A discussion among a unique group of K12 leaders in CA building a brand-new middle school with future pathways at the center of their design.
Kristin McKenna
Director of College and Career Readiness
Madera Unified School District
Kristin McKenna is the Director of College and Career Readiness for Madera Unified and has been with Madera Unified since 2009 when she was hired as an Agriculture Teacher at Madera South High School.
In 2015 Kristin became the Coordinator of College and Career Readiness and moved to the Director role in July 2018. In these roles Kristin supports the teachers in Madera Unified’s 25 career pathways, and helps build industry partnerships to align with the courses. She manages all of the CTE specific funding and is responsible for writing new grants as they become available.
Kristin received her Bachelors of Science Degree and Teaching Credential at Fresno State University, her Masters in Agriculture Education from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and her Administration Credential through Madera County Office of Education.
Alyson Rocco
Principal
Madera Technical Exploration Center (Madera TEC)
Madera Unified School District
Alyson Rocco is Principal at the Madera Technical Exploration Center - “Madera TEC.” She was a Madera High School graduate and is returning to the district after fifteen years in Clovis Unified, ten as a classroom teacher and five in administration.
Alyson taught kindergarten, first, second and fifth grade at James S. Fugman Elementary School then moved to the Guidance Instructional Specialist (aka Vice Principal) there. She was then promoted to a Learning Director at Clovis North Educational Center which serves 7th-12th grade students. Alyson oversaw English, Academic Block, Drama, Choir, Forensics and CTE Education Pathway.
Alyson received her Bachelors of Arts and Teaching Credential at San Diego State University, her Masters in Education from Fresno State University, and her Administrative Credential through Fresno County Office of Education.
Theron Cosgrave
Senior Consultant
Swanson & Cosgrave Consulting (www.swansonandcosgrave.com)
Theron Cosgrave (aka “Cos”) is a national consultant who works with educators on a wide range of issues including project-based learning, curriculum development, school design, leadership development, and strategic planning. His firm, Swanson & Cosgrave Consulting, works with districts across the country along with intermediaries like ConnectED, JFF, NAF, and EPIC. Prior to consulting, Theron spent a decade as a high school social studies teacher and Assistant Principal. Theron holds a B.A. in Political Science and M.A. in Education from Stanford University, and a M.A. in Education Administration from San Francisco State University.
Links from this episode:
Madera Unified Schools: https://www.madera.k12.ca.us/
Madera California: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madera,_California