Leading Engaged Learning

Building Belonging Through Dual Language Learning with Dr. Ray Sanchez

3P Learning — Wed, 20 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Dr. Ray Sanchez, Superintendent of Schools for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, to explore how dual language education can strengthen literacy, identity, and student belonging.

With decades of experience in educational leadership and a deep commitment to equity and multilingual learning, Dr. Sanchez shares how Tarrytown’s dual language program is creating opportunities for students to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural learners. From expanding access to multilingual programs to building systems that support authentic literacy instruction in both English and Spanish, this conversation highlights the powerful impact that language-centered learning can have on student achievement and community connection.

Key Moments

04:47 Dual Language as a Student Superpower

06:39 Diversity as a District Strength

08:01 Building Literacy Through Authentic Texts

11:47 Research Supporting Dual Language Learning

13:45 Designing a 50/50 Language Model

14:46 Monitoring Literacy Growth in Both Languages

17:28 Expanding Access to Dual Language Programs

18:32 Breaking Misconceptions About Dual Language

19:59 Recruiting and Growing Bilingual Educators

21:35 Supporting Teachers Through Coaching and PD

23:45 Building Belonging Through Language and Identity

25:42 Celebrating Student Pride and Connection

26:29 Long-Term Benefits of Biliteracy

27:23 Preparing Students for a Multilingual Workforce

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a thoughtful and practical look at how dual language systems can strengthen literacy outcomes while building stronger school communities. Dr. Sanchez makes it clear that multilingualism is not a barrier—it is one of students’ greatest strengths.

You’ll learn:

Why supporting students’ first language accelerates second-language acquisition
How dual language programs build literacy, belonging, and cultural identity
The importance of using authentic texts instead of translated materials
What it takes to successfully scale and expand dual language access
How districts can recruit and support bilingual educators
Why professional learning and instructional coaching are critical for teacher success
How dual language education prepares students for future career opportunities
The role of culturally relevant curriculum in student engagement and achievement

Dr. Sanchez also reinforces a powerful idea: when schools honor students’ languages and cultures, students feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Connect with Our Guest

Dr. Ray Sanchez
Superintendent of Schools, Public Schools of the Tarrytowns

Website: https://www.tufsd.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-sanchez-b77b2a2a0/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc

Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Leading 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.

Preparing Students for Life After Graduation with Dr. Jason James

3P Learning — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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 Moments

03:54 ICAP: Starting Career Conversations Early

07:57 Aligning Academics with Student Goals

10:04 Flexibility in Career Pathways

13:44 Exploring Career Academies

17:12 Literacy as the Foundation for All Pathways

19:41 Early Intervention and High Expectations

21:17 The Role of Fluency in Reading Success

23:46 Lessons from Literacy Policy and Investment

27:57 Rethinking Traditional Instruction Models

29:23 Measuring Progress Through Data and Systems

31:07 Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction

34:40 Vision: 100% Life-Ready Graduates

36:11 Enrolled, Employed, or Enlisted (3E Goal)

38:55 Why Education Systems Must Evolve

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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 motivation
How ICAP helps align academics, interests, and long-term goals
The importance of early literacy, fluency, and foundational skills for all pathways
Why traditional instructional models often fail to engage today’s students
How interest-based learning can unlock student potential—even for struggling learners
A practical approach to using data, interventions, and Tier 1 instruction to drive improvement
What it means to graduate students who are truly “life-ready”
How districts can measure success beyond graduation

Dr. James also reinforces a critical idea: when students see relevance in what they’re learning, engagement increases—and so do outcomes.

Connect with Our Guest

Dr. Jason James
Superintendent, Shawnee Public Schools

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-james-a6648b399
Website: https://www.shawnee.k12.ok.us/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Leading 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.

Rebuilding Literacy Systems from the Ground Up with Dr. Bobbie Trevino

3P Learning — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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 Moments

03:43 Literacy as the District’s “Big Rock”

05:40 Curriculum Alignment Across Schools

07:38 Strengthening Early Childhood Instruction

09:45 Consistency Over “Shiny Programs”

12:16 Rebuilding a Culture of Reading

15:47 Addressing Non-Readers in Secondary

17:19 Monitoring Instruction Through Walkthroughs

20:20 Building Leadership Capacity

22:47 Data Chats for Accountability

26:29 Monitoring Implementation with Fidelity

29:11 Leading from the “Balcony”

32:56 Student Voice Driving Community Engagement

35:00 Parent Partnership and Outreach

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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 system
How to prioritize early childhood instruction to prevent long-term gaps
A practical approach to using data chats to drive leadership accountability
Why consistency and fidelity matter more than constantly changing programs
How to build leadership capacity when principals lack literacy backgrounds
The role of student voice in strengthening community engagement
How to address literacy gaps in middle and high school students
Why hope and belief systems are critical to student success

Dr. 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 Guest

Dr. Bobbie Trevino
Superintendent, Zapata County ISD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-roberta-bobbie-trevino-edd-88486851
Website: https://www.zcisd.org/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Building Coherent Literacy Systems Through Collaboration and Tier 1 Focus with David Moyer

3P Learning — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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 Moments

05:27 Rigor Gaps and Literacy Plateaus

07:23 Literacy Across All Subjects

10:27 Building Teacher Capacity

12:28 Power of Professional Learning Communities

14:03 Interdisciplinary Literacy in Action

16:39 Tier 1 Instruction First

20:09 Student Ownership and Engagement

21:45 Balancing Curriculum and Professional Judgment

23:34 Writing as a Literacy Driver

26:05 Rethinking Interventions (All Students, Shared Responsibility)

27:23 Professional Development Systems

30:37 Instructional Coaching Impact

34:28 Leadership Capacity First

35:46 Future-Focused Learning Systems

39:10 Advice for New Superintendents

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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 success
How professional learning communities drive collaboration and instructional consistency
A practical approach to embedding literacy across all subject areas
Why assessment practices can either accelerate or hinder student growth
How interdisciplinary learning increases engagement and relevance
The role of instructional coaching and job-embedded professional development
Why leadership capacity is critical for sustaining system-wide change

Moyer 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 Guest

David Moyer
Superintendent, Northport-East Northport Union Free School District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-moyer-88716a17
Website: https://www.northport.k12.ny.us/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Redesigning Literacy Systems with Teacher Ownership and Data with Dr. Eichelberger

3P Learning — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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 Moments

02:16 From Classroom to Superintendent

05:33 Ownership Over Buy-In

07:15 Extending Literacy Beyond Elementary

10:24 Data-Driven Student Grouping

11:52 Training Teachers in Science of Reading

14:37 Building a Culture Teachers Stay In

16:52 Small Group Instruction That Works

20:10 Choosing High-Interest Reading Materials

23:02 Teacher-Led Professional Development

25:20 Engaging Struggling Readers

28:14 Moving from Good to Great

31:08 Data as a Non-Negotiable

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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 change
How to design a system that supports literacy from kindergarten through high school
A practical approach to using data to identify and close skill gaps
Why small group instruction is critical at every level—not just elementary
How to build a culture that attracts and retains strong teachers
The role of professional development in turning good teaching into great teaching
How student engagement and interest drive long-term reading success
Dr. 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 Guest

Drew Eichelberger
Superintendent, Piedmont Public Schools

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-eichelberger-17736719
Website: https://www.piedmontschools.org/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Building Coherent Literacy Systems That Actually Work with Dr. NaTasha Crain

3P Learning — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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 Moments
04:21 Read to Ride: Incentivizing Literacy

07:59 Coherence Over Resources

09:00 Aligning Systems Across Grades

10:30 Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction

12:00 Building K–3 Literacy Foundations

14:21 Closing Early Literacy Gaps

15:14 Supporting Diverse Learners

17:52 Leadership Capacity First

20:55 Ongoing, Layered Professional Development

21:49 Data-Driven Decision Making

25:45 Right Teachers, Right Grades

26:51 Supporting All Learners (Intervention + Extension)

29:50 Extending Learning Time

32:21 Community Partnerships Driving Impact

Why You’ll Love This Episode
This 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 improvement
How to build a strong Tier 1 foundation before scaling interventions
A practical approach to redesigning literacy systems using data
How to create global systems that serve all learners (ELL, SPED, advanced)
Why leadership capacity drives instructional quality
How to use incentives, like Read to Ride, to boost student motivation and engagement
The importance of layered, ongoing professional development—not one-time training

Dr. Crain also reinforces a powerful idea: when systems are aligned and adults are supported, student success becomes predictable—not accidental.

Connect with Our Guest
Dr. NaTasha Crain
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Marshall ISD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-natasha-crain-337575b5
Website: https://www.marshallisd.com/

Connect with Us
3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning
Leading 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.

PLCs, Trust, and Building Capacity from Within with Jeremy Smalline

3P Learning — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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 Moments

06:02 Focusing on professional learning communities

08:05 Relaunching and improving PLC practices

12:09 Listening to community feedback

15:47 Creating support systems for teachers

19:58 Shifting resources for student impact

22:43 Listening, feedback, and next steps

24:58 Future goals and student achievement

30:04 The role of the board

31:12 Importance of long-term planning

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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 failures
How to build teacher ownership and buy-in through guiding coalitions
Why time for collaboration is the most valuable resource a district can provide
A leadership approach grounded in listening, transparency, and vulnerability
A critical mindset shift: data as empowerment, not intimidation
A practical truth: sustainable improvement requires 5-year thinking, not yearly resets

Jeremy’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 Guest

Jeremy Smalline
Superintendent, Greece Central School District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-smalline-a3185049
Website: https://www.greececsd.org/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Leading 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.

Breaking Down Silos: Building Collaborative Teaching Models for Student Success

3P Learning — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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 Moments

04:53 "Supporting Teachers, Students Together"

07:23 "Empowered Students, Supportive Community"

12:14 Transforming Education Through Teacher Support

16:30 Middle School Teaming Success

17:40 Integrating Contextual Learning Strategies

23:29 Boosting Success Through Parent Involvement

27:18 Teacher-Centered Curriculum Adoption Process

28:12 Collaborative Resource Evaluation Process

32:07 Balancing Tools for Student Success

35:27 "Sustainable Systemic Classroom Change"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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 outcomes
Why literacy gains accelerate when reading and writing are embedded across all subjects
A practical framework for diagnosing literacy challenges beyond just “curriculum issues”
How to implement curriculum adoption with teacher buy-in through pilots and proof-of-concept
Why teacher investment (time, coaching, collaboration) is the most critical lever for change
A mindset shift that stands out: acceleration over remediation
A powerful equity move: ensuring all students access grade-level content—no pull-outs from core instruction

Dr. 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 Guest

Dr. Kelly Coffin
Superintendent, Farmington Public Schools (Michigan)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-coffin-050ab36a
Website: https://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Leading 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.

PD for All: Creating Lasting Literacy Change Across Diverse School Communities

3P Learning — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

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 Moments

05:47 Diverse Bilingual Education Challenges

08:06 Focused Literacy Evaluation Initiative

13:04 Rebuilding Trust and Teacher Autonomy

16:25 Strengthening Early Literacy Instruction

18:08 Strategies Over Resources for Literacy

21:54 "Prioritizing Collaborative Instructional Practices"

24:47 "Data Literacy in Education"

28:26 "Universal Professional Development Framework"

32:34 Teacher Collaboration Fuels Professional Growth

36:12 "Leading with Focus on Students"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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 tool
How coherence across teams supports vertical alignment, reduces confusion, and improves outcomes
A candid look at change management: why “better systems” can still feel like lost autonomy
A practical framework for diagnosing slow progress: teacher knowledge + implementation support
How to build data literacy so teams use assessments to inform instruction, not chase numbers
The strongest through-line: professional learning is the catalyst—and “PD for all” is the unmet need

Amy 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 Guest

Amy Breiler
Director of Teaching & Learning for Literacy at Community Consolidated School District 21

Website: https://ccsd21.org/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Leading 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.

Coherence, Stability, and “Jazz” Instruction: Building Sustainable Literacy Systems with Rebecca Tompkins

3P Learning — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

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 Moments

03:30 "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 Reading

30:27 "Sustainable Engagement in Learning"

33:16 "Connect with Sycamore Schools"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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 students
Why instructional coaching is the bridge between training days and real classroom change
A grounded approach to resistance: treat it as information, respond with support, stay steady
A powerful definition of engagement that goes beyond novelty to persistence and confidence
A standout classroom example: Socratic seminars beginning in kindergarten to build thinking, listening, and communication

If 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 Guest

Rebecca Tompkins
Executive Director of Curriculum & Learning at Sycamore Community Schools

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-tompkins-b2121778
Website: https://www.sycamoreschools.org/

Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning

About Leading Engaged Learning

Leading 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.