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Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Aleli Vazquez, an educational leader and National Louis University alumni Hall of Fame inductee, about leading with purpose through school culture, instruction, and advocacy. Dr. Vazquez shares how earning her doctorate in 2020 supported her leadership during COVID, her work as a founding principal in Florida, and her current role as Dean of Faculty at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.
She explains RCA’s high-energy, high-expectation model for grades 4–8 and its conferences that allow educators to observe live classrooms, learn RCA strategies, and implement systems like the house system. Dr. Vazquez details coaching and feedback practices centered on reflection, excellence, and support, and emphasizes sustainability through shared vision, transparency, staff ownership, and developing leaders. She gives her advice on educator leadership without titles, investing in people, protecting culture, and leading with heart, empathy, and excellence.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:39 Meet Dr Aleli Vazquez
03:12 Post Doctorate Journey
05:17 What Is Ron Clark Academy
07:15 Coaching Teachers at RCA
10:31 Visiting RCA Conferences
13:04 Influencing Through Adults
16:06 Culture Meets Instruction
20:42 Building Sustainable Legacy
24:19 From Principal to RCA
30:12 Advice for Change Makers
34:01 Closing Thanks
