Beyond the Box

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Rusty Gordon, Director of Pupil Services at Marysville Joint Unified School District in California. Rusty oversees special education programs and student support services across the district, working closely with school leaders and curriculum teams to ensure students with exceptional needs receive equitable access to high-quality instruction.In this conversation, Rusty shares how districts can move from fragmented “one-off” curriculum requests toward aligned systems that connect special education to core instruction. He reflects on the importance of common language, collaboration across school sites, and professional learning structures that empower teachers while maintaining instructional coherence. Rusty also discusses the leadership mindset needed to build sustainable programs that outlast individual administrators and create lasting cultural change.Key Moments03:15 Identifying one-off curriculum requests across special education04:21 Aligning special education with district curriculum systems05:39 Using data and training to strengthen implementation06:58 Building common language across schools09:13 Navigating unfunded mandates and shifting initiatives10:03 Creating collaboration between special and general education11:04 Designing PD systems teachers actually attend12:56 Supporting compliance through shared expertise13:47 Using real case judgments as learning tools16:11 Serving students in their school of residence17:51 Building site-based special education teams20:24 Leadership impact beyond personal recognition27:58 “To Own a Dragon” and understanding student contextWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode explores the practical leadership required to connect special education with broader instructional systems. Rusty shares how districts can reduce fragmentation, build common language across schools, and empower educators to collaborate around student needs.You’ll also hear powerful reflections on leadership that focuses less on personal initiatives and more on lasting impact. Rusty’s story about understanding students’ unseen challenges—and building cultures that respond with empathy and structure—offers an important reminder that instructional coherence must always center the human experience of learning.Connect with Rusty Gordon | Director of Pupil ServicesMarysville Joint Unified School DistrictWebsite: https://www.mjusd.com/# LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rusty-gordon-02271026 Connect with Dr. Ronald G. TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/NovoDiaWebsite: https://www.novodia.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/About Beyond the BoxBeyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Troy Lange, Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services at Eagle County School District in Colorado. Troy oversees special education, gifted and talented programming, and nursing services—designing systems that support students ages 3 to 21 across diverse schools and pathways.Troy shares how Eagle County moved from individual teacher-selected materials to a clearer districtwide service delivery model, why intervention fidelity matters more than simply purchasing resources, and how standards-based grading creates both friction and opportunity for students with disabilities. He also reflects on supporting twice-exceptional learners and building instructional systems that balance coherence with personalization.Key Moments02:31 Inventorying special education materials across the district03:04 Defining a districtwide service delivery model04:04 Building ongoing PD cycles for new staff04:49 Barriers to blended learning adoption06:11 Shifting teachers from content delivery to feedback focus07:00 Supporting rural districts through collaboration09:08 Lessons learned from pre-COVID blended learning work09:54 Retention through instructional satisfaction11:11 Using progress monitoring to inspire teacher buy-in13:17 Standards-based grading and IEP tensions14:57 Intensive interventions in elementary years16:47 Differentiating struggling learners from disabilitiesWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a thoughtful look at how exceptional student services can move beyond isolated classrooms toward coherent district systems. Troy explains how service delivery models, intervention fidelity, and progress monitoring can drive stronger outcomes while increasing teacher satisfaction.You’ll also gain insight into navigating standards-based grading with IEPs, building meaningful Tier 2 interventions, and supporting twice-exceptional students whose “unique brilliance” requires both challenge and support. It’s a valuable conversation for leaders balancing compliance, innovation, and belonging for every learner.Connect with Troy Lange | Executive Director of Exceptional Student ServicesEagle County School DistrictWebsite: https://www.eagleschools.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-lange-5b401aa8 Connect with Dr. Ronald G. TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/NovoDiaWebsite: https://www.novodia.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/About Beyond the BoxBeyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Brooke Martin, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Aldine ISD in Houston, Texas. Brooke shares what it takes to lead CTE at a massive scale, serving more than 20,000 students across 45+ programs, while still building coherence, quality instruction, and equitable access to real career pathways.This conversation explores the unique challenge of aligning Texas standards with fast-moving industry demands, why strong vendor partners can expand access (especially for specialized student populations), and how Aldine’s $32M HEAL initiative, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Memorial Hermann, reimagines healthcare pathways through immersive, hospital-connected learning. Brooke also shares how Aldine supports multilingual learners and new industry-based teachers through cross-department collaboration.Key Moments03:08 Scaling coherence across 45+ CTE programs03:42 Bridging TEKS and industry expectations04:39 Partnering directly with industry leaders07:03 Using ICEV to support diverse CTE classrooms07:58 Expanding CTE access for specialized campuses08:54 Inside the HEAL healthcare high school model10:01 Designing multiple health science pathways10:51 Memorial Hermann hospital-based learning12:06 Breaking down the $32M HEAL investment12:46 Cross-curricular alignment with healthcare metrics14:35 Supporting multilingual learners in CTE15:18 Training industry-hired teachers for classroom successWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a powerful look at what CTE leadership really requires at scale. Brooke explains how to align standards, certifications, equipment, and real-world application without losing instructional coherence.You’ll also gain insight into how large initiatives like HEAL are built through collaboration, clear purpose, and strong partnerships. If you’re leading CTE, expanding career pathways, or thinking about how to better connect learning to workforce readiness, this conversation delivers practical strategies and inspiration.Connect with Brooke Martin | Executive Director of CTEAldine ISDWebsite: https://www.aldineisd.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-martin-b0873111 Connect with Dr. Ronald G. TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/NovoDiaWebsite: https://www.novodia.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/About Beyond the BoxBeyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Christopher Sanzeri, Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction in Specialized Student Services at Elgin Area School District U-46. Christopher shares how U-46 is rethinking special education curriculum design, moving away from fragmented, supplement-heavy models toward coherent, aligned instructional systems.This conversation explores the district’s shift to selecting high-quality curricular resources first and then building frameworks around them, as well as the launch of the Multi Abilities Classroom (MAC) model. Christopher also discusses balancing curriculum coherence with teacher autonomy, using common assessments responsibly, and leveraging new tools, including AI, to better individualize instruction while maintaining equity and rigor for all learners.Key Moments02:37 Shifting from framework-first to resource-first curriculum design03:32 Building coherence through aligned instructional materials05:13 Origins of the Multi Abilities Classroom (MAC) model06:47 Aligning programs for students with diverse learning needs08:40 Redistricting as a catalyst for system redesign09:21 Launching MAC with districtwide planning and support12:06 Curriculum coherence and teacher autonomy14:24 Rethinking grading and common assessments15:42 Clarifying accommodations versus modifications17:21 Using AI tools to individualize assessments22:19 Aligning MAC goals to the district strategic plan25:51 Measuring success through student access and voiceWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a thoughtful, practical look at how special education systems can move beyond patchwork solutions toward intentional, scalable design. Christopher shares real examples of how curriculum coherence, clear expectations, and smart use of technology can improve access to grade-level content without sacrificing individualization.Listeners will also gain insight into how districts can monitor implementation, honor teacher expertise, and elevate student voice as a meaningful measure of success. It’s a must-listen for leaders navigating inclusion, equity, and instructional alignment in complex systems.Connect with Christopher Sanzeri | Assistant Director for Curriculum & Instruction Specialized Student ServicesElgin Area School District U-46Website: https://www.u-46.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-sanzeri-8a4a2b93/ Connect with Dr. Ronald G. TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/NovoDiaWebsite: https://www.novodia.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/About Beyond the BoxBeyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Zeek Edmond, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning for Tacoma Public Schools. Zeek shares how Tacoma is expanding equitable access to early learning, strengthening teacher retention, and building aligned systems that support both students and educators.From scaling preschool from a handful of pilot sites to districtwide access, to creating structured mentorship for new and transitioning teachers, this conversation explores how intentional design turns equity goals into everyday practice. Zeek also reflects on his leadership journey featured in 178 Days: Confronting a History of Failure, offering honest lessons on transparency, data-informed culture, and why systems matter as much as strategy.Key Moments04:57 Expanding preschool access across Tacoma06:27 Facilities and logistics of scaling early learning07:16 Moving from half-day to full-day preschool09:21 BEST Mentor Program for teacher retention11:12 Supporting new teachers beyond instruction14:55 Lessons from 178 Days school turnaround work17:06 Using data to build student ownership21:03 Student-selected support through Friday “FaceTime”24:21 Whole-child systems in daily instruction29:50 Reducing disruptions to protect learning time34:23 Course access and scheduling as equity levers41:17 Field trips as an equity and opportunity strategyWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a clear, systems-level look at how district leaders move from isolated initiatives to coherent, scalable practice. Zeek shares practical examples of early learning expansion, teacher mentorship, and whole-child frameworks that directly improve academic outcomes.You’ll also hear thoughtful insights on equity that go beyond intention, including how master scheduling, course access, and shared language across departments can either create or remove barriers for students. It’s a valuable listen for leaders focused on sustainability, alignment, and real-world impact.Connect with Zeek Edmond | Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & LearningTacoma Public SchoolsWebsite: https://www.tacomaschools.org/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zeek-edmond-coach Connect with Dr. Ronald G. TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/NovoDiaWebsite: https://www.novodia.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/About Beyond the BoxBeyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Peter McWain, Executive Director for Curriculum & Instruction at Santa Fe Public Schools, to unpack what it really takes to design equitable, standards-aligned learning beyond a boxed program. Peter shares the story behind founding an early college high school built for first-generation students, why he prioritizes growth over proficiency, and how federal funding can be braided to expand learning time and opportunity.Together, they explore what strong curriculum systems look like in practice, how to build teacher capacity (especially in districts with many alternative-licensure educators), and how leaders can fill gaps in instructional materials while keeping expectations high and learning relevant.Key Moments03:26 Why Peter founded an Early College High School for first-generation students05:45 Growth vs. proficiency and how to measure real success07:14 Context behind outcomes, poverty, and why growth tells the fuller story08:21 Federal funding and balancing mandates with local instructional autonomy09:23 Braided funding, compliance realities, and planning amid uncertainty12:55 Access to rigorous curriculum starts with strong foundations and alignment14:02 The “Opportunity Myth” lesson and why standards alignment matters15:19 Why teacher capacity is the real lever, not a perfect program19:13 Building systems that support grade-level instruction for every classroom20:27 What culturally responsive teaching looks like in real practice22:32 Extending learning with 21st Century programming tied to core instruction32:09 Professional development that sticks through change, coaching, and continuityWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation is practical and honest about what district leaders are up against, from boxed programs that need customization to the real lift of compliance, training, and implementation. Peter breaks down how high expectations, aligned materials, and sustained support help students access rigorous learning without leaving teachers to figure it out alone.You will also hear clear, actionable ideas for building coherent systems. From using growth measures to tell the true story of progress, to braiding funds and designing professional learning that leads to real classroom practice, this episode offers strategies leaders can apply right away.Connect with Peter McWain | Executive Director for Curriculum & Instruction, Santa Fe Public SchoolsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mcwain-26024b91/Website: https://www.sfps.info/Connect with Dr. Ronald G. TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/NovoDiaWebsite: https://www.novodia.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/About Beyond the BoxBeyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Dixie Rosier, Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Instruction for Hobbs Municipal Schools in Hobbs, New Mexico. Dixie shares how her district is thinking beyond traditional instructional models to build a literacy-rich culture, invest deeply in teacher excellence, and create career pathways that connect learning to real-world opportunity.From community-wide literacy initiatives like Reading Under the Lights to expanding Career Technical Education programs designed with local industry partners, this conversation explores how districts can prepare students for both today’s demands and careers that do not yet exist. Dixie also reflects on leading instruction in a volatile, oil-and-gas-dependent economy and the resilience required to sustain progress over time.Key Moments04:32 Making literacy joyful and community-centered05:37 Building partnerships beyond the school system07:29 Supporting National Board Certification for teachers08:25 Returning certification incentives directly to educators09:18 Designing inclusive career pathways for all students10:40 Community-driven Career Tech planning11:32 Expanding access through the CTEC campus12:45 Introducing career exploration in middle school14:05 Preparing students for future careers15:46 Instructional planning in a volatile economy17:20 Keeping strong instruction consistent19:06 Relevance and engagement through CTE20:28 Supporting bilingual learners in career programs22:59 Leadership resilience and persistence24:04 Believing in students, families, and staffWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a grounded, real-world look at how district leaders can blend literacy, career readiness, and instructional excellence without relying on one-size-fits-all solutions. Dixie shares practical examples of how community partnerships, teacher investment, and relevance drive student engagement and success.You’ll also hear honest insights about leading through uncertainty, balancing innovation with sustainability, and why resilience and long-term vision are essential for leaders committed to equitable outcomes for every learner.Connect with Dixie Rosier | Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Instruction Hobbs Municipal SchoolsWebsite:https://www.hobbsschools.net/Connect with Dr. Ronald G. TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/NovoDiaWebsite: https://www.novodia.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/About Beyond the BoxBeyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.