John Acha, Director of CTE & Program Equity
How long have you worked in TUSD? Started my career teaching in TUSD in 2008.
What is your job title? Director of Career Technical Education and Program Equity
Where did you work prior to TUSD? I spent a year working in sales for a payroll company called Paychex prior to starting the credential program.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day? Most of my days entails reaching out to teachers and administrators trying to find opportunities to either build upon the Career Tech Ed programs we already have or bringing in new opportunities. I get to work closely with Stanislaus County Office of Education to build partnerships with businesses and the community to grow our workforce development programs. Reviewing data to evaluate the impact our programs are having on our students' post-secondary goals and ensuring equitable practices across the district is one of the most important things my job requires. Also keeping up to date on all legislative policies and reporting requirements so that we can continue to fund our great CTE programs in TUSD.
Things you are most proud of? I don’t think I can pinpoint it to one thing, but maybe just the overall work as a special education teacher taught me a lot and I hold those students near and dear to my heart. It’s a great feeling when I’m out in the community and a former student comes up to me wanting to let me know how they’re doing. It’s fun to sit back and remember the four years I had working with that student, all of the ups and downs, then seeing that it was all worth it.
Challenges? Navigating those tough conversations and trying to find that middle ground can be a big challenge sometimes. We often are bound by Ed. Code or policies that are in place for the right reasons, but you can see the passion and the staff member has their heart in the right place so you want to figure out an appropriate solution to support their efforts.
Favorite memory/story? I also spent many years coaching baseball at Pitman High School. Mick Tate was the head coach I worked under for the first 5 years before taking over the program. My 2013 team surprised everyone and we went deep into the playoffs that year and I’ll never forget that group. We won the school’s first league title in 2015 with another great group of young men whom I’ll never forget either.
What are you reading? As part of the Equity Taskforce book study I’m reading The Listening Leader. It’s a great book that I’m only a few chapters in, but it’s really made me really evaluate my own leadership style.
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV? Yellowstone or football. Most TV shows watched in my house are whatever my son John and daughter Lily are watching on Disney+ though.
Fave movies? Almost any comedy with Will Ferrell. I like that goofy, Saturday Night Live kind of humor.
Anything surprising we may not know about you? I played a couple years in the San Francisco Giants minor league system and then got to coach on a professional baseball team in Italy for a season.
Fave quote? “Any job big or small, do it right or not at all.” -Mick Tate taught me that one but I don’t know where it originally came from. I think he always said it came from his father.
Fave memory of someone in education who inspired you? I had a lot of great teachers and coaches while going through TUSD growing up so it’s hard to pinpoint just one instance. I guess I can go back to Mrs. Lewis in 4th grade where I just remember loving to go to school each day because she made it fun and then Ms. Cordell was such a great teacher who I think helped me build my confidence and love for learning.
Anything about your personal you’d like to share? I’ve been married to my amazing and supportive wife Stephanie for nearly 14 years and we have two fun loving kids that keep us on our toes. Going up to the mountains with the family and just relaxing, fishing, and hunting is what I like doing most outside of work.
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