Educators from across the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s alternative high schools and probation camps recently came together for a powerful professional development day centered on the theme “Leading with Heart.”

The event united paraprofessionals, teachers, psychologists, counselors, office managers, and site principals from nine different sites—including Renaissance PAU, Camp Dorothy Kirby, Angeles Forest PAU, Barry J. Nidorf and Camp Kilpatrick. The goal was to inspire, motivate and equip educators with strategies to set the tone for the 2025–26 school year.

Throughout the day, participants learned best practices for supporting students’ academic and emotional growth, career readiness and access to Career Technical Education. Strategic planning sessions focused on how to create learning environments where all students can thrive.

LACOE Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ruth Perez opened with a moving story about a student who told her, 20 years later, that she had changed the trajectory of his life because she believed in him. Dr. Diana Velasquez, Executive Director of Education Programs, reminded attendees that their daily work has long-lasting impact, underscoring the importance of project-based learning and intentional connections.

The keynote speaker, Kim Renard Nazel also known as “ Arabian Prince” or “Professor X”—entrepreneur, rapper and record producer—shared his personal journey. He emphasized the role of mentors, friends and family in shaping life decisions, telling attendees that positive influences matter. Ty Kastendiek, a teacher at Camp Glenn Rockey, shared why it matters to have compassion and empathy when it comes to connecting with students.

Reflecting on the day, Dr. Janice Phelps expressed her hope that attendees feel energized, inspired and united in purpose. She emphasized that the strategies shared should be carried back to classrooms and campuses—fueling a renewed focus on students, especially the most vulnerable and unlocking endless possibilities for their success.

The professional development day closed with a simple but profound call to action: lead with heart and teach with heart. By ensuring students are seen, heard and supported, LACOE staff reaffirmed their shared mission to help every young person do better, be better and reach for a brighter future.