Unlock 360: An LTL Podcast

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
On Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Dr. Samuel Bonsu Jr., Principal of Krum High School in Krum ISD, Texas. From accidentally entering education through a “you need to come back to Texas” phone call to leading a fast growing 4A high school, Dr. Bonsu’s story is rooted in mentors, faith, and servant leadership.He shares how his core mantra, love, learn, serve, and lead, shows up in daily decisions: repeating the vision in every room, building PLCs where teachers openly compare data and share practices, and modeling healthy boundaries so staff can thrive at work and at home.Key Moments02:00 How a superintendent’s phone call pulled him into education05:45 Saying “yes” to mentors, grad school, and leadership opportunities08:15 Learning servant leadership from principals who lifted others up10:30 Shifting from “CASPR” to a simple core of love, learn, serve, lead13:40 Moving districts to be closer to family and why that mattered16:00 From living at school to setting boundaries, God, family, work18:10 Teaching his team not to take work home and to truly unplug23:15 “Keep the main thing the main thing” for vision, focus, and saying no31:50 Inside Krum’s PLCs using data and peer modeling to grow practice34:30 Why teachers learn best from other teachers, not just admin37:25 Building whole child success through academics, activities, and culture38:30 Rapid growth in Krum ISD and keeping an every student known feel40:10 Practicing gratitude and why he is thankful for his wife SavannahWhy You’ll Love This Episode Dr. Bonsu offers a refreshingly honest look at principalship, including what he got wrong early on and how he has learned to lead with clarity and boundaries. You will hear practical ways to keep vision front and center, avoid initiative overload, and create PLCs where teachers feel safe to say, “Show me what you did so I can get better.”You will also walk away with concrete ideas for balancing high expectations with genuine care for staff and families. It is a concise, hope filled conversation about building systems that let both students and adults win.Connect with Dr. Samuel Bonsu Jr. Krum High School Website: https://khs.krumisd.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 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. 23: Vision, Boundaries, and Krum High with Dr. Samuel Bonsu Jr.
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Assistant Superintendent Timothy Ray of Catoosa Public Schools in Oklahoma to explore how thoughtful systems, teacher leadership, and steady change are shaping the future of the district.Timothy shares his journey from classroom teacher and award winning assistant principal to district leader, and describes how Catoosa is using a five year Continuous Strategic Improvement plan to stay focused on academic achievement, culture and climate, staff support, and strong systems.A major highlight of the conversation is the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP). Timothy explains how Catoosa selected master teachers and lead teachers, provided targeted training, and positioned them as PLC leaders and partners in professional learning.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Assistant Superintendent Timothy Ray00:48 Timothy’s path from teacher and coach to administrator02:20 Assistant Principal of the Year and the WARP suspension reduction program06:27 Catoosa’s five year Continuous Strategic Improvement plan07:35 Four pillars, academic achievement, culture, staff support, and systems08:30 The Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program and selecting teacher leaders14:09 Guaranteed and viable curriculum, common assessments, and data use15:14 Strengthening systems across transportation, safety, health, and operations21:39 The challenge of shifting from isolation to true collaboration in PLCs22:44 Change, patience, and the balance of “push and praise”29:33 Building systems and culture that will outlast individual leaders32:57 Four day school week, schedule design, and PLC time38:36 Gratitude, mentors, and what Timothy is thankful forWhy You Will Love This EpisodeYou will hear a grounded, practical look at how one district is aligning its vision, empowering teachers, and building systems that support both adults and students. Timothy offers clear examples of what it takes to move from isolated practice to collaborative teams, use data without losing heart, and lead change at a pace people can actually sustain.Connect with Timothy Ray Email: tray@catoosa.k12.ok.us Website: https://www.catoosaps.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 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. 22: Teacher Empowerment and PLCs with Assistant Superintendent Timothy Ray
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Principal Guadalupe Montañez of Deanna Davenport Elementary in Canutillo ISD, a border community school that has made meaningful strides by strengthening culture, deepening teacher collaboration, and using high quality instructional materials with fidelity. Guadalupe shares how intentional practices, instructional support, and a people-first culture helped her teachers build confidence, consistency, and shared leadership.The conversation highlights the realities of serving a high poverty, Title I campus near the U.S. Mexico border. Guadalupe explains how her staff supports students whose families face long commutes, economic pressure, and limited opportunities for school involvement. She also describes how trust, openness, and teacher voice have shaped a healthier, more connected school climate.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Guadalupe Montañez00:35 Her journey from office manager to school leader02:33 Serving a small border community in Canutillo ISD04:03 Strengthening systems after a challenging accountability year05:07 High quality curriculum and instructional collaboration06:53 Fidelity to new materials and avoiding shortcuts10:50 Keeping instruction on grade level for all students13:10 Ensuring safety and emotional support for students15:20 Supporting families navigating immigration fears17:04 Empowering teachers as leaders and decision makers22:34 PLC structures and monthly extended planning24:10 Treating teachers with humanity, trust, and respect29:09 Partnering with district leadershipWhy You Will Love This Episode This conversation offers a grounded, real world look at how trust, teacher voice, and aligned instructional systems can move a school forward.Guadalupe shares practical steps leaders can use to build stronger culture, support vulnerable communities, and create meaningful academic growth.Connect with Guadalupe Montañez Email: gperez@canutillo-isd.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupe-montanez-3b828539/ Website: https://www.canutillo-isd.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. 21: Building Trust and Teacher Leadership with Principal Guadalupe Montañez
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Jonathan Eggerman, Deputy Superintendent of Pine Tree ISD, to explore how proximity, relationships, and everyday leadership practices are fueling major growth across the district.Jonathan shares his path from Arkansas coach and principal to deputy superintendent in East Texas, and how Pine Tree ISD has built a culture where leaders stay close to classrooms, kids, and each other. From removing obstacles for teachers to celebrating wins as a district family, he describes how intentional, relational leadership can transform campus culture and academic outcomes.The conversation moves through real systems that make Pine Tree’s momentum possible, including teacher mentorship structures, leadership pipelines, and the district’s “rock star” framework for defining excellence. Jonathan also explains how Pine Tree maintains consistency as schools continue to grow, improve, and set higher goals each year.Key Moments 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Deputy Superintendent Jonathan Eggerman01:07 Jonathan’s early career in Arkansas and entry into admin roles02:38 Moving into principal and superintendent work in Texas04:29 Transition to Pine Tree ISD and partnership with Superintendent Clugston07:19 The district’s “culture of proximity” and daily campus visibility11:19 Why relationships drive learning and community trust12:23 Proactive leadership versus reactive systems17:44 Building a district family through events, shared service, and support19:47 “Hoist the Colors” and districtwide community-building traditions26:43 Pine Tree’s recent academic and extracurricular growth31:38 Letting great teachers teach and removing barriers33:24 Anchor Academy, Leadership Cubed, and mentoring structuresWhy You Will Love This Episode You will hear a candid, practical look at how Pine Tree ISD built a healthy, high-trust culture that supports both academic results and human connection. Jonathan offers insights leaders can apply immediately, from sustaining momentum after big gains to designing support systems that help teachers thrive.Connect with Jonathan Eggerman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-eggerman-052989244/ Website: https://ptisd.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. 20: Proximity, Culture, and Leadership with Deputy Superintendent Jonathan Eggerman
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Principal Harley Webb of Bridge Creek High School in Bridge Creek Public Schools, Oklahoma. Harley shares her journey from Texas small town and college softball to high school principal, and how one student who could not read shifted her sense of responsibility as a leader.Wendy and Harley explore how Bridge Creek is tackling post pandemic learning gaps, strengthening PLCs with singleton teachers, and using WIN time and a four-day school week to support students. They also dig into the district’s GRIT vision, BCHS’s campus vision, and the culture shifts that came from removing cell phones so students could relearn how to talk, disagree, and connect.Key Moments 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Harley Webb00:55 From Texas small town and college softball to teaching02:27 The student who could not read and her call to leadership03:55 Mentors, deployment, and the path to assistant principal05:06 Becoming principal at Bridge Creek High School05:29 A small high school with a strong, inclusive student culture07:07 Changing the public narrative about Oklahoma public education09:05 District GRIT vision and the BCHS campus vision10:47 Sending teachers to Model Schools and building PK–12 collaboration13:08 Naming post pandemic learning gaps in reading and math17:42 Using WIN time and PLCs to target skills like multiplication facts19:33 Four-day school week, student work, and academic achievement33:03 No cell phones, louder lunchrooms, and stronger student discourseWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a practical look at how a small high school can respond creatively to big challenges. Harley shares concrete strategies for supporting students when every teacher is a singleton, designing WIN time that actually works, and adjusting systems quickly instead of waiting a whole semester.You will appreciate her honesty about shifting schedules three times in one semester, inviting student and teacher voice into design, and focusing on relationships, rigor, and relevance in every classroom. Her story shows that even in a four-day week, schools can build strong culture, close learning gaps, and help students become confident communicators.Connect with Harley Webb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harley-webb-7298b6197/ Website: https://www.bridgecreekbobcats.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. 19: WIN Time, GRIT, and High School Culture with Principal Harley Webb
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Dr. NaTasha Crain, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Marshall Independent School District. Dr. Crain shares her path from alt-cert English teacher to award-winning principal to district leader — and how her East Texas roots continue to shape her work.Wendy and Dr. Crain dig into what it takes to redesign curriculum, strengthen Tier 1 instruction, support new teachers, and build shared belief across a district. You’ll hear how Marshall ISD is using data, clarity, and communication to lift student achievement and move multiple campuses out of improvement status.Key Moments 00:55 Alt-cert entry into teaching and early English classroom experience03:21 Moving from curriculum work into campus administration03:58 Becoming an elementary principal and building culture and systems04:32 Earning her doctorate while leading Jones Elementary05:45 Visit from Marshall ISD and transition into district leadership06:16 TABSE Principal of the Year and community-focused service13:43 Redesigning curriculum with shared leadership and principal voice15:53 Supporting early-career and alt-cert teachers across the district21:20 Choosing Tier 1 instruction as the anchor for improvement23:24 Defining explicit teaching and daily checks for understanding24:39 Adopting Bluebonnet Math and iReady to target growth and intervention33:41 Using the Clarity Framework to strengthen communication and expectationsWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a blueprint for leaders working to rebuild instructional coherence, strengthen Tier 1 teaching, and support teachers with clarity and purpose. Dr. Crain shares how shared leadership, transparent communication, and intentional curriculum work can lift a district — even when campuses start far behind.Her story is rooted in service, community, and deep belief in what students can do. You’ll walk away inspired and equipped with practical insights you can apply immediately.Connect with Dr. NaTasha CrainLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-natasha-crain-337575b5/ Website: https://marshallisd.comFollow UsWendy 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. 18: Clarity, Curriculum, and Tier 1 Excellence with Dr. NaTasha Crain
Load More... Subscribe