S.5 | Ep. 7: Leading with Equity, Culture, and the Whole Child with Dr. Theresa Rouse

In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86, to explore what it truly takes to move a district forward when it feels “stuck.”With over three decades in education and experience spanning classrooms, site leadership, and district roles across multiple states and even internationally, Dr. Rouse brings a powerful perspective on leadership, equity, and system transformation.In this conversation, she shares how Joliet began a deep equity journey—starting with examining internal beliefs and biases—and how that work has evolved into tangible changes in student outcomes, community perception, and district culture. From addressing achievement and discipline disparities to investing in early literacy, trauma-informed practices, and whole child development, this episode highlights how intentional leadership can reshape a system over time.Key Moments05:40 Embarking on an equity journey09:37 Engaging with the community13:08 Community literacy and early education16:40 Supporting women in leadership roles20:12 Committee involvement and coaching structure23:49 Federal and state budget challenges27:33 Community support and assistance programs31:11 Supporting multilingual student families32:44 Settling down in Joliet community35:42 Connecting with an old friend38:52 Mentorship impact and philosophyWhy You Will Love This EpisodeIf you are leading in a complex district environment, this episode offers a real-world look at how long-term change actually happens. Dr. Rouse doesn’t talk about quick wins—she shares what it takes to shift mindsets, systems, and outcomes over time. You will gain insight into leading equity work authentically, building strong community partnerships, and balancing academic priorities with the realities students bring to school every day.Connect with Dr. Theresa RouseWebsite: https://www.joliet86.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-rouse-ed-d-bb65521a Email: [email protected] Follow 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.