EPISODE · Dec 22, 2025 · 36 MIN
S.4 | Ep. 21: Building Trust and Teacher Leadership with Principal Guadalupe Montañez
from Unlock 360 · host Wendy York Davoud
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Principal Guadalupe Montañez of Deanna Davenport Elementary in Canutillo ISD, a border community school that has made meaningful strides by strengthening culture, deepening teacher collaboration, and using high quality instructional materials with fidelity. Guadalupe shares how intentional practices, instructional support, and a people-first culture helped her teachers build confidence, consistency, and shared leadership.The conversation highlights the realities of serving a high poverty, Title I campus near the U.S. Mexico border. Guadalupe explains how her staff supports students whose families face long commutes, economic pressure, and limited opportunities for school involvement. She also describes how trust, openness, and teacher voice have shaped a healthier, more connected school climate.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Guadalupe Montañez00:35 Her journey from office manager to school leader02:33 Serving a small border community in Canutillo ISD04:03 Strengthening systems after a challenging accountability year05:07 High quality curriculum and instructional collaboration06:53 Fidelity to new materials and avoiding shortcuts10:50 Keeping instruction on grade level for all students13:10 Ensuring safety and emotional support for students15:20 Supporting families navigating immigration fears17:04 Empowering teachers as leaders and decision makers22:34 PLC structures and monthly extended planning24:10 Treating teachers with humanity, trust, and respect29:09 Partnering with district leadershipWhy You Will Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a grounded, real world look at how trust, teacher voice, and aligned instructional systems can move a school forward. Guadalupe shares practical steps leaders can use to build stronger culture, support vulnerable communities, and create meaningful academic growth.Connect with Guadalupe MontañezEmail: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupe-montanez-3b828539/ Website: https://www.canutillo-isd.orgFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
What this episode covers
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Principal Guadalupe Montañez of Deanna Davenport Elementary in Canutillo ISD, a border community school that has made meaningful strides by strengthening culture, deepening teacher collaboration, and using high quality instructional materials with fidelity. Guadalupe shares how intentional practices, instructional support, and a people-first culture helped her teachers build confidence, consistency, and shared leadership.The conversation highlights the realities of serving a high poverty, Title I campus near the U.S. Mexico border. Guadalupe explains how her staff supports students whose families face long commutes, economic pressure, and limited opportunities for school involvement. She also describes how trust, openness, and teacher voice have shaped a healthier, more connected school climate.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Guadalupe Montañez00:35 Her journey from office manager to school leader02:33 Serving a small border community in Canutillo ISD04:03 Strengthening systems after a challenging accountability year05:07 High quality curriculum and instructional collaboration06:53 Fidelity to new materials and avoiding shortcuts10:50 Keeping instruction on grade level for all students13:10 Ensuring safety and emotional support for students15:20 Supporting families navigating immigration fears17:04 Empowering teachers as leaders and decision makers22:34 PLC structures and monthly extended planning24:10 Treating teachers with humanity, trust, and respect29:09 Partnering with district leadershipWhy You Will Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a grounded, real world look at how trust, teacher voice, and aligned instructional systems can move a school forward. Guadalupe shares practical steps leaders can use to build stronger culture, support vulnerable communities, and create meaningful academic growth.Connect with Guadalupe MontañezEmail: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupe-montanez-3b828539/ Website: https://www.canutillo-isd.orgFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
NOW PLAYING
S.4 | Ep. 21: Building Trust and Teacher Leadership with Principal Guadalupe Montañez
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.