Meet The Team: Michael Soguero, Director of Professional Development
Michael Soguero has been the director of professional development here at Eagle Rock since the summer of 2006, working with schools and organizations around the country to increase high school engagement. While here, he inherited and then renovated an alternative licensure program under the auspices of the Colorado Department of Education, creating the current curriculum for all licensure candidates who come through our doors. Michael also delivers most of the seminars for candidates to earn their Colorado teaching licenses. He serves as a member of the residential community here at Eagle Rock and was the founding houseparent of our Pinon house two decades ago, and of course he directs our professional development team as it facilitates the efforts of educational organizations interested in re-engaging youth in their own education
If that isn’t enough, this talented educational leader has even more to share, including insight into a previous stint on our campus, which ultimately helped us set the stage for where we are as an organization today.
But don’t take our word for it… meet Michael Soguero:
Eagle Rock: What did you do prior to coming to work for Eagle Rock?
Michael: Actually, I’ve worked at Eagle Rock twice. Between March 1993 and August 1997, I was one of the founding members of Eagle Rock’s development team and contributed to the design of our curriculum. In addition, I was a math and science instructional specialist and houseparent.
After I left Eagle Rock I worked for nine years in New York City’s public education system. There, I was a math and science teacher at School for the Physical City High School before becoming the co-director of that school. That was an Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound School (now rebranded as Expeditionary Learning Schools). I then became the founder and principal of a New Century High School initiative in the Bronx called the Bronx Guild.
While in New York City, I became a lead facilitator for a Scaffolded Apprenticeship Model program (SAM)) in the New York City Leadership Academy training aspiring principals. Before that, I did my first stint here at Eagle Rock, which was preceded by my time spent as a doctoral candidate at Penn State University for molecular and cell biology. I also worked for NASA Space Grant College bringing science-based presentations into local middle schools.
Prior to that I graduated from City College of New York with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and prior to that I enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1982 until 1986.
I returned to Eagle Rock in July 2006.
Eagle Rock: What attracted you to Eagle Rock in the first place?
Michael: I am passionate about the mission of reengaging high school students in their education. I believe it’s a critical time period in any person’s life – full of energy and possibility and too often neglected by society. We hole up these kids in classrooms, infantilize them and treat them like deficiencies. I’m committed to transforming that experience for youth. They should be seen as assets, exercising their energy and possibilities, all under the guidance of apprenticing themselves to adults who share this commitment.
Eagle Rock is not only committed to all the above. It’s a place free of irrelevant government and district demands that get in the way of fulfilling on the vision. We have the running room to do what’s right and innovate to do what’s best for kids.
Eagle Rock: When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Michael: Honestly, I’m passionate about Continue reading…