Eddie and Steph recognize and reflect upon ten years since the Pulse tragedy here in Orlando. They then discuss Equal Ground’s excellent tour stop in Orlando and the overwhelming number of audience questions relating to public schools and public education.  

The guest this week is Dr. Hector Maestre, a wonderful human and OCPS graduate who also happens to be the principal at Boone High School. Like Steph, he was on the podcast unofficially and not in his professional capacity as an OCPS employee. Dr. Maestre begins by sharing his journey to becoming a teacher and then principal (16:17) and why the Class of 2026 is a special one to him (25:28). He discusses how he helps students who are struggling (29:31) and the importance of building relationships (35:16). He shares what a day in his life might look like (38:32) along with some misconceptions about his job (44:09). We learn how he manages the power of being a principal (51:04) and how he responds to the climate surrounding public education right now (55:18). Dr. Maestre then dismisses the notion that the purpose of school is to prepare students to become workers, and reiterates that his goal is to prepare students to be responsible, civically engaged, impactful people in the real world (1:02:01). They then talk about how OCPS can better support all schools (1:06:24) and how he responds to and works with concerned parents (1:08:36). Finally, Dr. Maestre shares he rests and recharges (1:11:28). 

• Dr. Hector Maestre
• Extracurricular Podcast
• Stephanie Vanos
• Eddie Geller