Promoting School Culture

The podcast features Dr. Keith Abrahams interviewing Gabriel Duran, Principal of Maywood Center for Enriched Studies. Duran shares his journey from working in parks and recreation to becoming a principal. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive school culture, detailing the challenges of selecting staff and fostering a supportive environment. Duran discusses the school's unique approach to discipline, replacing a dean with additional counselors to focus on student guidance rather than punishment.

Duran highlights the school’s innovative practices, such as encouraging student-led clubs and leveraging social media for student engagement. He also talks about the challenges of balancing administrative duties with classroom involvement and the importance of maintaining a strong mission and vision.

(0:00) Intro

(1:48) Can you share a bit about your background and how you became a principal? What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

(3:21) How were you intentional in building relationships and developing systems that lead to MaCES’s positive school culture?

(8:27) In your words what makes your program successful?

(12:45) What is the real Churro story?

(16:23) What are the most significant challenges you face as a school principal, and how do you address them?

(18:30) How long have you not had a dean?

(20:42) Is there an inspiring student or staff story you would like to share with us? Or can you describe any memorable success stories or achievements from your time as a principal that made a significant impact on the school community?

(23:15) Can you talk a little bit about how that decision was made to become a full inclusion school and what advice or recommendations are you would you give to any other principal who's considering it?

(27:47) What advice do you have for aspiring educators who may be considering a career in school administration or leadership roles?

(29:04) Speed Round

(29:15) What is one book that all educators should read?

(30:02) What do you do for self-care?

(30:48) What inspirational quote do you live by?