As Dr. Gina Acosta Potter began her educational career in 1995, little did she know that her first class would lay the foundation for nearly three decades of leadership.
She was one of only two teaching credential and master’s degree graduates from UC Los Angeles selected to teach in the Santa Monica-Malibu School District. This early opportunity shaped the way she viewed students, teaching, and learning.
“On the first day of school, I came in knowing that I had to gain the trust of my students,” she remembers. “The class showed me the importance of listening and understanding before leading.”
Her early years gave her a close look at the needs of students. Many of her students came from diverse backgrounds, and she quickly learned that academic success is closely linked to housing and food security, English language proficiency acquisition, and emotional and social support. These insights stayed with her long after she left the classroom.
Move into leadership role at school
As Potter developed as an educator, she took on roles such as assistant principal, preschool principal and later principal. Each step expanded her responsibility and understanding of how schools and educational programs work.
“Being a school principal changed everything,” she says. “It showed me how every decision affects families, teachers and students in ways that aren’t always immediately apparent.”
During these years, she focused on creating a compassionate school environment where students felt supported and families felt seen. She also learned how to manage budgets, staff development and community expectations. These experiences became the building blocks of her leadership style.
Transition to district management positions
Potter eventually moved into roles at the district level, including assistant superintendent of corporate services and assistant superintendent. At this level, she gained insight into managing the complexities of a school district, including long-range planning, strategic finance and system-wide equity work.
“When you take over as district leader, you realize that strategy is just as important as heart,” she explains. “You can’t improve outcomes without strong, stable systems.”
Her responsibilities included adjusting budgets to meet student needs, leading academic initiatives and collaborating with district and state partners. She became known for her balanced approach that combined strategic leadership with compassion.
Leading through complex challenges as a superintendent
Potter’s transition to the role of superintendent represented the highest level of responsibility of her career. In most of the districts she served, many students faced economic hardship, limited resources, and housing instability. She focused on building systems that addressed these challenges by leading teams of educators in creating robust, comprehensive support ecosystems
“We have made justice the focus of our work,” she says. “Students cannot learn if their basic needs are not met. It is our job to support the whole child and the whole family.”
Her leadership responsibilities included expanding partnerships with local community groups and state legislators, strengthening support for English language learners, and developing new ways for teamwork. She understood that schools needed strong community ties and a compassionate teaching team focused on student success.
“Schools serve students better when their district focuses on supporting community,” Potter notes. “It became one of the guiding principles of our strategic vision and mission.”
Key leadership lessons from a 30-year career
1. Start by understanding students and teachers
Potter believes her time in the classroom shapes her career. “If you don’t understand the students and educators you serve, you can’t teach and lead them,” she says. Her years of teaching taught her that leadership begins with empathy and understanding.
2. Use data to support student needs
While working at the district level, she learned to rely on data not as a barrier but as a tool. Sound academic strategy and wise financial planning help schools focus on targeting their resources to the areas where students need the most support.
3. Build cross-community partnerships
Many of her most successful initiatives resulted from collaboration with state and federal legislators, county and city governments, and expanding community partnerships. “Big problems cannot be solved alone because it takes a team with big minds and hearts at various levels of leadership at the local, state and federal levels to come together to strengthen entire communities and use education to open opportunities for generational success,” she explains.
4. Stay flexible and keep learning
Potter’s commitment to continuous improvement has been an integral part of her career. She understands that education evolves and that leaders must evolve with it.
A professional legacy based on equality and connection
In all roles, Potter is committed to a core belief: all students deserve access to opportunity and success. Their work, from teaching to managing multimillion-dollar district budgets, reflects this mission.
“I never chased for titles,” she says. “I focused on serving students and communities with purpose and integrity – and everything else followed.”
Her story offers a glimpse into the mindset of a leader who has experienced all levels of the education system. It is also a reminder that stability and success come from a strong focus on student success, consistency, teamwork, community partnerships, and a clear vision for equity.
For readers interested in learning more about her work and findings, visit Dr. Gina Potter at:
Looking ahead
After nearly 30 years in education, Potter continues to inspire educators and leaders seeking to strengthen public schools. Her career demonstrates how thoughtful leadership, compassion, financial strategy, partnerships with legislative leaders, and collaborative collaboration can advance schools and communities.
“My own childhood and every step of my journey as an educator have taught me something important,” she says. “This is what motivates me to ensure that education provides students with pathways to success in life and generational stability for their families.”
