Gerardo Lorenzo Saucedo
San Diego,CA
Summary
School Counselor and Doctor of Philosophy in Education for Social Justice specializing in college and career readiness, MTSS implementation, and equity-driven systems design. Experienced in developing comprehensive counseling programs, dual enrollment pathways, and postsecondary access initiatives within competency-based school models. Academic interests include LGBTQIA+ educational policy implementation, educational equity, and nontraditional grading systems in U.S. education. Academic and professional interests include LGBTQIA+ studies in education, the implementation and mediation of LGBTQIA+ inclusive educational policy, equity-centered school reform, and the impact of nontraditional grading and competency-based assessment systems on postsecondary access and educational equity in the United States. Research focuses on how educational systems interpret, enact, and sustain inclusive policies across K–12 contexts, with particular attention to systems alignment, policy translation, and educational access for marginalized student communities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education Related Mental Health Services & College and Career Counselor
Bostonia Global High School, Cajon Valley Union School District
El Cajon, CA
08.2023 - Current
- Created and integrated a robust college and career readiness system, promoting exploration of postsecondary options for all students.
- Cultivated and enhanced dual enrollment partnerships with community colleges to broaden student access to college coursework.
- Conducted analysis of transcript data to pinpoint gaps in graduation progress and credit attainment, facilitating targeted interventions.
- Directed FAFSA and college application initiatives, conducting workshops aimed at boosting family involvement and improving financial aid application rates.
- Developed and managed alliances with postsecondary institutions and industry partners to facilitate career exploration and increase college access initiatives.
- Partnered with administration to design master schedules and pathways, ensuring equitable access to a–g coursework and college readiness.
- Implemented tailored counseling approaches for individuals and groups, emphasizing academic planning, social-emotional well-being, and effective postsecondary transition planning.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive professional development programs focused on college readiness career pathways and competency-based transcript systems for staff.
- Facilitated coordination among student study teams (SST) and multidisciplinary teams to enhance academic and mental health support for students.
- Crafted tailored career development strategies for students to enhance alignment between goals and academic capabilities.
- Facilitated collaboration with educators to embed career readiness into curriculum, fostering real-world skill application.
- Supported students in college application journeys by advising on program choices and financial aid opportunities.
- Performed comprehensive evaluations to ascertain student interests and abilities, optimizing counseling approaches for individual needs.
School Counselor
Valley Vista Elementary School, Chula Vista Elementary School District
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Designed and implemented a data-driven counseling program in accordance with MTSS, delivering tiered support for academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
- Led training sessions on trauma-informed practices and SEL, empowering staff to implement effective intervention strategies.
- Utilized data analysis to assess student requirements and implement tailored interventions to enhance behavioral and academic performance.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and formulated safety strategies to ensure student safety and well-being.
- Coordinated efforts with teachers, families, and community organizations to deliver comprehensive support for mental health initiatives.
- Engaged in SST and special education activities to support individualized student development and maintain compliance with educational standards.
Program Coordinator
TRiO Upward Bound Program California State University, San Bernardino
11.2017 - 06.2021
- Delivered comprehensive academic advising and college readiness assistance to high school juniors and seniors, aimed at enhancing a–g completion and facilitating postsecondary planning.
- Created tailored academic strategies to support student advancement, fostering increased college eligibility and persistence.
- Implemented targeted recruitment initiatives across multiple school districts, focusing on expanding access and support for first-generation and underserved student populations.
- Organized and executed college tours and enrichment initiatives aimed at broadening student access to four-year institutions.
- Utilized Excel, Access, Qualtrics, and Blumen to maintain program data systems, supporting effective monitoring of student outcomes and adherence to federal regulations.
- Facilitated training and supervision of counseling interns to improve service delivery and program effectiveness.
Education
Ph.D. - Education For Social Justice
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA05.2026
Master of Science - Counseling And Guidance
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA06.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting and Electronic Communication Arts
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA05.2016
Skills
- Assessment interpretation
- Problem-solving skills
- Community collaboration
- Organizational growth
- Verbal and written communication
- Career exploration
- Emotional support
- Team building
- Multicultural competence
- Individual counseling
- Program development
- Research
- Self-directed mindset
Accomplishments
- Developed and implemented a Tier 1 college and career readiness curriculum designed to increase postsecondary awareness across grade levels through differentiated and student-centered instruction.
- Conducted student progress conferences with families, administrators, testing specialists, and social workers to develop collaborative academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary support plans.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to monitor student progress, identify priorities, and connect families to educational and community resources.
- Published doctoral dissertation, Rainbow Promises, Uneven Pathways: Framing LGBTQIA+ Implementation and the Possibility in Education, examining LGBTQIA+ policy implementation within K–12 educational systems.
- Facilitated the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between California State University San Marcos and Bostonia Global High School by serving as a liaison and supporting partnership development.
- Created and implemented a comprehensive college application process within a competency-based grading model to support equitable postsecondary access for students.
- Served as a liaison between Bostonia Global High School and college admissions offices nationwide to explain the school’s competency-based grading system and support student admissions through institutional collaboration and advocacy.
Certification
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential – School Counseling, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Pupil Personnel Services Supervision Authorization, San Diego County Office of Education
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
AWARDS & AFFILIATIONS
Graduate Equity Fellowship — CSU San Bernardino (2018, 2019), Outstanding New Member — WESTOP SoCal (2021), Star of Education — Cajon Valley Union School District (2024)
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Guest Lecturer — CSU San Bernardino Counseling Program (2024)
- Trainer — Restorative Practices, Bostonia Global High School (2024)
- Training for Trainers — San Diego County Office of Education (2023)
- Lead Committee Member — CSUSB Student Leadership Conference (2020)
Timeline
Education Related Mental Health Services & College and Career Counselor
Bostonia Global High School, Cajon Valley Union School District
08.2023 - Current
School Counselor
Valley Vista Elementary School, Chula Vista Elementary School District
07.2021 - 06.2023
Program Coordinator
TRiO Upward Bound Program California State University, San Bernardino
11.2017 - 06.2021
Ph.D. - Education For Social Justice
University of San Diego
Master of Science - Counseling And Guidance
California State University, San Bernardino
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting and Electronic Communication Arts
San Francisco State University