Step Up Your School Leadership Game: Dr Cynthia Rapaido

Dr. Cynthia Rapaido, a highly accomplished educator, holds an Ed.D. in International and Multicultural Education and an M.A. in Educational Administration from the University of San Francisco. She earned her B.S. in Applied Arts and Sciences Biology from San Diego State University. With over 30 years of experience in K–12 education, she has served as a high school principal, assistant principal, and teacher, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape across various schools and districts in California. Dr. Rapaido’s dedication extends to higher education, where she has contributed significantly as a faculty lecturer, dissertation advisor, and university field supervisor at esteemed institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, University of San Francisco, and California State University, East Bay. Her passion for teaching, mentoring, and coaching educators is evident in her continuing role as an educational leadership coach and consultant. She also mentors graduate and doctoral students at her alma maters. Often actively engaged in research, Dr. Rapaido participates in academic peer review panels and presents her work at conferences, covering diverse topics within education and leadership. Her research interests include educational leadership, teacher education, school climate, diversity sensitivity, multicultural competency, social justice, emotional intelligence, and the impact of colonialism and imperialism. Dr. Rapaido was honored by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) in 2011 as one of "100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the United States". She was commended by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and received the "2013 California Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year" award. The following year, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) recognized her as a finalist for the prestigious "Assistant Principal of the Year" award for the State of California, highlighting her outstanding, active, and front-line leadership. In July 2024, Dr. Rapaido published her first book, "Step Up Your School Leadership Game ~ The New Administrators' Guide ~ Lessons to Navigate Big and Small Challenges with Confidence and Purpose". Takeaways: Dr. Cynthia Rapaido possesses over 30 years of experience in K12 education, contributing to various roles. Her extensive career includes positions as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in California schools. In 2024, Dr. Rapaido authored her first book, which serves as a guide for aspiring school leaders. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship for new educators and administrators entering the field. Dr. Rapaido advocates for building relationships with both students and parents to enhance educational outcomes. The podcast discusses the critical transitions students face from elementary to high school, highlighting the need for support. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Dr. Cynthia Rapaido 06:10 - Transitions in Education 16:50 - Transitioning from Education to Writing 20:53 - Understanding Leadership in Education 24:20 - Understanding Leadership Through Experience 35:01 - Navigating the Transition from Teacher to Administrator Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Find out more about their Primary First Journal: 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire and get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources you can use to support learning 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities

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Step Up Your School Leadership Game: Dr Cynthia Rapaido is an episode from Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools by Mark Taylor.

This episode is 40:30 long.

This episode was published on Jan 12, 2026.

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