UCLA Center X alumni, graduates of the Teacher Education Program and Principal Leadership Institute, are working across California to advance equity‑focused teaching and leadership, particularly in underserved communities. Their efforts emphasize social justice–aligned instruction, community partnership, and educator support initiatives that make learning more relevant, inclusive, and impactful for all students.
Congratulations, Principal Leadership Institute Grad Kimberly Figueroa!
Congratulations to Kimberly Figueroa-Oliveira, PLI Cohort 20, for being named a Finalist for the LAUSD 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year! She is the Assistant Principal at Panorama High School.
The Assistant Principal of the Year Program honors assistant principals who excel in their dedication and support for the mission and vision of their school community.
Educator Profile: Michelle Staine, PLI Cohort 14
Michelle Staine, a PLI Cohort 14 graduate, was recently featured in an article talking about her National Board Certification journey, supported by the the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools. Motivated by her family and a desire to deepen her teaching practice, she focused on personalized, student-centered instruction, from English learners to students with special needs.
21CSLA Project Prepares School Leadership to Serve with Equity, Social Justice
The 21st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA) is a statewide collaboration to support principals, districts, and educational leaders in learning from divergent voices, guiding with equity. Through 21CSLA, Parachini and her colleagues across California aim to provide high quality, equity-centered professional learning for educational leaders of schools and districts in California that receive Title II funds.
Partnership for Los Angeles Schools Celebrates 15 Years
Our partner organization, Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, is celebrating 15 years of accomplishments, including developing 160 Teacher Leaders, raising and investing $175 million in traditional public schools in Los Angeles, mobilizing 300 community partners to provide socio-emotional support, health care, and academic programs, and empowering 10,000 parents and families through their Parent College program.
Remembering Dr. Bruce Newlin, Inaugural Director of PLI
Alumni who attended PLI during his tenure remember him as a dedicated and compassionate educator who led with kindness and a warm heart. His commitment to equity and social justice continues to inspire the PLI community. We are forever grateful for his significant contributions to the field of education and the enduring legacy he established for PLI.
Remembering our friend and colleague – Mina Shiratori
Mina left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her enthusiasm, hope and love for those she served was contagious. PLI honors her life by continuing to embrace her spirit of hope, care, and joy. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate what she gave to us, an unwavering commitment to equity, an infectious smile that immediately made one feel a sense of belonging, and a creative spirit.
Congratulations to Vanessa Mosqueda, PLI Cohort 22
Congratulations to Vanessa Mosqueda on her appointment to the District 5 seat on the Long Beach Commission for Women and Girls, a commission with the commitment to advocating and advancing the well-being of Long Beach women and girls.
Remembering our friend and colleague Sidney Thompson, 1931 – 2023
His legacy speaks to everything we work to embody in our program, he was an innovative leader who disrupted systems to make change, he was a trailblazer being the first African American Superintendent in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and most importantly he was driven by his strong belief in the power of young people.
PLI and Partnership for Los Angeles Schools Celebration
The UCLA Principal Leadership Institute and the Partnership for LA Schools celebrated their ongoing collaboration to prepare the next generation of school leaders. The two organizations have worked together since 2015 to build a better future for LA Area schools and the students and communities they serve, with funding from the Nicholas Endowment.