Episode description

• Greg provides an overview of Poway Unified, describing it as the third-largest district in the county with 34,500 students across 41 campuses.
• He discusses the challenges of declining enrollment and its impact on the District's finances.
• Greg shares a story about the District's staff, many of whom are former students, highlighting the multi-generational nature of the community.
• Drew and Greg discuss the District's strong culture and the pride in its history and achievements.

• Greg recounts his unconventional pathway into education, starting with his struggles in high school and his journey to college.
• He shares how his roommate at Christian Heritage College, a valedictorian, inspired him to strive for more.
• Greg describes his early teaching experiences, focusing on building relationships with disengaged students and coaching sports.
• He emphasizes the importance of having role models and the impact of high expectations on student motivation.

• Greg discusses his role in special education at Poway, focusing on creating inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities.
• He highlights the challenges of reducing specialized programs and the importance of challenging all students to rise.
• Greg shares his belief that every child is capable of more than what adults often assume.
• Drew and Greg discuss the importance of training and educating classroom teachers to support students with disabilities.

• Greg addresses the mental health crisis in schools, noting its prevalence before and especially amplified by the pandemic.
• He recounts the impact of the Parkland, Florida, shooting on his students' demands for more mental health support.
• Greg describes the steps Poway Unified took to address mental health, including adding tiered supports 
• He expresses concern about the sustainability of these initiatives as one-time funds dry up.

• Greg emphasizes the importance of parents as the most influential people in their children's lives 
• He discusses the "What I Wish My Parents Knew" program, which involves student-led breakout sessions to share their perspectives with parents.
• Greg highlights the impact of these sessions on parental understanding and behavior.
• Greg discusses the "Herman's Way" project, which pairs students with supportive adults
• He shares his personal experience with fostering and adopting children, emphasizing the role of trauma in shaping behavior.

• Greg identifies the increasing complexity of the teaching profession and the challenges of personalizing learning experiences.
• He discusses the impact of declining enrollment and the need to adapt to new grade levels, such as Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
• Greg highlights the importance of affirming teachers and the need for parental support and communication.
• He shares his belief that every person has the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life, regardless of their profession.

• Greg encourages parents to send thank you notes to teachers and to be involved in their children's education.
• He shares his personal story of adopting two foster children and the challenges they face due to trauma.
• Greg emphasizes the need for patience and understanding in supporting students with complex backgrounds.
• Drew and Greg discuss the importance of community support and the role of businesses in partnering with schools.