Raúl Alarcón

Founding Principal of City Language Immersion Charter (TK - 5th)

Dr. Raúl Alarcón is the founding principal of City Language Immersion Charter (CLIC) - a charter school that serves Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade. Dr. Alarcón was previously the principal of UCLA Lab school, and also works for UCLA Teacher Education Program (TEP).

Dr. Raúl Alarcón was approached by parents who founded the City Language Immersion Charter, who wrote the charter for the school, and secured the funding. Dr. Alarcón accepted the principal position, stating, "If I was to create a charter, it would be similar to what the parents had created." His respect and awe of the parents showed. He proudly stated that at the onset of his position, the parents handed him a flow chart wth 25 committees that were already running, covering everything.

During our shadowing experience, Dr. Alarcón's belief in the power of relationships came through. These relationships range from building relationships with his students, his parents, and other staff. It seemed like the starting point and ending point of all his responsibilities flowed from his ability to build relationships.

For example, when speaking of student discipline, English Language Learners, or students who struggle, Dr. Alarcón begins with forming a relationship. His door is always open, inviting students into his office to tell them he is proud of a moment he might have observed in class, or just to check in with them to ask about their day. He states that building this relationship, and having students go home and tell their parents about the positive relationship they have with the principal is key to any interactions that happen with parents in the future. His students know they will be loved and cared for, even if they make a bad decision. If students respect and know that he cares, then parents are more willing to work with him to support the children.

When discussing his founding of CLIC, Dr. Alarcón mentioned that his previous principal experience at UCLA Lab School did not provide him with knowledge about how to build a school site. When asked how he learned this, he shared that many of the principals of the schools that he was co-located on helped him. This was surprising, as I had heard so many horror stories about the negative relationships between an established LAUSD school and a charter co-locating. Dr. Alarcón again shared how relationships was key, and how he still maintains a positive friendship with all 4 schools that he was co-located with. Part of this was respecting the established school, and not taking resources such as library, computer lab, etc away from the other school (even though he was legally entitled). His deference, and love for "all students" - despite what school they attend, helped maintain this positive relationship.

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