BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park Unified Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza – a professional educator in California public schools since 1990 – earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California on May 11.

Mendoza, who took over leadership of the Baldwin Park Unified School District in February 2016, wrote his dissertation about the influence of globalization and multinational corporations on the instructional practices and interest in STEM topics in Ireland’s schools.

“Dr. Mendoza has long been a leader in forging strong instructional practices – including efforts that have developed Baldwin Park Unified’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs,” Board of Education President Christina Lucero said. “His new degree reflects his commitment to lifelong learning and he serves as a role model to inspire our students as they pursue their educational goals.”

Mendoza started his career as a substitute teacher in the Jurupa Unified School District before shifting to counseling and administrative posts for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. He came to Baldwin Park Unified in 2000 as coordinator of early childhood education. He served as associate superintendent from 2010 to 2015.

Mendoza holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from UC Davis, a Master of Science in counseling and guidance from Cal State San Bernardino and a Master of Arts in educational administration with an emphasis in bilingual and special education from Cal State Los Angeles. He was named administrator of the year in 2008.

Baldwin Park Unified serves 13,600 students with 12 elementary schools, two junior highs, two middle schools, a 3-8 campus, two comprehensive high schools and a continuation high school. The District is recognized for its award-winning dual-language immersion instruction, early childhood education program, and adult and community education programs. In recent years, the District launched classes in engineering and robotics, created STEM labs, technology-infused classrooms and a high-tech high school library.

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BPUSD_Mendoza_1: Baldwin Park Unified Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California on May 11.