About me
Meet Dr. Juan Manuel Santos, an accomplished educator dedicated to empowering diverse students in both urban and suburban communities. With a wealth of experience spanning various educational settings, from elementary to university levels, Dr. Santos has made a significant impact on the lives of countless students and leaders.
Dr. Santos' educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in History, complemented with minors in Political Science and Ethnic Studies. Building on his passion for teaching, he pursued a master's in teaching and later earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, as well as a Pupil Services Credential in Counseling. Emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and personal growth, Dr. Santos firmly believes in the transformative power of education in serving others.
Currently, Dr. Santos proudly holds the position of President Elect for the prestigious California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), an organization that supports administrators throughout the State of California. Prior to his election as President Elect in July 2023, he served as the Director of Mentoring, a role he had been dedicated to since 2016. Dr. Santos' journey with CALSA started as a protégé in Cohort 6 in 2009, and he later became a mentor in Cohorts 9, 11, and 18, attesting to his unwavering belief in the value of mentorship, particularly through the CALSA Mentoring Program.
Presently, Dr. Santos serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Ventura County Office of Education, where he oversees the educational needs of over 250 schools and more than 120,000 students hailing from diverse backgrounds and communities. Prior to his role at the county level, he spent over two decades serving in various district and site-level positions, accumulating invaluable expertise along the way.
Beyond his official roles, Dr. Santos is driven by a profound passion for nurturing and mentoring aspiring leaders and superintendents. This dedication fuels his active involvement in memberships and activities that align with his desire to assist others in reaching their full potential and "Be Your Best."
In summary, Dr. Juan Manuel Santos is a visionary educator, leader, and mentor, whose lifelong commitment to education has positively impacted numerous lives and continues to inspire those around him to pursue excellence.