Lebra Podcast

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Beaverton School District and incoming Superintendent of the Puget Sound Educational Service District. With 35 years in education, including 15 as a superintendent across Oregon, Washington, and California. Dr. Balderas brings a wealth of experience and a personal story rooted in resilience.

He shares his journey from growing up as the child of migrant farmworkers and an English learner to becoming the National Superintendent of the Year. Together, Nate and Dr. Balderas explore what it takes to recruit and retain bilingual teachers, build strong district cultures, and create pathways for emerging leaders. They also dive into how mentorship, relationships, and systemic structures can transform schools and close opportunity gaps.

Looking ahead, Dr. Balderas reflects on his upcoming transition to Puget Sound ESD, where he will support more than 35 districts and 425,000 students across the Seattle metro area, scaling collaboration and impact on a regional level.

 01:53 Growing Up as a Migrant Child & Early Educational Experiences

 04:57 From ESL Student to National Education Leader

 08:25 Recruiting & Retaining Bilingual and Diverse Teachers

 10:41 Building Healthy District Cultures

 12:31 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship in Leadership

 14:54 Preparing to Lead Puget Sound Educational Service District

 16:44 Building Relationships for Successful Transitions

 18:27 Creating Pathways for Emerging Latino Leaders

 20:38 Optimism for the Future of Public Education

If you’re an educator, school leader, or anyone passionate about equity in education, this conversation with Dr. Balderas offers powerful insights. His story exemplifies the American dream, from migrant farmworker roots to national leadership, and underscores the importance of mentorship, diversity, and systemic change. You’ll hear how he has built teacher pipelines, improved graduation rates, and cultivated inclusive school cultures, all while keeping 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-balderas-d-ed-35343710

Website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/


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Nate Lichte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lichte/
Lebra Website: https://www.lebrahq.com/
Lebra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebrahq 

The Lebra Podcast is where host Nate Lichte speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.

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