Leading Engaged Learning

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Dr. Jason James, Superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools, to explore how districts can better connect literacy, engagement, and real-world readiness.With a background spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, and district administration, Dr. James shares how Shawnee Public Schools is rethinking traditional education models to better prepare students for life after graduation. From implementing Individual Career Academic Plans (ICAP) starting in middle school to strengthening early literacy foundations and expanding career-connected learning opportunities, this conversation highlights how aligning instruction with student interests can transform engagement and outcomes.Key Moments03:54 ICAP: Starting Career Conversations Early07:57 Aligning Academics with Student Goals10:04 Flexibility in Career Pathways13:44 Exploring Career Academies17:12 Literacy as the Foundation for All Pathways19:41 Early Intervention and High Expectations21:17 The Role of Fluency in Reading Success23:46 Lessons from Literacy Policy and Investment27:57 Rethinking Traditional Instruction Models29:23 Measuring Progress Through Data and Systems31:07 Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction34:40 Vision: 100% Life-Ready Graduates36:11 Enrolled, Employed, or Enlisted (3E Goal)38:55 Why Education Systems Must EvolveWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a fresh perspective on how districts can bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world outcomes. Dr. James emphasizes that literacy and engagement are not separate from career readiness—they are the foundation of it.You’ll learn:Why starting career conversations as early as middle school changes student motivationHow ICAP helps align academics, interests, and long-term goalsThe importance of early literacy, fluency, and foundational skills for all pathwaysWhy traditional instructional models often fail to engage today’s studentsHow interest-based learning can unlock student potential—even for struggling learnersA practical approach to using data, interventions, and Tier 1 instruction to drive improvementWhat it means to graduate students who are truly “life-ready”How districts can measure success beyond graduationDr. James also reinforces a critical idea: when students see relevance in what they’re learning, engagement increases—and so do outcomes.Connect with Our GuestDr. Jason JamesSuperintendent, Shawnee Public SchoolsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-james-a6648b399 Website: https://www.shawnee.k12.ok.us/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Miriam Williams and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Dr. Bobbie Trevino, Superintendent of Zapata County ISD, to explore what it truly takes to rebuild a district’s literacy system from scratch.With over 37 years in education and deep experience serving bilingual and high-poverty communities, Dr. Trevino shares how Zapata ISD shifted from fragmented practices to a coherent, aligned literacy system. From enforcing curriculum consistency across campuses to strengthening early childhood instruction and building leadership accountability, this conversation highlights the hard decisions required to create lasting change.Dr. Trevino also dives into the realities of leading in a high-poverty district—where literacy gaps, low student engagement, and community challenges intersect—and how intentional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and relentless focus on instruction can begin to close those gaps.Key Moments03:43 Literacy as the District’s “Big Rock”05:40 Curriculum Alignment Across Schools07:38 Strengthening Early Childhood Instruction09:45 Consistency Over “Shiny Programs”12:16 Rebuilding a Culture of Reading15:47 Addressing Non-Readers in Secondary17:19 Monitoring Instruction Through Walkthroughs20:20 Building Leadership Capacity22:47 Data Chats for Accountability26:29 Monitoring Implementation with Fidelity29:11 Leading from the “Balcony”32:56 Student Voice Driving Community Engagement35:00 Parent Partnership and OutreachWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode is a powerful look at what real system change requires—especially in districts facing deep-rooted challenges. Dr. Trevino makes it clear that improving literacy isn’t about adding more programs—it’s about discipline, alignment, and accountability at every level.You’ll learn:Why curriculum alignment is the foundation of any literacy systemHow to prioritize early childhood instruction to prevent long-term gapsA practical approach to using data chats to drive leadership accountabilityWhy consistency and fidelity matter more than constantly changing programsHow to build leadership capacity when principals lack literacy backgroundsThe role of student voice in strengthening community engagementHow to address literacy gaps in middle and high school studentsWhy hope and belief systems are critical to student successDr. Trevino also reinforces a powerful idea: real change happens when leaders stay focused, follow through, and build systems where every adult is accountable for student outcomes.Connect with Our GuestDr. Bobbie TrevinoSuperintendent, Zapata County ISDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-roberta-bobbie-trevino-edd-88486851 Website: https://www.zcisd.org/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Miriam Williams and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with David Moyer, Superintendent of Northport-East Northport Union Free School District, to explore what it takes to build a truly coherent literacy system across all grade levels.With over 16 years of experience as a superintendent and a career spanning multiple roles in education, Moyer shares how districts can move beyond fragmented practices by focusing on Tier 1 instruction, teacher collaboration, and system-wide alignment. From redefining literacy as a shared responsibility across all content areas to implementing professional learning communities and interdisciplinary instruction, this conversation highlights how intentional systems and strong instructional practices can drive meaningful literacy gains.Moyer also emphasizes the importance of assessment practices, teacher development, and student-centered learning in closing gaps and improving engagement, especially as student needs continue to evolve.Key Moments05:27 Rigor Gaps and Literacy Plateaus07:23 Literacy Across All Subjects10:27 Building Teacher Capacity12:28 Power of Professional Learning Communities14:03 Interdisciplinary Literacy in Action16:39 Tier 1 Instruction First20:09 Student Ownership and Engagement21:45 Balancing Curriculum and Professional Judgment23:34 Writing as a Literacy Driver26:05 Rethinking Interventions (All Students, Shared Responsibility)27:23 Professional Development Systems30:37 Instructional Coaching Impact34:28 Leadership Capacity First35:46 Future-Focused Learning Systems39:10 Advice for New SuperintendentsWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode offers a systems-level perspective on literacy that goes beyond programs and quick fixes. David Moyer makes it clear that lasting improvement comes from building coherence—aligning instruction, assessment, and professional learning across the entire district.You’ll learn:Why Tier 1 instruction is the foundation for all literacy successHow professional learning communities drive collaboration and instructional consistencyA practical approach to embedding literacy across all subject areasWhy assessment practices can either accelerate or hinder student growthHow interdisciplinary learning increases engagement and relevanceThe role of instructional coaching and job-embedded professional developmentWhy leadership capacity is critical for sustaining system-wide changeMoyer also reinforces a powerful idea: literacy success isn’t owned by one teacher or subject—it’s a shared responsibility that requires alignment, collaboration, and a strong instructional core.Connect with Our GuestDavid MoyerSuperintendent, Northport-East Northport Union Free School DistrictLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-moyer-88716a17 Website: https://www.northport.k12.ny.us/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Miriam Williams and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

In this episode of Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Dr. Drew Eichelberger, Superintendent of Piedmont Public Schools in Oklahoma, to explore what it truly takes to redesign a district-wide literacy system that delivers results for every student.Drawing on over 30 years of experience across classroom teaching, school leadership, and district administration, Drew shares a grounded and practical approach to literacy transformation, one that starts with the people closest to the work: teachers. From building true ownership (not just buy-in) to aligning systems from kindergarten through high school, he outlines how districts can move beyond isolated initiatives toward a cohesive, data-driven literacy strategy.The conversation dives into Piedmont’s “Reading Success” model, which ensures every student is assessed, supported, and accelerated based on their specific needs—no matter their grade level. Drew also highlights the critical role of professional development, small-group instruction, and student engagement in creating sustainable change.Key Moments02:16 From Classroom to Superintendent05:33 Ownership Over Buy-In07:15 Extending Literacy Beyond Elementary10:24 Data-Driven Student Grouping11:52 Training Teachers in Science of Reading14:37 Building a Culture Teachers Stay In16:52 Small Group Instruction That Works20:10 Choosing High-Interest Reading Materials23:02 Teacher-Led Professional Development25:20 Engaging Struggling Readers28:14 Moving from Good to Great31:08 Data as a Non-NegotiableWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode is a practical guide to building literacy systems that are both scalable and sustainable. Dr. Eichelberger makes it clear that improvement doesn’t come from top-down mandates—it comes from empowering teachers, using data with intention, and aligning instruction across all grade levels.You’ll learn:Why ownership matters more than buy-in when driving instructional changeHow to design a system that supports literacy from kindergarten through high schoolA practical approach to using data to identify and close skill gapsWhy small group instruction is critical at every level—not just elementaryHow to build a culture that attracts and retains strong teachersThe role of professional development in turning good teaching into great teachingHow student engagement and interest drive long-term reading successDr. Eichelberger also reinforces a powerful idea: when you invest in teachers and build the right systems, literacy success becomes consistent—not dependent on chance.Connect with Our GuestDrew EichelbergerSuperintendent, Piedmont Public SchoolsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-eichelberger-17736719 Website: https://www.piedmontschools.org/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Miriam Williams and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Dr. NaTasha Crain, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Marshall ISD, to explore what it really takes to redesign literacy systems from the ground up.With more than two decades in education, Dr. Crain shares how Marshall ISD is moving beyond fragmented initiatives to build coherent, aligned systems that support every learner. From incentivizing third-grade reading through the Read to Ride program to strengthening Tier 1 instruction and leadership capacity, this conversation highlights how intentional design, data, and community partnerships can transform outcomes at scale. Key Moments04:21 Read to Ride: Incentivizing Literacy07:59 Coherence Over Resources09:00 Aligning Systems Across Grades10:30 Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction12:00 Building K–3 Literacy Foundations14:21 Closing Early Literacy Gaps15:14 Supporting Diverse Learners17:52 Leadership Capacity First20:55 Ongoing, Layered Professional Development21:49 Data-Driven Decision Making25:45 Right Teachers, Right Grades26:51 Supporting All Learners (Intervention + Extension)29:50 Extending Learning Time32:21 Community Partnerships Driving ImpactWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode is a masterclass in systems thinking for literacy. Dr. Crain makes it clear that success doesn’t come from adding more programs—it comes from aligning what already exists and executing it with clarity and consistency.You’ll learn:Why coherence matters more than resources in literacy improvementHow to build a strong Tier 1 foundation before scaling interventionsA practical approach to redesigning literacy systems using dataHow to create global systems that serve all learners (ELL, SPED, advanced)Why leadership capacity drives instructional qualityHow to use incentives, like Read to Ride, to boost student motivation and engagementThe importance of layered, ongoing professional development—not one-time trainingDr. Crain also reinforces a powerful idea: when systems are aligned and adults are supported, student success becomes predictable—not accidental.Connect with Our GuestDr. NaTasha CrainAssistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Marshall ISDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-natasha-crain-337575b5 Website: https://www.marshallisd.com/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Miriam Williams and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Heather Provencher sits down with Jeremy Smalline, Superintendent of Greece Central School District, for a thoughtful conversation on how districts can drive real gains in student engagement and literacy by investing in people, not just programs.With nearly two decades in the district, Jeremy brings a unique perspective on system-wide change, sharing how Greece is rebuilding professional learning communities (PLCs), strengthening trust, and empowering teachers to use data collaboratively to improve outcomes. From early struggles with PLC implementation to recent double-digit gains in student performance, this episode highlights what it takes to create sustainable, culture-driven change.Key Moments06:02 Focusing on professional learning communities08:05 Relaunching and improving PLC practices12:09 Listening to community feedback15:47 Creating support systems for teachers19:58 Shifting resources for student impact22:43 Listening, feedback, and next steps24:58 Future goals and student achievement30:04 The role of the board31:12 Importance of long-term planningWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode is a powerful reminder that meaningful literacy and engagement gains don’t come from new programs—they come from strengthening the people and systems already in place.You’ll take away:A clear blueprint for relaunching PLCs the right way after past failuresHow to build teacher ownership and buy-in through guiding coalitionsWhy time for collaboration is the most valuable resource a district can provideA leadership approach grounded in listening, transparency, and vulnerabilityA critical mindset shift: data as empowerment, not intimidationA practical truth: sustainable improvement requires 5-year thinking, not yearly resetsJeremy’s perspective reinforces a central theme of this podcast: when teachers are supported, trusted, and given time to collaborate, student outcomes follow.Connect with Our GuestJeremy SmallineSuperintendent, Greece Central School DistrictLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-smalline-a3185049 Website: https://www.greececsd.org/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Heather Provencher and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Heather Provencher sits down with Dr. Kelly Coffin, Superintendent of Farmington Public Schools, for a powerful conversation on how system-level design, teacher investment, and mindset shifts can unlock meaningful literacy gains across a district.Drawing on her experience across special education, general education, and district leadership, Dr. Coffin shares how Farmington is rethinking traditional school structures, from team-based staffing models to integrated literacy across subjects, to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and challenged. The conversation highlights how literacy improvement isn’t just about curriculum,it’s about building systems that prioritize collaboration, student voice, and sustained teacher growth.Key Moments04:53 "Supporting Teachers, Students Together"07:23 "Empowered Students, Supportive Community"12:14 Transforming Education Through Teacher Support16:30 Middle School Teaming Success17:40 Integrating Contextual Learning Strategies23:29 Boosting Success Through Parent Involvement27:18 Teacher-Centered Curriculum Adoption Process28:12 Collaborative Resource Evaluation Process32:07 Balancing Tools for Student Success35:27 "Sustainable Systemic Classroom Change"Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode is a masterclass in system-level leadership for literacy improvement.You’ll learn:How team-based staffing models can transform both teacher experience and student outcomesWhy literacy gains accelerate when reading and writing are embedded across all subjectsA practical framework for diagnosing literacy challenges beyond just “curriculum issues”How to implement curriculum adoption with teacher buy-in through pilots and proof-of-conceptWhy teacher investment (time, coaching, collaboration) is the most critical lever for changeA mindset shift that stands out: acceleration over remediationA powerful equity move: ensuring all students access grade-level content—no pull-outs from core instructionDr. Coffin also reinforces a critical leadership principle: sustainable change lives in classrooms, not central office—and it only happens when teachers are supported, trusted, and empowered.Connect with Our GuestDr. Kelly CoffinSuperintendent, Farmington Public Schools (Michigan)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-coffin-050ab36a Website: https://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Heather Provencher and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Heather Provencher sits down with Amy Breiler, Director of Teaching & Learning for Literacy at Community Consolidated School District 21 (CCSD21), for a grounded conversation on what it takes to strengthen literacy outcomes in a district defined by extraordinary linguistic and programmatic diversity.Amy reflects on 31 years in education and shares how CCSD21 is aligning to Illinois’ Comprehensive Literacy Plan, tightening coherence through learning walks and scope-and-sequence work, rebuilding trust after change, and investing in teacher knowledge as the real engine of sustainable literacy improvement. From data literacy to coaching culture, the message is clear: resources matter, but teacher expertise and professional learning systems matter more.Key Moments05:47 Diverse Bilingual Education Challenges08:06 Focused Literacy Evaluation Initiative13:04 Rebuilding Trust and Teacher Autonomy16:25 Strengthening Early Literacy Instruction18:08 Strategies Over Resources for Literacy21:54 "Prioritizing Collaborative Instructional Practices"24:47 "Data Literacy in Education"28:26 "Universal Professional Development Framework"32:34 Teacher Collaboration Fuels Professional Growth36:12 "Leading with Focus on Students"Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode is packed with real-world district leadership lessons—especially if you’re leading literacy improvement across multiple programs, campuses, and languages.You’ll hear:What learning walks reveal that dashboards can’t—and how to use them as a systems toolHow coherence across teams supports vertical alignment, reduces confusion, and improves outcomesA candid look at change management: why “better systems” can still feel like lost autonomyA practical framework for diagnosing slow progress: teacher knowledge + implementation supportHow to build data literacy so teams use assessments to inform instruction, not chase numbersThe strongest through-line: professional learning is the catalyst—and “PD for all” is the unmet needAmy also brings urgency to a reality many districts share: students are reading less outside school, and literacy growth requires sustained practice. This conversation tackles engagement, constraints, and culture-building head-on.Connect with Our GuestAmy BreilerDirector of Teaching & Learning for Literacy at Community Consolidated School District 21 Website: https://ccsd21.org/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Heather Provencher and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

On Leading Engaged Learning: A 3P Learning Podcast, host Heather Provencher sits down with Rebecca Tompkins, Executive Director of Curriculum & Learning at Sycamore Community Schools, for a systems-level conversation on how districts can strengthen literacy outcomes by building coherence, stability, and sustainable engagement.Rebecca shares how Sycamore Community Schools in Southwest Ohio has approached science of reading and structured literacy implementation with a focus on fidelity and professional autonomy, using a memorable jazz metaphor to explain how strong fundamentals create the conditions for instructional “improvisation.” The conversation dives into the practical realities of districtwide curriculum alignment, instructional coaching, managing resistance, and building speaking-and-listening skills through Socratic seminars starting as early as kindergarten.Key Moments03:30 "Jazz Metaphor for Literacy"07:16 "District Embraces Science of Reading"10:04 "Implementing Curriculum with Fidelity"15:57 "Socratic Seminars in Early Education"19:24 "Building Alignment and Collaboration"21:03 "Building a Common Teaching Framework"27:06 Understanding the Science of Reading30:27 "Sustainable Engagement in Learning"33:16 "Connect with Sycamore Schools"Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode is a practical playbook for district leaders trying to implement science of reading and structured literacy without burning out teachers or losing momentum after year one.You’ll hear:A clear, memorable way to explain fidelity + autonomy (the jazz metaphor)How coherence across buildings reduces cognitive load for teachers and studentsWhy instructional coaching is the bridge between training days and real classroom changeA grounded approach to resistance: treat it as information, respond with support, stay steadyA powerful definition of engagement that goes beyond novelty to persistence and confidenceA standout classroom example: Socratic seminars beginning in kindergarten to build thinking, listening, and communicationIf you’re aiming for sustainable literacy improvement, this conversation highlights what it takes to build a system that’s consistent, scalable, and supportive of real classrooms.Connect with Our GuestRebecca TompkinsExecutive Director of Curriculum & Learning at Sycamore Community SchoolsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-tompkins-b2121778 Website: https://www.sycamoreschools.org/ Connect with Us3P Learning IncWebsite: https://www.3plearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning About Leading Engaged LearningLeading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Heather Provencher and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.