Dr. Devin Serrano is a California native, having grown up in South Lake Tahoe, California.  While earning her bachelor’s degree in political science from Chico State University, she discovered her love of the classroom, working as a para educator in a local elementary school. Dr. Serrano then pursued her teaching credential at Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe. She went on to teach first and second grade in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District and Denver Public Schools.  As a new teacher, Dr. Serrano was nominated for the Harris Teacher of the Year Award and the Exemplary Writing Teacher Award.  Having found her passion in education, Dr. Serrano earned her Master of Science degree in contemplative education from Naropa University and her doctoral degree in educational administration from the University of Denver. 

Her experience teaching and leading in public, private and non-profit settings encompasses all grade levels, from preschool through college.  Starting in Denver Public Schools as a literacy coach, assistant principal, principal and director, she served 15 years in Denver Public Schools before moving to California with her family.  She served as an instructional director in the West region in Los Angeles Unified School District for three years.  In these roles, she discovered a passion for working with principals and school leaders. 

Dr. Serrano was selected to serve as Chief Academic Officer in Oakland Unified Schools, where she led instructional focused work in areas of early literacy, inclusion for students with special needs, support for English Language Learners, personalized learning and expansion of computer science.  Dr. Serrano was selected to serve in Oakland as interim Superintendent for seven months, during a transition of leadership for the district.

As a leader always seeking ways to grow and learn about high quality learning and teaching, Dr. Serrano went on to work for New Leaders, a national non-profit organization. In her role as Executive Director, she worked with school districts and state agencies across the United States, facilitating professional learning for all levels of leaders, from teacher-leaders to principals to superintendents. 

Before joining the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, Dr. Serrano served as the inaugural superintendent at UCLA for the PreK-12 Programs and Schools.  The schools at UCLA include seven preschools, one PreK-6 laboratory school and a 6-12 college preparatory school.  The schools are classified as independent or private, and yet sit on a public university campus.  Dr. Serrano led the schools through the challenges of the pandemic and supported the school leaders to ensure systems of integration with the university.  In 2023, Dr. Serrano received the UCLA Rising Star Award, for her extraordinary service, dedication and lasting contributions to the university.  After four years at UCLA, in August 2023, Dr. Serrano was selected to serve as superintendent in PVPUSD.

Throughout her career, Dr. Serrano has focused on instructional excellence and ensuring systems for all learners to succeed.  Her favorite moments are spent alongside school leaders, observing teaching and interacting with students. 

Dr. Serrano and her family live in Redondo Beach.  When she is not working, she enjoys cooking, reading and CrossFit.