Episode 401

full
Published on:

16th May 2025

From the Philippines to the Principal’s Office: One Leader’s Story of Building Community in the U.S.

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Vern Caruz, Principal of Rancho Milpitas Middle School in California, as they explore how authentic leadership rooted in cultural identity can transform a diverse school community. This insightful conversation delves into Dr. Caruz’s personal journey as an immigrant and English learner returning to lead the very school where he once studied. He shares how embracing Filipino cultural values like kawa (shared identity) helps him build strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Discover how Dr. Caruz balances honoring cultural authenticity with navigating traditional educational leadership models to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership Rooted in Cultural Identity: Dr. Caruz draws on his Filipino heritage and immigrant experience to build authentic connections with students and families, fostering a strong sense of community.
  • Embracing Kawa (Shared Identity): The concept of kawa guides his approach to leadership, emphasizing collective responsibility, belonging, and mutual support within the school.
  • Returning to His Roots: Leading the school he once attended gives Dr. Caruz unique insight and motivation to create a nurturing and inclusive environment.
  • Balancing Tradition and Authenticity: He navigates traditional educational leadership expectations while honoring cultural values, creating a leadership style that resonates with his diverse community.
  • Focus on Relationships: Building trust and genuine relationships with students, staff, and families is central to fostering student success and well-being.
  • Championing Diversity and Inclusion: Dr. Caruz advocates for culturally responsive practices that celebrate students’ backgrounds and promote equity.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:57 Meet Dr. Vern Caruz

01:52 Vern's Journey and School Demographics

03:27 Challenges and Experiences as an Immigrant

05:17 Leadership in Education: The Triad

08:06 The Role and Impact of a Principal

11:43 Cultural Identity and Authentic Leadership

26:47 Empowering Students and Staff

31:14  Advice for Aspiring Leaders



Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Vern Caruz: linkedin.com/in/vern-caruz-edd-5971922

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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About the Podcast

Principal Office Hours
Real principals. Real talk. No hall passes required.
Finally—a podcast that proves school principals have personalities (and killer insights, too). Every week, join us for candid conversations with K-12 principals who are navigating the beautiful chaos of educational leadership without losing their minds or sense of humor.

Each 40-minute episode features real principals sharing what actually works in school leadership—from handling helicopter parents and budget nightmares to building school culture that doesn't make everyone roll their eyes. Consider this your professional development that doesn't feel like professional development.

Our guests aren't afraid to share their epic fails alongside their victories. They'll tell you about the initiative that spectacularly bombed during assembly, right before revealing how they turned their school's reading scores around. It's educational leadership with the BS filter turned off.

Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention.

Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.