Children possess a vast imagination, are active explorers, natural experimenters, and endless discoverers. We believe that children’s learning happens all the time and everywhere, therefore, we provide abundant opportunities for significant, engaging, play-based learning experiences in both the indoor and outdoor environments, and within our community.
Excelsior Teaching Standards Committee
Michael Escalante: Professor and Retired Superintendent
Dr. Michael Escalante joined the USC Rossier School of Education as Executive in Residence after more than three decades in public education. When he was the superintendent of Glendale Unified School District, where he oversaw approximately 27,000 students, a $280 million budget, and 31 K-12 schools in a diverse community. Under Escalante’s leadership, the district saw student API scores rise year over year.
Dr. Escalante served as superintendent of Fullerton Joint Union High School District from 1997 to 2004. At Rossier, Escalante teaches doctoral courses, is involved in dissertation thematic groups, and participates in recruitment and conversion events for the Ed.D. program. He has an active role in the District Superintendent’s Advisory Group (DSAG), consults with the MAT program, and serves as the liaison between the program and school districts.
Honors and Awards:
- 2008 Glendale Latino Association “Man of the Year”
- 2008 Glendale PTA Council “ContinuingServiceAward”
- 2006 Nominated for the ACSA Region XV’s Administrator of the Year Award
- 2005 Davidian &Mariamian Educational Foundation, “Man of the Year.”
- 2002 Fullerton PTSA Council Honorary Service
- 2001 Selected Member of Southern California Superintendents’ Association
Ashraf Shams: Board
With Public Education being A passion, Ashraf has worked for more than 20 years with K12 leaders to develop meaningful initiatives that deliver advanced educational outcomes for students. Ashraf has a CBO certification from USC (Chief Business Official) which has given him a unique understanding of public education finance and the challenges school leaders deal with every day.
Ashraf collaborates with partners, superintendents, school board and cabinet members, and educational technology leaders to design and implement advanced solutions. These solutions leverage the right technologies and allow schools to provide equitable learning opportunities for students.
He is experienced in solutions that deliver distance learning instruction, enhanced campus and data safety, and that bridge the digital divide.
LaTanya Kirk Carter: Board
LaTanya Kirk Carter, is a strategic planner and an experienced senior business management professional specializing in public & private educational sectors. She received her associate’s degree in Psychology and BS in Early Childhood Education. She provides consulting services in all aspects of public sector financial, operational, pre-K - 12 facilities compliance, mandatory school and student safety plans. She also provides staff professional development and on the job training, interim staff assignments for clients like City of Malibu, Beverly Hills Unified School District, El Camino College, Compton College, etc.
La Tanya has served as Superintendent in Compton USD. Chief Business Officer and Chief Financial Officer in Beverly Hills Unified School District, as well facilities consultant and auditor for many Southern California school districts.
Experience:
- Superintendent, Chief Business Official (CBO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Principal Consultant
- Facilities Compliance Auditor Assistant Superintendent
- Business Services Assistant Superintendent