CHAPTER 22: Alejandro Macias from High Risk Student to High School Principal (in progress)

CHAPTER 22: Alejandro Macias from At-Risk High School Student to High School Principal.

Alex is a modern day Kahlil Gibran Click HERE to see why.

I met Alex when he was a student at Futures High School in Montebello California. Futures is a school-within-a-school on the campus of Montebello High School designed to on-board high school students derailed from graduation track.  Not enough passing grades to reach graduation in time without a meaningful intervention.  

Alex found his way to us and into Liz Cooley's classes in particular. Liz is about to retire this year, but her body of work will continue on through her former students like Alejandro Macias.

Here is their story.  (Get comments for Liz)

From his LinkedIn page:

About Alejandro Macias.About

"My passion and commitment towards educating inner-city youth comes from my personal experiences. My success in Los Angeles community comes from our shared history. I was raised by two immigrant parents working minimum wage occupations while learning English as a second language. I became a father in high school, attended continuation high school for two of my four high school years, and now hold two graduate degrees. I know the power of education and the importance of being supported by believers. As a result, I believe all students are capable of learning and achieving their academic and personal goals. Underpinning this belief is the knowledge that successful school leaders of the 21st century must strive to connect with all stakeholders (parents, students, staff and community partners), to inspire and empower them, and collectively work to move the school forward. Furthermore, I believe students do not fail, the adults around them do, and in order to impact student achievement the school leadership team must develop a culture of collaboration, accountability, and reflection with a commitment and focus to continuously improve."

Questions for Alex:

What happened before Futures High School? Does "hope" or the loss of hope factor into your experience.

How did you find Futures?

What happened while you were there that got you to becoming the principal of Manual Arts High School?

Tell us about Liz as a teacher.

What did you learn about yourself while there.

What do your remember about our team building days at the park?

What do you look for when you hire teachers for Manual Arts High School?

What do you want to say to teachers across the United States?

Notes:  Alex, if you'd lie to replace the photo, please feel free.