Through her careful analysis of academic achievement scores, Ceasar has been instrumental in making major improvements to the district’s core curricular programs, intervention programs and instructional strategies that are improving success for all students, especially those who face barriers to learning.

With a district-wide focus on PEAK (P-Purposeful, E-Engaging, A-AVIDized and K-Kid driven), Ceasar has provided teachers and administrators with professional development that ensures instruction is effective and impactful. She organizes an annual professional development day that has become a highlight of the year. Ceasar also surveys teachers and staff to ensure PD is flexible and meets their needs. She guides the districtwide grade and department level PLCs to support teacher needs and district initiatives.

Never satisfied with mediocre work, her continuous drive toward improving her leadership skills and knowledge has set an example for others. Ceasar is known for hosting book studies, attending professional development conferences and her extensive involvement with ACSA over the last 20 years, which has kept her in touch with the many changes impacting education today.

Due to her innate creativity and keen problem-solving skills, Ceasar’s colleagues look to her for guidance and assistance whenever an issue arises.

“Without a doubt, Mrs. Ceasar is one of the most knowledgeable working educators I have worked with over the past 34 years,” said El Centro Elementary School District Superintendent Jon LeDoux. “Superintendents, district administrators and principals across Imperial County seek out her advice on a regular basis.”

What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership? The quote “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result” that is accredited to Albert Einstein, but others say he never said it. I go to work every day with the goal of improving the educational experience, and therefore the future, for all of the students in our district. I am constantly listening, watching and analyzing all that we do to improve the systems and programs we have in place and make sure we are doing what is best for our students. Maintaining the status quo is not an option.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? When I was a student in junior college and trying to decide what I wanted to do for a career and if I should leave the county to go to college, I worked in a local jewelry and gift store and one of my regular customers told me that if I thought I wanted to stay in the Imperial Valley, I needed to go away to college so that I would learn to appreciate the Imperial Valley more. I attended California State University, San Marcos, for my upper graduate work and teaching credential, and then returned home for my first teaching position and intend to stay here for the rest of my career.

What’s your best strategy for work-life balance? I am a self-proclaimed workaholic. I was already a site principal when I met my husband, Mike. He has made it possible for me to be able to work when I need and want to. My parents and in-laws are also always willing to lend a hand and support our son, Luke, when we have calendar conflicts. Our superintendent, Jon LeDoux, and deputy superintendent, Ruben Castro, are also very family-first and support me when I need to attend events for our son that conflict with my work schedule or board meetings.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? You have to develop thick skin. Don’t take it personally. It is impossible to make everyone happy, but it is still worth striving for. Use your calendar to keep everything organized. Have a vision and work towards that vision. Put student success and well-being first in every decision you make.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I was born and raised in El Centro and am a product of the same school district where I am now the Director of Learning, Instruction & Accountability. As a child, I attended Lincoln, Hedrick, and Desert Garden Elementary Schools and Wilson Jr. High School. My parents were both teachers at Central Union High School their entire careers. I love working in and supporting the district I attended as a child and to still live and work in my hometown. My son also attended elementary and junior high in our district and now attends the high school I graduated from and where both of his grandparents spent their careers.

What made you want to become a central office administrator? I started my admin career over 20 years ago in the central office doing state and federal projects. When I was a principal in Seeley, a one-school district, I was also the state and federal projects director. When I worked at the Imperial County Office of Education, I supported schools and districts with state and federal projects and school improvement. I served as a principal in my current district and now I am back at the central office as Director of Learning, Instruction & Accountability and I get to put all that experience to work in my hometown and district. I get to support teachers, principals, and support staff and build systems and create programs to meet the needs of our students. I thrive at working at the big picture level but also like to ensure the details are customized for the best results and to serve everyone’s needs. I enjoy working with the other directors in our department, Linda Morse and Marco Arellano, our awesome Educational Services Team, and our principals and instructional coaches to analyze data and work to improve the educational experience for all of our students. When all of our district departments come together during our districtwide events, we are a great team! I have had the amazing opportunity to work with my first principal that encouraged me to become an administrator, Jon LeDoux, in three different districts and in six different capacities, as he has also advanced in his career to be a visionary and supportive superintendent. He was able to see the leadership potential in me 26 years ago, and to be able to be a part of his senior management team today means so much to me.

What are you most proud of accomplishing? I am very honored and proud to receive this state recognition for the work of our district team and myself. We have developed an awesome team and continue to relentlessly pursue positive educational experiences for all students. I work with passionate and driven district and site leaders, amazing and skilled instructional coaches, a supportive and visionary cabinet and board, and an awesome Educational Services team.

How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? As a new, young teacher, my superintendent, David Watson, used to leave the EdCal on my desk and show me all the administrative positions on the back pages. He and my principal, Jon LeDoux, both encouraged me to obtain my master’s degree and administrative credential, both of which I had not even considered. Jon also provided opportunities for me to learn more about state projects with grant writing opportunities and involving me with the School Site Council. The summer after graduating with my master's in educational leadership and my administrative credential, I attended the ACSA New and Aspiring Principals Institute at UCLA. It was great learning and networking. I met a new friend that was in Northern California, and we challenged each other to apply for administrative positions when we returned home. We both applied and were hired within the next three months.

Years later, I joined my local Imperial County Charter when the charter president at the time sent out an email to all charter members looking for members at large. After two years, I was elected Vice President of Membership and stayed in that position for six years, winning an iPad and a $500 gift card from State ACSA Membership Services for bringing in the most new members in the state on two different occasions. I served my local charter as president and am currently the Region 18 president. My involvement at the region level is also due to Jon LeDoux and Amanda Brooke encouraging my participation. Over the past 11 years I have represented the region on the Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability Council, Elementary Education Council, and Membership Committee, and have attended all State Leadership Assemblies. I have also had the opportunity to attend State Legislative Action Days three times. I have met so many wonderful, dedicated, and knowledgeable administrators from Imperial County, San Diego County, and across the state.

How are you prioritizing mental health for yourself, your staff and/or your students? Personally, I take the time to schedule “me time” appointments like facials and massages regularly. I also enjoy just being home with my family, my husband Mike, son Luke, and our five dogs. We go to dinner every Friday with my parents and enjoy watching Michigan football with my in-laws. To support the adults I work with, I try to regularly thank them and tell them how much they are appreciated with handwritten letters and little tokens of my appreciation.