When Principal Carlos Ramirez saw that students were being left out of school traditions, he didn’t just tweak the schedule — he transformed the entire event into a powerful lesson in belonging. Discover how this school leader is creating a culture where every child feels like they matter.
I was that student who felt like I didn’t fit in. Every teacher has them. And in this week’s episode, I met a principal who makes it his mission to reach those very kids. Principal Carlos Ramirez doesn’t just talk about belonging—he walks students home to prove it.
Carlos Martinez is the 2024 Principal of the Year as named by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.
In episode 893 of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, Carlos Martinez shares his school’s initiative. They transformed Halloween into a walk to end homelessness. He personally connects with students and families. Discover how he builds trust with families, shows up for students, and leads a school where every child feels they belong.
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How to Help Every Student Feel Like They Belong – YouTube
How to Help Every Child Feel Like They Belong
How to Help Every Student Feel Like They Belong – Podcast
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Key Takeaways
How can we turn school traditions into opportunities for belonging? 🎉
When Carlos realized Halloween celebrations excluded many families, he replaced them with a coin fundraiser and parade that raised $1,700 for a local shelter. Now, every child can participate and give back.
What does it look like to lead with presence during a crisis? 🚪
Carlos returned to his school just weeks into the pandemic, double-masked and gloved, because he knew his students needed more than Zoom. With 70% of families offline, he helped get them connected and opened a food pantry with the PTA.
How can school leaders personally impact attendance? 🚶
Carlos checks in with kids who miss class and even walks them to school. His approach to attendance is based on relationships, not reprimands.
How can principals foster true inclusion without controversy? 🌍
By focusing on care and connection over politics. Carlos avoids divisive buzzwords and builds a culture where everyone knows they matter—especially those who feel left out.
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👤 Meet Our Guest: Carlos Ramirez
Carlos Ramirez is a dedicated educational leader with a profound commitment to nurturing global citizenship and fostering a lifelong passion for learning in students. As the current principal of Randolph Elementary School, and IB World School in Arlington, VA, Mr. Ramirez proudly leads an institution where diversity and culture are not only embraced but celebrated within a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Mr. Ramirez has a wealth of experience with 26 years in education and has served as a Principal of Randolph Elementary School for 6 years, Assistant Principal of Claremont Immersion School in Arlington, VA, for 3 years, LEP/Title III Coordinator at The Carter G. Woodson School in Winston-Salem, NC, for 7 years, and ESOL Supervisor at Colegio San Jose de Tarbes in Caracas, Venezuela for 3 years.
Mr. Ramirez devoted 2 years to teaching multiple grade levels in Caracas at Centro Venezolano Americano and Colegio Santa Rosa de Lima before moving to the U.S. where he taught for 5 years in both Graham, NC, and Arlington, VA.
Mr. Ramirez, a native of Los Teques, Venezuela, comes from a humble background where education was the golden ticket to get ahead in life. His parents instilled in him a passion for learning and helping others become the best version of themselves as they did everything within their power to help him get the best education possible.
Mr. Ramirez began his educational journey with a strong foundation, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador – Instituto Pedagógico de Caracas, where he earned a B.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Driven by a passion for teaching and learning, Mr. Ramirez pursued graduate studies, earning an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Greensboro College and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University.
Under Mr. Ramirez’s leadership, his school thrives on the principles of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, emphasizing the importance of social-emotional learning. Mr. Ramirez has made significant contributions as a tireless instructional leader, guiding and supporting staff towards excellence. In his role as principal,
Mr. Ramirez remains steadfast in his mission to inspire and prepare students for a dynamic world, advocating for an educational experience that is as diverse and dynamic as the global community itself.
Blog: https://randolph.apsva.us/about-randolph/principals-message/
Twitter: @principal_aps
I’ll send free ideas and handouts to help your classroom be kinder
Join the Kindness Club and get this free kindness poster as your first gift. When I made this poster and started using it, kids started giving each other compliments — literally. They tear them off and spread the kindness.
If you register today, I’ll send you some helpful reminders, tips, and freebies to help you have more kindness in your classroom.
(I’ll send you reminders every so often, once or twice a week.)
