In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Dr. Katie Jarnot, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Eagle County School District. She shares how her team is guiding the district through change, navigating the recovery from Covid, and strengthening systems that support equitable learning for all students.

Wendy and Dr. Jarnot explore the district’s shift toward standards based grading, the role of teacher leaders as instructional coaches, and how a tugboat mindset can steady a district during both rapid change and long-term improvement.

Key Moments

01:17 Growing up in Eagle County and returning as a leader

03:03 Early student teaching challenges that shaped her path

09:58 How substitute teaching helped her rediscover education

13:23 Moving into administration and seeing principals as “producers”

15:28 Why she loves middle school learners and supporting them

19:23 Transitioning away from TAP and pay for performance

24:23 Navigating shifting leadership and districtwide change

27:55 How Covid disrupted systems, behavior, and learning

28:57 Beginning the standards based grading journey

31:44 Addressing parent concerns through college admissions voices

38:01 Student benefits, revision culture, and growth data

40:04 How the teacher leader model supports instructional improvement

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This conversation offers a grounded look at how a district can rebuild coherence and trust after years of disruption. Dr. Jarnot shares honest lessons about grading reform, teacher leadership, and focusing on what matters most for students.

Her story provides practical guidance for leaders working to strengthen alignment, support teachers, and reduce initiative overload.

Connect with Dr. Katie Jarnot

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-jarnot-19735b55/
Website: https://www.eagleschools.net

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Wendy 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, and one breakthrough at a time.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy R. York Davoud sits down with Carrie Reed, Deputy Superintendent of Splendora ISD in Texas.

Carrie’s story moves from fourth-grade classroom teacher to principal, to briefly leaving public education entirely, and then returning with a renewed sense of purpose — now serving as deputy superintendent in the district where she once graduated and taught.

From opening a brand-new elementary school in the middle of the pandemic to reshaping Splendora’s strategic direction and community-based accountability system, Carrie shares how growth for every student, deep relationships, and authentic community voice guide the district’s work.

Key Moments

10:40 Why Carrie once took out TRS and said she was done with public education

20:18 Connecting growth measures, MAP, and accountability in a practical way

20:58 Implementing new curriculum, including Bluebonnet Math, with fidelity

27:17 Teacher collaboration structures: PLCs and dedicated lesson design time

27:52 Using internalization documents and shared planning to lift all classrooms

36:06 What makes Splendora ISD a special place for students and families

36:35 Carrie’s recruitment pitch from the restaurant table to the classroom

37:38 Gratitude: why she’s thankful for both family and opportunity

Why You’ll Love This Episode
Carrie brings honesty, warmth, and a deeply grounded perspective on what it means to lead at the district level and still see herself as a fourth-grade teacher at heart.This episode offers a powerful look at how one district is aligning systems, people, and heart so that every learner is better prepared for life after graduation.

Connect with Carrie Reed
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-reed
Website: https://www.splendoraisd.org/

Follow Us:
Wendy R. 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’re 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 episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Dr. Julie Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools. With 36 years in education from rural Missouri to a region anchored by Fortune 500 companies, Dr. Williams shares how operational decisions can dramatically enhance equity, safety, sustainability, and student wellbeing.

From redesigning restrooms to eliminate bullying, to shifting cell phone culture, to replacing millions of milk cartons with bulk milk and composting, she shows how “behind-the-scenes” systems truly shape student experience.

Key Moments

02:00 From rural Missouri to deputy superintendent in Fayetteville

04:10 Why she “retired” one day and started a new role the next

06:40 Charter buses vs. school buses and surprising cost efficiencies

09:10 Bus driver shortages and new staff incentives

12:10 A new appreciation for the workload of coaches

13:35 Cell phone limits and their impact on student wellbeing

16:30 Major decline in discipline issues after policy changes

18:45 Bathroom redesigns that eliminate hiding, vaping, and bullying

24:20 Balancing online testing with screen-time guidelines

27:25 Addressing equity through playground updates and feeder patterns

32:20 Sustainability efforts including outdoor learning and LEED/site/well standards

34:00 Bulk milk and composting as a cheaper, greener solution

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Dr. Williams shares simple, practical ways operations can strengthen school culture and student safety from limiting cell phone use to redesigning restrooms and rethinking staff expectations. Her perspective shows how small shifts in systems can create big improvements for students.

You’ll also hear how Fayetteville Public Schools is advancing equity and sustainability through clear, tangible actions that benefit every campus. It’s a concise look at how thoughtful operational choices make daily life better for kids and adults alike.

Connect with Dr. Julie Williams

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjulierwilliams

Website: https://www.fayar.net/

Follow Us

Wendy 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’re 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 episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy R. York Davoud sits down with Harrison Gillaspy, Principal of Piney Woods Elementary School in Splendora ISD.

Harrison’s leadership journey moved quickly to four schools in one year giving him a unique, on-the-ground understanding of how systems, culture, and clarity impact student learning. Now in his second year as principal, he shares how Piney Woods is strengthening instruction, building alignment, and ensuring every student grows.

From lesson design days to student goal-setting, from culture-building to consistent expectations, Harrison offers a grounded look at what it takes to accelerate improvement while caring deeply for the humans doing the work.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome + Harrison’s whirlwind path to principalship

01:17 From coaching to the classroom — and into leadership

06:18 Remembering year one — blur, strength, and support

17:22 Understanding the school’s data journey

19:08 Refocusing from “bubble kids” to every student’s growth

21:37 Rebuilding grade-level teams for balance and collaboration

22:26 Culture: trust, transparency, and treating teachers as professionals

24:07 Rotating awards that celebrate staff strengths

25:11 The next step: consistency through every season

26:19 “Shocktober” and staying steady during tough months

27:22 How the district calendar supports rest and effectiveness

29:17 Where to learn more about Piney Woods and Splendora ISD

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Harrison brings humility, clarity, and practical insight from a fast-paced leadership journey. You’ll hear how Piney Woods Elementary is:

• Strengthening instruction through intentional lesson design

  
  

• Empowering students to understand and track their own progress

  
  

• Building teacher trust and collaboration

  
  

• Improving culture through transparency and meaningful recognition

  
  

• Staying aligned with district expectations while honoring teacher voice

This episode offers a refreshingly honest look at leading a campus through growth, reset, and renewed momentum.

Connect with Harrison Gillaspy
LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-gillaspy-0a3201247
Website: https://pineywoods.splendoraisd.org/

Follow Us:
Wendy 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’re 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 episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy R. York Davoud sits down with Eric Holt, Principal of Lago Vista Middle School in Texas.

With experience as a teacher, coach, AP, and now long-serving principal, Eric shares how clarity, consistency, and culture shape the middle school experience for every learner.

From simplifying instructional expectations to balancing grace with high standards, Eric offers a grounded and energetic look at what it means to serve every student with both compassion and accountability.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome + Eric Holt’s path from radio to education

01:17 Lessons from youth baseball and the power of great coaching

02:55 Moving from high school AP to elementary AP

07:14 Why separating grade levels matters

08:22 Eric’s passion for the Fundamental Five

10:03 Avoiding the “initiative of the year” cycle

12:34 When too much grace leads to apathy

20:57 Helping students set goals with MAP data

21:48 Building a consistent assess–analyze–intervene cycle

22:08 Creating a joyful middle school culture

30:32 Ensuring every student has a trusted adult

33:09 The sacred trust between families and schools

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Eric brings warmth, humor, and practical leadership insight.

You will hear how Lago Vista Middle School is strengthening instruction, building joyful culture, balancing grace with accountability, and ensuring every student has someone who knows them and champions them.

His stories from coaching and teaching to DJing school dances offer a refreshing and relatable look at leading a middle school with heart
.
Connect with Eric Holt
LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-holt-b2711443
Website: https://www.lagovistaisd.net/o/lvms

Follow Us:
Wendy 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’re 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 episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with John Jameson, Principal of El Dorado High School in El Dorado, Arkansas. John leads a nationally recognized comprehensive high school that has been named one of the best high schools in America by U.S. News and World Report and earned a B rating from the Arkansas Department of Education.

Wendy and John talk about what it means to lead a large high school in a post Covid world, where students need more than curriculum and pacing guides. They explore how assessment, AI, instructional time, and college access all intersect with student well being and long term success, including the life changing impact of the El Dorado Promise scholarship program.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and El Dorado High School introduction

01:17 John’s journey from coach to principal

03:28 Starting high school leadership in the Covid year

04:12 Making remote learning work for 1,200 students

06:18 Supporting teachers and students through lockdown

08:50 Post Covid shifts in reading and student habits

10:55 Reducing screens and rebuilding classroom interaction

13:02 New dyslexia screening rules at the high school level

19:14 DoK levels and what assessment data revealed

23:44 How AI and ChatGPT show up in classrooms

26:08 Planning with the 15 Day Challenge and essential standards

33:40 Redefining what school is and sharing the El Dorado Promise

Why You Will Love This Episode

This episode gives a clear, practical view of high school leadership in a time of rapid change. John Jameson speaks honestly about the lingering effects of Covid on student behavior, literacy, and social skills, and how his team is working to rebuild habits that support real learning, not just compliance.

You will also hear practical insights on using data, AI, and planning tools responsibly, so they enhance rather than replace professional judgment. John’s explanation of the El Dorado Promise and the district’s extensive course offerings shows what is possible when a community invests in its students’ futures, from trade pathways to four year degrees.

If you care about secondary leadership, instructional time, and giving students real choices after graduation, this conversation will give you both perspective and concrete ideas.

Connect with Principal John Jameson

Website: https://www.eldoradopublicschools.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-jameson-5666645b/

Follow Us

Wendy 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, and one breakthrough at a time.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Jamie Harper Martinez, Assistant Superintendent of Van Alstyne Independent School District. Dr. Martinez shares how her district is navigating rapid growth while keeping instruction aligned, supporting teachers, and strengthening collaboration across every campus.

Wendy and Dr. Martinez explore how Van Alstyne ISD uses district level instructional focus documents, intentional coaching systems, and leadership academies to create coherence across classrooms. Her story highlights the power of clarity, alignment, and people-centered leadership in building systems that work.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and guest introduction

01:07 Dr. Martinez’s journey in education

03:29 Moving between districts and building experience

06:12 Why Van Alstyne ISD is growing so rapidly

08:03 Opening new campuses and planning for capacity

09:55 Earning her doctorate while serving as a district leader

10:54 Her research on principal coaching and district level PLCs

13:10 Building collaborative leadership structures across schools

15:27 Turning PLCs into authentic conversations, not compliance

17:21 Data meetings that drive instructional action

19:49 How coaching strengthens relationships and trust

23:08 Daily campus visibility and leadership presence

30:42 Creating districtwide alignment so every student experiences equity

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a practical, encouraging look at how a fast-growing district maintains coherence without losing sight of people. Dr. Martinez explains how her team uses shared instructional documents, coaching structures, and consistent expectations to ensure every student receives an equitable learning experience, no matter which classroom they are in.

You will appreciate her honest reflections about what principals and teachers truly need, and how district leaders can build trust through presence, listening, and collaboration. Her insights make district level systems feel human, accessible, and grounded in real relationships.

If you are looking for actionable strategies for managing growth, strengthening alignment, or supporting instructional leaders, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Connect with Dr. Jamie Harper Martinez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jamie-harper-martinez-b0026a64/
Website: https://www.vanalstyneisd.org/

Follow Us

Wendy 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, and one breakthrough at a time.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Michael Houston, Deputy Superintendent of Instructional & Administrative Support for Channelview ISD in Texas.

With experience as a teacher, coach, AP, principal, district leader, and now deputy superintendent, Dr. Houston shares how clarity, culture, and systems alignment are transforming teaching and learning for Channelview’s 9,500 students.

From building strong Tier 1 instruction to eliminating classroom-to-classroom variation and from developing principals to expanding literacy across the community Dr. Houston offers a grounded, energetic look at what it means to serve every single student, not just some.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome + Dr. Houston’s path from Alabama to Channelview ISD

02:20 From teacher to administrator: leading for greater impact

03:40 Coaching new and veteran teachers as a high school department chair

04:55 Learning fast as an AP on a 3,000-student campus

06:10 Becoming principal after one year as AP and growing into leadership

08:00 Transition to district leadership in Channelview ISD

09:00 The district’s North Star: creating environments where all students thrive

10:45 Literacy beyond the classroom — Channelview’s “library on wheels”

13:00 Balancing district guardrails with campus autonomy through tiered support

14:40 Inside Dr. Houston’s dissertation: culturally responsive leadership & teacher efficacy

17:50 What strong PLCs actually do: data, practice, modeling, and at-bats

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Dr. Houston brings contagious energy, deep reflection, and a crystal-clear focus on impact.You’ll hear how Channelview ISD is strengthening Tier 1 instruction, investing in principals, expanding literacy access, and building systems that ensure every student grows because expectations aren’t lowered in Channelview; supports are raised.

You’ll also love the way he breaks down what strong PLCs actually look like, not meetings for compliance, but real collaboration where teachers rehearse instruction, study student work, and build collective expertise. His framing of “you don’t go to PLC; you are a PLC” is the kind of shift that can change an entire campus.

Connect with Michael Houston
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhouston1881
Website: https://www.cvisd.org/

Follow Us:
Wendy 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’re 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 episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.