S.4 | Ep. 17: Tugboats, Grading for Equity, and Teacher Leadership with Dr. Katie Jarnot

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Dr. Katie Jarnot, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Eagle County School District. She shares how her team is guiding the district through change, navigating the recovery from Covid, and strengthening systems that support equitable learning for all students.Wendy and Dr. Jarnot explore the district’s shift toward standards based grading, the role of teacher leaders as instructional coaches, and how a tugboat mindset can steady a district during both rapid change and long-term improvement.Key Moments01:17 Growing up in Eagle County and returning as a leader03:03 Early student teaching challenges that shaped her path09:58 How substitute teaching helped her rediscover education13:23 Moving into administration and seeing principals as “producers”15:28 Why she loves middle school learners and supporting them19:23 Transitioning away from TAP and pay for performance24:23 Navigating shifting leadership and districtwide change27:55 How Covid disrupted systems, behavior, and learning28:57 Beginning the standards based grading journey31:44 Addressing parent concerns through college admissions voices38:01 Student benefits, revision culture, and growth data40:04 How the teacher leader model supports instructional improvementWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a grounded look at how a district can rebuild coherence and trust after years of disruption. Dr. Jarnot shares honest lessons about grading reform, teacher leadership, and focusing on what matters most for students.Her story provides practical guidance for leaders working to strengthen alignment, support teachers, and reduce initiative overload.Connect with Dr. Katie JarnotLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-jarnot-19735b55/ Website: https://www.eagleschools.netFollow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryorkLead 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 are 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, and one breakthrough at a time.