In this powerful episode of the Abre Podcast, host Zach Vander Veen sits down with Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, Executive Director of TALAS (Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents). Drawing from her 41 years in education, Dr. Thomas shares her inspiring journey from being the daughter of a migrant worker to becoming a superintendent and now leading TALAS.
Dr. Thomas discusses the vital role of TALAS in supporting Latino administrators and addressing the unique needs of Latino students, who now represent 53% of Texas’s student population. She offers insights into cultural attitudes toward education, the importance of understanding second language learners, and TALAS’s expanding network of regional affiliates. The conversation culminates with a powerful reflection on traditional education structures and the need for more flexible, student-centered approaches.
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To learn more about Abre: https://abre.com/
About the Guest:
Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas is an accomplished education leader with over 41 years of experience in public education. Recently retired as the superintendent of Hutto ISD in Texas, Dr. Estrada Thomas now serves as the executive director of TALAS (Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents). Notably known as “the head hippo” during her tenure at Hutto, she dedicated her career to advancing educational equity and success among Latino students, driven by her deep respect for the value of education instilled by her father, a former migrant worker.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Open Insights, host Zach Vander Veen welcomes Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, who shares her invaluable experiences and insights gained over an extensive career in education. As the executive director of TALAS, Dr. Estrada Thomas provides an insider’s perspective on the organization’s mission to empower Latino education leaders, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect and education as a means to uplift communities. Her heartfelt narrative illustrates the impact of education on her life and commitment to shaping the academic journey of Latino students.
This episode delves deep into the challenges and opportunities facing educators within Latino communities, particularly in Texas, where Latino students form a significant portion of the student body. Dr. Estrada Thomas addresses various strategies for improving educational outcomes, such as focusing on emergent bilinguals and utilizing effective data systems to support students’ needs. Additionally, the conversation highlights the impact of socio-economic factors on education and how school systems can build trust with Latino families. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on how TALAS and its affiliates work to foster leadership development and cultivate educational environments that respond to the diverse needs of Latino students.
Time Stamps
(00:00 – 03:48) Introduction
(03:48 – 05:54) The Value of Education
(05:54 – 08:13) TALAS Overview and Mission
(08:13 – 12:14) Supporting Latino Students
(12:14 – 14:39) TALAS Organizational Structure
(14:39 – 16:34) Regional Affiliates Update
(16:34 – 21:33) Data Challenges and Solutions
(21:33 – 25:41) Educational System Reflections
(25:41 – 26:50) Nostalgia Question
(26:50 – 28:00) Closing Thoughts
Key Takeaways:
- Value of Education: Dr. Estrada Thomas shares her personal story of education as a means of honoring her parents’ sacrifices and the importance of prioritizing educational access for Latino communities.
- Mission of TALAS: TALAS focuses on empowering Latino administrators and educators through leadership development, problem-solving, and addressing unique educational needs, particularly in second language acquisition.
- Cultural and Socio-economic Dynamics: Latino families value educational systems highly due to their trust in schools to care for their children, even as parents often manage multiple jobs.
- Data Utilization in Schools: Effective education requires robust data systems to make informed decisions about instruction and student support, helping educators focus on meaningful metrics rather than overwhelming information.
- Innovative Educational Practices: Emphasizing the need to move away from traditional time-bound learning models, Dr. Estrada Thomas advocates for educational structures that tailor to individual student readiness and potential.