Michael Watkins was born and raised in Oakland, California. He attended Cal State Hayward where he was awarded a B.A. in Psychology and teaching credentials in both History and Special Education. He also received a Master’s Degree in School Administration. Michael has over 45 years’ experience in education. He has held the positions of Learning Handicapped Program Specialist, Director of Special Education, Director of Alternative Education and is now the elected Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, a position that he has held for nearly 10 years. Michael has been recognized for his work in the community by both the Watsonville City Council and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. In addition, he has been recognized statewide by serving as the State President of the Juvenile Court and Community Alternative Schools Association and the President of the 58-county Superintendents Association. He was recently appointed by the California Senate Rules Committee to sit on the 5-member California Collaborative for Educational Excellence and the statewide Special Education Task Force. In addition he has served on a number of Boards of local non-profit agencies. About EducatorsLead: Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level of leadership. This show is for you if you are interested in educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, teacher or someone who hopes to be a school leader one day. Educators Lead offers inspiration and practical advice to help you lead more effectively. Jay Willis interviews school leaders three days a week to discuss why and when these educators made the decision to move into school leadership, challenges along the journey, and stories that made it all worthwhile. Educators Lead is a great resource for any educator looking to make a greater impact. Educate. Inspire. Lead. www.educatorslead.com