Unlock 360: An LTL Podcast

In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Ryan D. Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, to explore how districts can move beyond vision statements and build systems that truly reflect their core values.Dr. Smith shares his unique journey from a “lost” college freshman to a math teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, and now deputy superintendent, highlighting the mentors, risks, and pivotal moments that shaped his leadership path.The conversation centers on one critical idea: values only matter if they guide action. Ryan breaks down how Bellflower USD is re-engaging its community to define mission, vision, and values—and more importantly, how they are translating those into measurable student outcomes through a learner profile. From building a guiding coalition of diverse stakeholders to rethinking hiring practices with AI, this episode offers a practical look at what it takes to align systems with purpose.Key Moments 05:21 Turning around Leuzinger High School 07:25 Switching from teaching to business 10:01 Ryan's early career and engagement 14:14 Defining mission, vision, and values 17:57 Navigating conflict with core values 21:29 Creating a learner profile framework 26:28 Challenges of personalized education 29:58 Using AI to screen candidates 31:02 Using AI in hiringWhy You Will Love This Episode If you are working to align your district’s vision with real classroom impact, this episode delivers both inspiration and clarity. Dr. Ryan D. Smith shares how to turn abstract ideas like “innovation” and “collaboration” into measurable outcomes—and how to build systems that actually support them. You will walk away with practical insight on leading values-driven change, engaging your community in meaningful ways, and preparing students for a future that is still unfolding.Connect with Dr. Ryan D. Smith Website: https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsmithedd Email: ryansmith@busd.k12.ca.us Articles & Additional Info: https://www.ryandsmithedd.com/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, one breakthrough at a time. Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
S.5 | Ep. 6: Dr. Ryan D. Smith on Values-Driven Leadership and Future-Ready Systems
In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Jim DuBois, Superintendent of Goshen Community Schools in Indiana, to explore how disciplined execution, strategic clarity, and whole-child support systems can transform district outcomes.Jim shares his journey from educator to superintendent, including his return from retirement to lead a district navigating community tension, financial constraints, and the need for a clear path forward. Through a focus on strategic planning, simplified priorities, and consistent execution, he has helped bring stability, trust, and momentum back to the district.The conversation dives deep into Jim’s leadership philosophy, centered on doing fewer things better, and his commitment to building systems that support every student. From the “ABCs” framework (Attendance, Behavior, Course Performance) to innovative interventions like cognitive training labs,Jim highlights how districts can move beyond surface-level solutions and address the root causes of student challenges.Key Moments 05:14 Strategic Planning Success 09:05 ABC: Attendance, Behavior, Courses 11:50 Embedding PBIS into Culture 15:07 Strategic Planning Drives School Success 18:18 Supporting Academic and Emotional Struggles 22:22 Supporting Learning Through SOIIPP 23:40 Cognitive Training for Learning Success 28:08 Addressing Cognitive and Sensory Delays 32:36 Stamina, Focus, and Sensory Integration 34:16 Opposite Direction Training Explained 37:44 Educational Innovation Boosts IQ 41:16 Calming Kids Through Sensory Tools 43:52 Personalized Cognitive Skill WorkbooksWhy You Will Love This Episode If you are working to bring clarity and focus to your district or school, this episode offers a powerful blueprint. Jim DuBois breaks down how to move from scattered initiatives to a cohesive system that actually delivers results. You will gain insight into building sustainable improvement through execution, not overload, and learn how addressing the whole child—academically, socially, and cognitively—can unlock growth for students who are often left behind. This is a must-listen for leaders who want practical strategies grounded in real district experience.Connect with Jim DuBois LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-dubois-a65b3127 Website: https://www.goshenschools.org/ Email: jim.dubois@goshenschools.orgFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time. Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
S.5 | Ep. 5: Focusing on What Matters: Jim DuBois Explains Strategic Planning in Education
In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Rhett Ladner, Superintendent of Hancock County School District in Mississippi, to explore a leadership journey that redefines what it means to truly lead. With over three decades in education, Rhett shares how he moved from a results-driven, management-focused approach to one centered on relationships, culture, and purpose, and how that shift transformed both his leadership and his district.Together, Wendy and Rhett dive into the power of Jostens Renaissance and the “6 Rs” framework, showing how intentional culture-building—respect, reward, recognition, reinforcement, relationships, and results can drive measurable outcomes in student achievement, attendance, and staff retention. Rhett also shares candid reflections on leadership missteps, the importance of listening to students and staff, and how creating a sense of belonging for both learners and “staffulty” can unlock performance at every level.Key Moments04:30 Progress Beyond the Boxes07:14 Learning Leadership Through Connection09:30 Changing Paths to Make Impact13:05 School Culture and 6 Rs18:03 Launching Renaissance Leadership Program19:11 Transforming School Culture22:44 Graduation Flash Mob Fiasco26:50 Leadership Challenges and Growth31:27 Teacher PLC Scheduling Oversight35:20 Balancing Boxes for Growth36:49 Leadership Team Tackles Education Reform40:29 Core Values Drive Decisions44:36 Finding Your Perfect HomeWhy You Will Love This EpisodeThis episode is both deeply human and highly practical. Rhett Ladner offers an honest look at what happens when leaders chase results without connection—and what becomes possible when they shift to building culture first. You will walk away with a clear framework for improving school climate, real examples of how culture impacts measurable outcomes, and a reminder that leadership is ultimately about people, not programs. If you are working to increase engagement, retention, and achievement without losing your purpose, this conversation will resonate deeply.Connect with Rhett Ladner Website: https://www.hancockschools.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhett-ladner-a0b643199 Email: rladner@hancockschools.netFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
S.5 | Ep. 4: From Management to Meaning—Rhett Ladner on Culture, Connection, and Real Results
In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Keana Daughtry, Chief Academic Officer of Everman Independent School District, to explore what it really takes to strengthen instruction at scale. Dr. Daughtry shares her powerful journey from student learning struggles to reading specialist, turnaround principal, Region 11 leadership coach, and now district academic leader, always anchored in one core belief: she is still a teacher at heart.Together, Wendy and Dr. Daughtry dive into systems development and change management as the true work behind sustainable improvement. You will hear practical insights on how Everman ISD is tightening Tier 1 instruction through high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), intentional PLC internalization, and coaching-driven leadership support. Dr. Daughtry also breaks down a clear, actionable change management framework that helps leaders diagnose what is missing when adults feel frustrated, anxious, or resistant, so change can be done with people, not to them.Key Moments03:21 Education Leadership and Systems Thinking08:49 Surprising Similarities in Leadership11:00 Embracing Change Management Leadership14:11 Rethinking Resource Management in Education15:58 Managing Change with Action Plan19:05 Building Relationships, Embracing New Opportunities25:08 Improving PLCs and Instruction Quality28:34 Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction30:40 Challenges of Legislative Impact34:30 Recruitment Challenges in Education36:14 Born, Raised, Educator's JourneyWhy You Will Love This EpisodeThis is a systems-and-people episode in the best way. Dr. Daughtry brings a rare mix of lived experience (as a student who struggled), deep instructional expertise (reading + curriculum), and real-world leadership practice (turnaround + coaching + district systems). You will walk away with a clear change management lens for diagnosing what is actually happening when implementation stalls, plus practical examples of how Everman ISD is strengthening Tier 1 instruction through HQIM, internalization-focused PLCs, and campus leader coaching. If you are working to improve learning outcomes without burning people out, this conversation will give you both clarity and momentum.Connect with Dr. Keana Daughtry Website: https://www.eisd.org/ Email: kdaughtry@eisd.orgFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
S.5 | Ep. 3: Leading for Student Success with Dr. Keana Daughtry — Systems, Change, and Impact
In this episode, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Matthew Neighbors, Superintendent of Galveston ISD, to explore what it looks like to lead a district where community, culture, and continuous improvement are deeply connected. Dr. Neighbors shares his journey from 17 years in the classroom to the superintendency, and why he still approaches district decisions first through a teacher’s lens.Together, Wendy and Dr. Neighbors unpack how Galveston ISD built an authentic strategic plan with broad stakeholder input, then keeps it alive through consistent check-ins, shared ownership, and a clear focus on what happens inside classrooms. You will hear the powerful origin story behind GISD’s mission, “Raise the Grade,” rooted in Galveston’s history, and how the district defines growth for every learner through classroom essentials, One Plus goals, and multiple measures of progress. The conversation also dives into leadership trust, feedback loops, consistency across campuses, and how strong community partnerships can help bridge real socioeconomic challenges.Key Moments05:03 Unexpected Transition to Leadership07:45 Advantages of Insider Leadership09:45 Strategic Planning and Progress Tracking14:17 Mission Alignment Drives Leadership Success18:47 Ensuring a Year’s Growth21:41 Comprehensive Student Growth Assessments23:29 Handshake Rental Agreement Story28:43 Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment Framework30:31 District vs. Campus Coaching Roles34:43 Diverse Community, Unique Challenges37:26 Island Living: Fun for All40:49 Seed of SuperintendencyWhy You Will Love This EpisodeThis conversation blends heart, history, and practical district leadership. Dr. Neighbors offers a memorable mission story that gives real meaning to systems work, then backs it up with concrete strategies for execution: living strategic plans, clear classroom expectations, growth monitoring, and a trust-centered leadership approach that empowers principals and teachers instead of micromanaging them. If you care about building coherence across campuses, improving outcomes while protecting culture, and leading in a community with both opportunities and challenges, this episode will leave you with ideas you can use right away.Connect with Dr. Matthew Neighbors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-neighbors-edd-39014b31 Website: https://www.gisd.org/ Email: matthewneighbors@gisd.orgFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
S.5 | Ep. 2: “Raise the Grade” in Galveston, Systems, Culture, and Year-Over-Year Growth
Welcome to Season 5 of the Unlock 360 podcast by Lead.Teach.Learn.360! In today’s episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Amy Graeber, Chief Instructional Officer for Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, to explore the power of resilience, leadership, and healing after tragedy. Amy Graeber shares her inspiring journey through various roles in education, from paraprofessional to principal, counselor, and now central office leader, and opens up about joining Uvalde ISD in the wake of unimaginable loss.Together, Amy and Wendy talk about rebuilding district systems, navigating change, and fostering a coaching culture. They dive into the unique challenges of leading in a rural community, the importance of strategic planning and professional learning, and the balance between honoring grief and pressing forward to ensure every student thrives. This episode is a candid, hopeful look at what it means to lead and learn together—no matter the obstacles. Join us for a conversation full of hard-earned wisdom, practical insights, and a commitment to making a difference for every learner.Key Moments05:10 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Schools06:47 School Memories and Reflections10:52 Building a Coaching Culture14:03 Rubrics and Job-Alike Coaching18:22 Strategic Staffing for Schools21:19 Guiding Coalitions and NTSS Strategies26:13 Streamlining Collaboration and Instructional Clarity29:56 Brenda Law: Inspiring Leadership MentorWhy You Will Love This EpisodeAmy Graeber offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to lead instruction in a community navigating grief, rebuilding trust, and moving forward with purpose. Through her journey from paraprofessional to chief instructional officer, she shares grounded insights on coaching cultures, system building, staffing challenges, and keeping the “main things” the main things amid constant change. This conversation blends heart and strategy, showing how healing and growth can happen at the same time, and leaves education leaders with practical takeaways, reflective questions, and a renewed sense of why this work matters for students, teachers, and communities alike.Connect with Amy Graeber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-graeber-49a76222a Website: https://www.ucisd.net/ Email: agraeber5212@uvaldecisd.netFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
S.5 | Ep. 1: Amy Graeber’s Strategy for Healing and Academic Growth in a Rural District
In the last episode of Unlock 360 Season 4, Principal Donnell Mayberry of Challenger Middle School in Lancaster, California, joins host Wendy York Davoud to share how he is transforming a historically punitive campus into a restorative, relationship-centered learning community. Drawing on years of experience with restorative justice in Oakland alternative schools, Donnell explains how “reset and accept” guides his approach to discipline, culture, and academics.He walks through the concrete system shifts at Challenger, including block scheduling, single-subject teaching, higher GPA expectations, and intentional family engagement. Throughout, he emphasizes that real change requires listening to students, partnering with parents, and holding everyone to a shared standard of love and accountability.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Donnell Mayberry00:42 Donnell’s journey from Arizona to Oakland to Lancaster02:04 What restorative practices really mean in schools06:29 Bringing restorative practices to Challenger Middle School10:01 Building teacher capacity and tiered support for students13:10 The power of positive phone calls and repairing harm16:21 Shifting language away from punishment and toward reflection19:16 Raising expectations, GPA standards, and family accountability21:02 Supporting multilingual learners and equity across groups22:29 Collaboration, PD, and growing staff buy-in24:41 Four-year vision to restore academics and school culture27:25 Spreading restorative work across the districtWhy You Will Love This EpisodeYou will hear a candid, practical look at what it takes to move a middle school away from suspension-first thinking and toward restorative discipline, stronger relationships, and higher academic expectations. Donnell shares specific strategies, honest challenges, and real wins that leaders can adapt to their own campuses.Connect with Donnell Mayberry Email: dmayberry@wilsona.k12.ca.us Website: https://cms.wilsonasd.net/en-USFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more. We’ll be joining you in Season 5.
S.4 | Ep. 26: Restorative Discipline and Community Partnership with Principal Donnell Mayberry
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud speaks with Principal Christopher Medinger of Farragut Elementary School in Culver City, California. Chris shares his unconventional path into education, from coaching youth basketball to launching a K–8 charter school, designing a new campus, and eventually leading in Culver City Unified.He reflects on the power of parent partnership, the routines that create stronger home–school connections, and why simple conversations like “car talk” can transform a child’s confidence and motivation. Chris also discusses the role of AI in classrooms and why students still need to read, write, think, and generate their own ideas to be ready for the future.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Christopher Medinger01:03 Early career, switching from economics to teaching04:18 Recruiting families and opening with a full K–8 enrollment07:34 Teaching parents to support learning during Covid10:26 The power of parent involvement and daily learning conversations14:20 Chris’s side life as “Captain Chris” on dolphin cruises16:10 Moving to Farragut Elementary and learning the community19:09 Using car talk, bedtime chats, and Bloom’s Taxonomy at home21:42 Preparing students for a future shaped by AI24:27 The importance of analyzing student work and scratch paper31:48 The future of learning and the urgency for high level thinking33:43 Where to learn more about Culver City UnifiedWhy You Will Love This Episode This conversation highlights practical, human ways parents and educators can work together to support student growth. From AI readiness to family engagement to building a schoolwide culture of belonging, Chris offers clear ideas leaders can put into action right away.Connect with Christopher Medinger Email: christophermedinger@ccusd.org Website: https://farragut.ccusd.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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
S.4 | Ep. 25: Parent Partnership, AI, and Future Ready Learning with Principal Christopher Medinger
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud speaks with Principal Katherine Hunt of McAlester Public Schools, a veteran educator with more than 40 years of service. Kathy shares her journey from classroom teacher to principal, the influence of her father’s legacy, and what it meant to transform a former junior high into a warm and joyful elementary campus.She discusses her belief that every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and equipped with four essentials: learning to read, learning math, learning to write, and learning to be a good friend. Kathy also reflects on equity, community investment, the importance of arts and play, and the deep responsibility schools carry for children who face trauma, poverty, and instability.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Kathy Hunt01:10 Following her father’s legacy in McAlester03:50 Creating a joyful, kid centered environment08:08 Realities of teacher spending and fundraising09:41 Loving the kids and meeting them where they are10:12 Four essentials: read, write, math, and friendship18:39 Bond passage and shared resources19:20 “Children are our future” and community responsibility26:27 The role of arts, STEM, and enrichment28:25 Why exposure and experience matter for all kids37:44 Balancing tech with hands on learning43:38 Supporting educators and honoring the professionWhy You Will Love This Episode This conversation offers a heartfelt look at what it means to lead with love, purpose, and community pride. Kathy brings honesty, wisdom, and decades of lived experience as she shares why schools must be safe, joyful places where every child feels seen and valued.Connect with Katherine Hunt District Website: https://mpsbuffs.orgFollow 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, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
S.4 | Ep. 24: Love, Literacy, and Community with Principal Katherine Hunt
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