A new school year always brings lots of new: learners, learning, facilitators and new leaders as well. The iLEAD Santa Clarita (SCVi) community is welcoming two new directors to their TK-12 program. Martha Spansel-Pellico and Chad Powell will be joining Director Nicole Padovich. Together, the three will codirect the entire program. Spansel-Pellico and Powell, both highly experienced educational leaders, are excited to join the SCVi and iLEAD communities.
Here is an opportunity to learn more about them:
Name: Martha Spansel-Pellico
Educational Background:
- Earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Teaching Credential from the Master’s College.
- Earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and her administrative credential from the University of LaVerne.
Professional Background:
- 5 years of teaching at La Mesa Junior High School
- 1 year of teaching at Bowman Continuation High School
- 17 years in administration as an assistant principal at two comprehensive high schools: Saugus High School and Valencia High School
- Extensive master scheduler at two large high schools (2,400+ students).
- In first year as an assistant principal, led WASC/Focus on Learning through the whole accreditation process at Saugus High.
Why did you choose to come to iLEAD and take on this new director role?
“The time was right for me to take on a new opportunity in my career, and I am excited about my new role as director of SCVi. I’m looking forward to learning and leading in a charter school environment. Project-based learning has always interested me, so I jumped at the chance to be a part of the SCVi community.”
How have you been welcomed thus far?
“The SCVi/iLEAD staff members I have met have been amazing. I have been impressed how everyone has been so willing to help me get acclimated to my new environment. I am looking forward to meeting the whole staff and SCVi family.”
What are your thoughts about PBL, etc.?
“I am looking forward to learning more about PBL and the positive impact that it has on student achievement. My intention is to find ways to support facilitators and learners in the classroom.”
Name: Chad Powell
Educational Background:
- Earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Cal State University Fresno
- Earned a master’s degree and administrative credential from Cal State Northridge
Professional Background:
- 15 years in the classroom and 10 years in administration.
- Worked as a teacher and an administrator at both middle and high school levels.
- Taught history and ASB.
- Served as a BTSA Support Advisor (mentor teacher).
- Led WASC Accreditation at Valencia School.
- Served as a Tier 2 Admin Coach (admin mentor).
Why did you choose to come to iLEAD and take on this new director role?
To start with, I believe in what iLEAD is doing, and I wanted to be a part of it. It was also time for me to do bigger things and apply the skill sets (in the director role) that I’ve gained over the last 25 years in education.
How have you been welcomed or received thus far?
Everyone with SCVi and iLEAD has been great. I really feel connected to the place already and appreciate the extra efforts everyone has gone to in order to welcome Martha and me.
What are your thoughts about project-based learning?
I’ve always been interested in project-based learning. We all know that people learn more when they are invested in a story or have an interesting problem to solve. Using PBL as the vehicle to engage learners is one of things that brought me to SCVi.
Any other thoughts or comments?
I’m excited to get to know the facilitators, learners and families of SCVi. I’m looking forward to a great school year.