The Promise Podcast: Our People. Our Stories.

Where Learning Comes to Life

As a fifth-grade teacher at Midway Elementary and a parent in the same school, Zach Vaswig sees how connection shapes learning. Students are known by who they are, where they come from and how they learn. In this episode, he joins Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran from his classroom to share how he builds community, teaches history with honesty and creates a space where students feel seen.

Community, Culture and Continuity

Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran sits down with Savannah Benally  to share her journey from working in Highline to raising her children in our schools. She talks about identity, language and how the Native Education Program creates connection for families. Savannah also reflects on what it means for students to feel safe, supported and known by name, strength and need—and why one word continues to guide her thinking about the future: continuity.

Growing Up Highline

Recorded at the new Tyee High School, Dr. Duran sits down with ninth graders Susana Mercado Herrera and Mohamed Aided — the first students featured on The Promise Podcast. They reflect on growing up in Highline, the educators who supported them and the goals they are working toward in Tyee’s Health Sciences Program.

The Best Leaders are Learners Too

 
Dr. Ivan Duran sits down with former Highline Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield to talk about leadership, listening to students, and the Promise to know every student by name, strength, and need. She reflects on where the Promise began and why service and gratitude continue to matter in this work.

Purpose, Persistence and Paying it Forward

In Episode 3 of The Promise Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran talks with Juan Gonzalez-Hernandez, a Highline alum now serving students and staff, about growing up in Highline, navigating college without a roadmap, and why coming home to work in Highline matters—ending with a simple message for students who feel unsure: ask questions. Keep asking.

There's More Than One Side to a Desk

Former history teacher and current HEA president Jeb Binns joins Dr. Ivan Duran to talk about the work that shaped him, why he believes so deeply in service, and how the Highline Promise shows up for students every day. 

Belonging, Transitions and a Little Game of Thrones

Dr. Ivan Duran talks with Sylvester Principal Chad Kodama about belonging and how his team supports sixth-grade transitions. Chad shares how small shifts help students feel connected to school and to each other. He also reflects on the people who shaped his leadership and the moments that keep him grounded.

Trailer: Welcome to The Promise Podcast

Welcome to The Promise Podcast, where we share real conversations with the students, staff, families and partners who bring the Highline Promise to life. Hosted by Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran.