Episode 11 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates welcomes Dr. Carlos Montes, a senior leader in Los Angeles Unified School District and Director of the East Los Angeles Community of Schools. In this conversation, Dr. Montes shares what it truly takes to lead with purpose inside one of the nation’s largest and most complex school systems.

Grounded in equity, relationships, and instructional coherence, Dr. Montes reflects on supporting diverse schools while keeping students, families, and educators at the center of every decision. He unpacks leadership moves that translate vision into classroom impact, the importance of developing people—not just managing systems—and how leaders can sustain themselves through constant change.

This episode is a must-listen for principals and system leaders navigating pressure and scale. No matter the seat you lead from, Dr. Montes offers practical insight and grounded wisdom for today’s educational leaders.

Guest

Special thanks to Dr. Carlos A. Montes  for joining this amazing episode.