“CAST creates the conditions for students to find their voice, for teachers to lead with creativity, and for industry partners to help shape pathways that connect learning to real opportunity.”

Jen Maestas serves as Deputy Director of CAST Schools Network, where she leads strategy, partnerships, and innovation across a portfolio of tuition-free, career connected public schools. She began working with CAST in 2019 as a school design coach, supporting campus launches and implementation through 2023 before joining the organization full time.  As a homegrown educator, Jen brings more than two decades of experience spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, nonprofit strategy, and regional systems-building.  She is recognized both locally and regionally for her work advancing career connected learning, competency development, and student agency. 

Jen frequently collaborates with district leaders, higher ed institutions, industry partners, and national education organizations to strengthen pathways that prepare students for college, career, and economic freedom. Outside of her work at CAST, she is the co-founder of San Antonio Leaders & Teachers and the host of the podcast Miss Education. Through her leadership at CAST and her broader civic engagement, Jen remains committed to expanding opportunity for students and ensuring that young people graduate with purpose, preparedness, and access to meaningful futures.