EPISODE · Dec 29, 2025 · 47 MIN
S.4 | Ep. 24: Love, Literacy, and Community with Principal Katherine Hunt
from Unlock 360 · host Wendy York Davoud
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud speaks with Principal Katherine Hunt of McAlester Public Schools, a veteran educator with more than 40 years of service. Kathy shares her journey from classroom teacher to principal, the influence of her father’s legacy, and what it meant to transform a former junior high into a warm and joyful elementary campus.She discusses her belief that every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and equipped with four essentials: learning to read, learning math, learning to write, and learning to be a good friend. Kathy also reflects on equity, community investment, the importance of arts and play, and the deep responsibility schools carry for children who face trauma, poverty, and instability.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Kathy Hunt01:10 Following her father’s legacy in McAlester03:50 Creating a joyful, kid centered environment08:08 Realities of teacher spending and fundraising09:41 Loving the kids and meeting them where they are10:12 Four essentials: read, write, math, and friendship18:39 Bond passage and shared resources19:20 “Children are our future” and community responsibility26:27 The role of arts, STEM, and enrichment28:25 Why exposure and experience matter for all kids37:44 Balancing tech with hands on learning43:38 Supporting educators and honoring the professionWhy You Will Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a heartfelt look at what it means to lead with love, purpose, and community pride. Kathy brings honesty, wisdom, and decades of lived experience as she shares why schools must be safe, joyful places where every child feels seen and valued.Connect with Katherine HuntDistrict Website: https://mpsbuffs.orgFollow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com Lead 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 speaks with Principal Katherine Hunt of McAlester Public Schools, a veteran educator with more than 40 years of service. Kathy shares her journey from classroom teacher to principal, the influence of her father’s legacy, and what it meant to transform a former junior high into a warm and joyful elementary campus.She discusses her belief that every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and equipped with four essentials: learning to read, learning math, learning to write, and learning to be a good friend. Kathy also reflects on equity, community investment, the importance of arts and play, and the deep responsibility schools carry for children who face trauma, poverty, and instability.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Kathy Hunt01:10 Following her father’s legacy in McAlester03:50 Creating a joyful, kid centered environment08:08 Realities of teacher spending and fundraising09:41 Loving the kids and meeting them where they are10:12 Four essentials: read, write, math, and friendship18:39 Bond passage and shared resources19:20 “Children are our future” and community responsibility26:27 The role of arts, STEM, and enrichment28:25 Why exposure and experience matter for all kids37:44 Balancing tech with hands on learning43:38 Supporting educators and honoring the professionWhy You Will Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a heartfelt look at what it means to lead with love, purpose, and community pride. Kathy brings honesty, wisdom, and decades of lived experience as she shares why schools must be safe, joyful places where every child feels seen and valued.Connect with Katherine HuntDistrict Website: https://mpsbuffs.orgFollow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com Lead 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.
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S.4 | Ep. 24: Love, Literacy, and Community with Principal Katherine Hunt
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