"I became an educator because I felt that I could make a significant difference in the lives of students, by helping them to realize their potential," says Raymond Valdez, principal of Fern Bacon Basic Middle School in Sacramento. "I feel that it is my mission," he adds, "to help students broaden their horizons, to help them identify and clarify their options, and to support and validate their personal goals." Mr. Valdez considers the recent restructuring of Fern Bacon Basic Middle School one of the crowning achievements of his career as an educator. Originally designed as a school with a two-part program, one regular and the other basic, Fern Bacon has now evolved into a school with a "single behavior-based magnet program." Mr. Valdez continues to be involved in the search for "improvements that will meet the needs of students in a diverse and global society." Mr. Valdez tries to impress upon both teachers and community a "sense of ownership for the school and its program;" his inclusive style of leadership encourages all participants to be "true partners in the educational process."
California State University - Sacramento, M.S.
