable a fuller understanding of student challenges and successes, ensuring that educational practices evolve to meet all learners' needs.

With new practices like "seeds of some really good practices" being shared among educators, a ripple effect is created, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This holistic embrace of student voice reinforces the need to view education through the dual lens of listening to and learning from the students we aim to serve.

Through these key themes, the discourse transcends individual leadership tales, illustrating how strategic, inclusive, and mindful leadership can reshape educational systems. In environments where students feel "seen, heard and valued," pathways to success proliferate, driving enhanced outcomes for all involved. Such reflection not only informs current educational practices but also establishes a blueprint for fostering equity across diverse school settings everywhere.

"Equity work is simply giving our student in schools is simply giving our students what they need when they need it."

 

MEET OUR GUEST

Toni Presta

Superintendent Toni Presta is a seasoned education leader with extensive experience in San Mateo County. A San Francisco native, she has held pivotal roles across the region, from teaching elementary and middle school to leading as the superintendent of Brisbane School District for eight years and Bayshore for two. Presta earned her Master’s from Stanford in Education Administration and Policy Analysis, bringing a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and progressive learning to her work.

She has implemented Restorative Justice practices and opened additional Special Day classes to support students in their communities. A strong advocate for staff development, Presta champions Constructivist Educational Philosophy, emphasizing critical thinking and emotional intelligence. She has managed budgets, construction projects, and partnerships with organizations like the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and currently serves on the Daly City Partnership Board. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, and cheering on the San Francisco Giants with her son Dominic and their cat Coco.