Instagram story viewer> @drbeanoc> Tagged

Stefan Bean

@drbeanoc

922

followers

897

following

OC Superintendent of Schools/Executive Director/Former School Superintendent/Educator/Parent. Father of four and child of God.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Education gives young people more than knowledge. It gives them choices.

Reflecting on the Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer shares why showing young people another path matters.

When students can see more possibilities for their future, they have more power to choose where that future can lead.

Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Link in bio.

#FutureCurrent @ocdatoddspitzer

14

1

Nearly six years after the Bond Fire devastated Rancho Soñado, a new chapter is beginning.

OCDE recently broke ground on a $21 million Inside the Outdoors Education Center, marking a long-awaited return to the program’s longtime home in the Santa Ana Mountains.

The new center will feature classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, teaching pavilions and an amphitheater, giving future generations of students opportunities to explore science and the natural environment firsthand.

Before the 2020 fire, more than 100,000 students had experienced outdoor learning at Rancho Soñado. Soon, a new generation will have that opportunity.

🔗 Learn more at the link in bio.

86

9

What does it take to keep young people safe when the challenges keep changing?

In this episode of FutureCurrent, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer joins Dr. Bean for a candid conversation about responsibility, prevention and the role education can play in creating safer communities.

Drawing on a career that has taken him from the classroom to law enforcement and public office, Todd brings a unique perspective to a question with no simple answer: How do we protect people today while creating safer pathways for tomorrow?

Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Link in bio.

#FutureCurrent
@ocdatoddspitzer

20

0

An Orange County educator is among California’s top five teachers for 2027.

Wendy Saldivar, a fifth-grade Spanish dual immersion teacher at Loara Elementary School in the Anaheim Elementary School District, has been named one of five 2027 California Teachers of the Year.

With 12 years of experience, Saldivar has built a classroom where students develop bilingual skills, tackle challenges through hands-on learning and gain confidence in their abilities.

Saldivar was first recognized in April as one of six Orange County Teachers of the Year, when County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean, program sponsors and members of the school community surprised her on campus.

Fellow Orange County honoree Brittany Walters of Dr. Peter Marshall Elementary School in the Magnolia School District was also named one of four finalists for the statewide award.

🔗 Visit the link in bio to learn more about this distinction.

(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this post was removed by Instagram for reasons unknown to us.)

66

2

Students know the future will require more than mastering a fixed set of skills.

In this episode of FutureCurrent, Dr. Julie Evans shares that when students are asked which skill they need most to succeed in the future, their answer is adaptability, including the ability to learn independently and remain flexible in their learning paths.

Their perspective reminds us that preparing students for what comes next also means helping them become confident, self-directed learners.

Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Link in bio.

#FutureCurrent

6

0

Another Orange County educator is earning statewide recognition.

Brittany Walters, a kindergarten teacher at Dr. Peter Marshall Elementary School in the Magnolia School District, has been named one of four finalists for the 2027 California Teachers of the Year.

With 17 years of experience, Walters brings creativity, hands-on learning and a strong focus on students' academic, social and emotional development to her classroom. She also helped establish a partnership through Disney Musicals in Schools, expanding opportunities for students to experience the performing arts.

Walters was among six Orange County Teachers of the Year recognized earlier this year.

Fellow Orange County honoree Wendy Saldivar of Loara Elementary School was selected as one of five 2027 California Teachers of the Year.

🔗 Read more at the link in bio.

110

5

Brea Junior High School student Logan Thielen is headed to Washington, D.C., to represent California at the National Civics Bee Championship on Oct. 14.

The 13-year-old student earned his spot after taking first place at the California National Civics Bee in June with a proposal focused on expanding creative learning approaches in classrooms.

During its Oct. 7 meeting, the Orange County Board of Education recognized Logan's achievement with a certificate and wished him success on the national stage. Logan was joined by his parents, Mike and Jenna, and sister, Olivia, for the recognition.

🔗 Read more about his journey from a childhood interest in history to the National Civics Bee.

126

17

Students from Valadez Middle School Academy’s band and color guard recently brought music and school spirit to OCDE’s Kalmus campus.

The young musicians from the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District performed a special rendition of The Beatles’ “All Together Now,” the inspiration behind County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean’s theme for the 2026-27 school year: All. Together. Now.

The performance also included the school’s anthem, rounding out a special visit from the Valadez musicians.

101

2

Nearly six years after the Bond Fire devastated Rancho Soñado, a new chapter is beginning.
OCDE broke ground Oct. 6 on a new $21 million Inside the Outdoors Education Center, marking a long-awaited return to the program’s longtime home in the Santa Ana Mountains.

The rebuilt site will feature classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, teaching pavilions, an amphitheater and other improvements designed to once again connect students with science and the natural environment.

Before the fire, more than 100,000 students had experienced learning at Rancho Soñado. Soon, a new generation will have that opportunity.

🔗 Learn more at the link in bio.

156

24

Learning begins when we make room for someone else’s experience.

In this episode of FutureCurrent, Dr. Bean reflects on a principle he lives by: listening and learning. By lifting the voices of others, we gain insight from experiences beyond our own.

That mindset is at the heart of this conversation with Dr. Julie Evans and her work gathering the perspectives of students, parents and educators to inform decisions about AI and the future of learning.

Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Link in bio.

#FutureCurrent

12

0

This father + kiddos session was perfect last fall! These were taken outside of Huntington Beach Library, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful the park was 😍!

I’m always SUPER grateful for the NEW families that entrust me to capture their loved ones every year!

Looking forward to meeting & photographing a few cute, new faces this fall again! 🩵💙📷💙🩵

#fullertonphotographer #hbminisessions #huntingtonbeachca #ocminisessions #ocphotographer

3

1

Curiosity does not stop when the school day ends.

In this episode of FutureCurrent, Dr. Julie Evans describes students as “free agent learners,” young people who use technology to explore their interests and direct their own learning beyond the classroom.

Recognizing this initiative gives educators another way to understand what motivates students and connect classroom learning with the questions and passions they are already pursuing.

Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Link in bio.

#FutureCurrent

9

0