
Gary D. Soto
Founder, GDS Consulting, Inc.
Gary D. Soto is the recipient of the National Educator Award for helping to Reshape American Education. He is also one of the authors of “Crimes Against Learning: Solving the Serial Failure of School Reform” which is helping to guide educational leaders toward significant student achievement for ALL learners. He believes in ALL students and hopes to work with visionary educators that hold the same belief.
Gary D Soto is a former elementary and secondary teacher and administrator. Working with Pre-K-12 districts and schools throughout the country, Gary focuses on transformational reform which increases student achievement while creating a culture that values what’s important. A powerful speaker for all stakeholders, Gary provides key insights that often make the difference in whole system reform.

Gary has been supporting educational organizations throughout the United States on the challenges of high-stakes accountability along with the need for districts to focus on creating a “culture of recognition” within a Social Justice Foundation. His instructional coaching provides professional development to district and site leaders, along with instructional delivery support to teachers. He also supports districts to understand the need for ensuring all employees feel a sense of belonging.
Gary is a former Police Commissioner and Human Services Commissioner in Los Angeles County. He served as past President of the Board of Directors for one of the largest civil rights organizations in the United States. Gary was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to protecting and advancing the human rights of millions of Americans.
25 Years of Mentoring the Following School Districts:
- ABC Unified School District
- Alhambra Unified School District
- Bakersfield Unified School District
- Beaumont Unified School District
- Central Unified School District
- Cherry Creek School District, Denver
- Chicago Public Schools
- Chino Valley Unified School District
- Corning Unified School District
- Desert Sands Unified School District
- Detroit Public Schools
- El Monte Unified School District
- Fairfield Suisun Unified School District
- Fort Bragg Unified School District
- Fresno Unified School District
- Ft Worth Independent School District
- Garden Grove Unified School District
- Hemet Unified School District
- Kings Canyon Unified School District
- Lemon Grove School District
- Los Angeles Unified School District
- Moreno Valley Unified School District
- Oakland Military Institute
- Oakland Unified School District
- Ohio Charter Schools
- Oxnard Elementary School District
- Palm Springs Unified School District
- Palo Verde Unified School District
- Pasadena Unified School District
- Paso Robles Unified School District
- Perris Union High School District
- Phoenix Union High School District
- Redding School District
- Redondo Unified School District
- Rhonert Park-Cotati School District
- Rim of the World School District
- Sacramento City Unified School District
- San Jacinto Unified School District
- Santa Paula Unified School District
- Stockton Unified School District
- Upland Unified School District
- Visalia Unified School District