Excelsior Preschool

Meet the Team

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