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Dr. Maria Vazquez:
Hello, I'm Maria Vasquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, and this is Mondays with Maria. Today I want to introduce everyone to our new deputy superintendent, Dr. Michael Armbruster. Now Mike, you and I have worked together for over 30 years in various capacities. You took a little bit of time off, but now you're back. Would you tell our viewers a little bit about yourself?
Dr. Michael Armbruster:
Yeah, I'm back.
It's been a lot of fun. But, sure. I, I'm not a Florida native, but I've been here since I was 16. I went to West Orange High School, graduated from there, Graduated from Valencia where I met my wife, gosh, 42 years ago, or 43 years ago, I think. We're fortunate to have a beautiful daughter Jennifer and a beautiful daughter-in-law Sarah. So I've been in this community pretty much my whole adult life, and being an educator was really a tremendous thing. So I did retire, took a couple years off, and then I got a great phone call, the opportunity to work with you again, the opportunity to work with so many amazing professionals, and I really couldn't say no. I mean, there are some mornings I wake up and wonder why I didn't say no. But honestly, it's been a great experience these last few weeks being back.
Dr. Maria Vazquez:
Well, we are so happy that you are back. Dr. Armbruster will be overseeing all of teaching and learning, and that includes overseeing, all of our area superintendents, curriculum and instruction and digital learning, research and accountability, just to name a few. So, how has it been so far?
Dr. Michael Armbruster: I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't tell you it's a little overwhelming. But the great part is I get to work with amazing area superintendents, associate superintendents, the principals, assistant principals, all the teachers. I've had the opportunity to visit, like I say, 20 schools and it's just amazing what's going on. They face a lot of barriers every day, but they get up every day and they go in there and they work to make a difference, and they do, they make a difference. I haven't been in a classroom yet where I haven't seen light bulbs going off, kids learning, teachers doing amazing things. So even though it's a little overwhelming, I wouldn't trade it for the world right now.
Dr. Maria Vazquez:
Well, again, we're so happy that you're back with us. Thank you all for watching. Remember to look for the Thought Exchange emails and on our social media channels. I want everyone to be part of our conversations. Stay tuned and I'll see you next week.