EPISODE · Dec 8, 2025 · 38 MIN
S.4 | Ep. 16: Rethinking Success – Carrie Reed on Growth, Community Voice, and True Readiness
from Unlock 360 · host Wendy York Davoud
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy R. York Davoud sits down with Carrie Reed, Deputy Superintendent of Splendora ISD in Texas.Carrie’s story moves from fourth-grade classroom teacher to principal, to briefly leaving public education entirely, and then returning with a renewed sense of purpose — now serving as deputy superintendent in the district where she once graduated and taught.From opening a brand-new elementary school in the middle of the pandemic to reshaping Splendora’s strategic direction and community-based accountability system, Carrie shares how growth for every student, deep relationships, and authentic community voice guide the district’s work.Key Moments10:40 Why Carrie once took out TRS and said she was done with public education20:18 Connecting growth measures, MAP, and accountability in a practical way20:58 Implementing new curriculum, including Bluebonnet Math, with fidelity27:17 Teacher collaboration structures: PLCs and dedicated lesson design time27:52 Using internalization documents and shared planning to lift all classrooms36:06 What makes Splendora ISD a special place for students and families36:35 Carrie’s recruitment pitch from the restaurant table to the classroom37:38 Gratitude: why she’s thankful for both family and opportunityWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeCarrie brings honesty, warmth, and a deeply grounded perspective on what it means to lead at the district level and still see herself as a fourth-grade teacher at heart.This episode offers a powerful look at how one district is aligning systems, people, and heart so that every learner is better prepared for life after graduation.Connect with Carrie ReedLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-reedWebsite: https://www.splendoraisd.org/ Follow Us:Wendy R. York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/ About Unlock 360°Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they’re turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.
What this episode covers
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy R. York Davoud sits down with Carrie Reed, Deputy Superintendent of Splendora ISD in Texas.Carrie’s story moves from fourth-grade classroom teacher to principal, to briefly leaving public education entirely, and then returning with a renewed sense of purpose — now serving as deputy superintendent in the district where she once graduated and taught.From opening a brand-new elementary school in the middle of the pandemic to reshaping Splendora’s strategic direction and community-based accountability system, Carrie shares how growth for every student, deep relationships, and authentic community voice guide the district’s work.Key Moments10:40 Why Carrie once took out TRS and said she was done with public education20:18 Connecting growth measures, MAP, and accountability in a practical way20:58 Implementing new curriculum, including Bluebonnet Math, with fidelity27:17 Teacher collaboration structures: PLCs and dedicated lesson design time27:52 Using internalization documents and shared planning to lift all classrooms36:06 What makes Splendora ISD a special place for students and families36:35 Carrie’s recruitment pitch from the restaurant table to the classroom37:38 Gratitude: why she’s thankful for both family and opportunityWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeCarrie brings honesty, warmth, and a deeply grounded perspective on what it means to lead at the district level and still see herself as a fourth-grade teacher at heart.This episode offers a powerful look at how one district is aligning systems, people, and heart so that every learner is better prepared for life after graduation.Connect with Carrie ReedLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-reedWebsite: https://www.splendoraisd.org/ Follow Us:Wendy R. York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/ About Unlock 360°Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they’re turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.
NOW PLAYING
S.4 | Ep. 16: Rethinking Success – Carrie Reed on Growth, Community Voice, and True Readiness
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.