He Didn’t Speak English. Now He Leads a District | Omar Duron | Conversations with Lowell Milken
November 5, 2026
Omar Duron entered a U.S. classroom in third grade without speaking English. Today, he leads an Arizona school district.
Behind that journey is a childhood shaped by his family’s work in the fields, the challenge of learning a new language, and a teacher who helped him find his way in an unfamiliar classroom.
In this conversation with Lowell Milken, Omar reflects on his life and career in education—and the experiences that shaped the educator he became.
His path wasn’t always pointing toward teaching. After studying business administration, Omar took a job as a special education instructional aide. Helping students make progress gave him a sense of purpose that would lead him into teaching, mentoring other educators, and school leadership.
Now a Milken Educator (AZ ’19) and superintendent of Somerton School District No. 11, Omar brings a personal understanding of the challenges many students face. His work with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) has helped him extend that commitment by supporting teachers and developing their leadership.
A conversation about family, perseverance, the teachers we remember, and the possibilities education can open.
