EL MONTE – El Monte Union High School District has selected Kirk McGinnis as the District’s new Director of Curriculum and Instruction. A key focus for McGinnis will be to provide leadership and expertise in developing career technical education (CTE) pathways within the District.

With a history of building and maintaining positive school environments, McGinnis brings more than 20 years of experience in education to the role, as well as deep knowledge in how to build and expand programs such as dual enrollment for college credit, and CTE pathways that provide training in fields such as automotive technology, engineering, video production and sports medicine.

“The programs at EMUHSD are outstanding and the District does a great job in supporting students to be successful in life after high school,” McGinnis said. “My task is to empower the growth of our CTE pathways, support our dual enrollment partnerships, and work with colleagues to focus on increased student learning. I am looking forward to connecting with teachers and administrators to build upon these, and other great programs.”

McGinnis began his teaching career at Teach for America, which provides college graduates with training and certification and then places them as teachers in under-resourced communities. After completing the program, McGinnis worked as a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, educating students in kindergarten, first, fourth and fifth grades.

In 2003, McGinnis transitioned from teaching to leading, serving as Assistant Principal in LAUSD and then taking the helm as Principal of Mayflower Elementary School in Monrovia Unified School District in 2005. In 2012 McGinnis moved to Monrovia High School where he served as Principal until joining El Monte Union.

“This type of work is all about relationships and connecting with staff, students and their families,” McGinnis said. “The best part of my job is seeing students’ faces light up – for example, when a younger child looks up at you having just realized they can read. With high schoolers, it’s when they land their first job, pass a difficult class, get accepted into college or begin a new internship. It’s an honor to share in those moments.”

McGinnis is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in education from Cal Poly Pomona. As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for El Monte Union, McGinnis said he looks forward to joining his new team of teachers and administrators, and helping to foster the District’s goal of ensuring students are prepared for college and career.

“We are extremely excited to welcome McGinnis into our El Monte Union community and family,” Superintendent Edward Zuniga said. “With his impeccable background in education and dedication to his students, we know he will be a great asset to our team. His leadership will help us expand and build on our signature programs’ reputation for excellence.”

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EMUHSD_KIRK_MCGINNIS_1: El Monte Union High School District has selected Kirk McGinnis as the District’s new Director of Curriculum and Instruction to provide leadership and expertise in developing career technical education (CTE) pathways within the District.