Jen Maestas started her teaching career 20 years ago with a heart for students that have been traditionally underserved. Since then, she has served the urban core of San Antonio as an instructional coach, assistant principal, and campus principal. Working as a school design coach allows her to facilitate conversations with school leaders and community partners that result in new opportunities for students. She believes that innovation requires a mindset shift to challenge the way things have always been done and knows that CAST network is doing exactly that. She has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio, is the co-founder of SALT, and hosts the education podcast “Miss Education”. “Great schools happen when students are given an opportunity to use their voices to shape their educational experience and school leaders are given the reins to teach with passion and creativity,” she said.