One of the most common mistakes schools make is confusing a resource with a curriculum.

A textbook gets adopted. A program is purchased. A shiny new initiative is rolled out.

And suddenly everyone says, “Great… we have a curriculum.”

But that’s not curriculum.

In this episode, Darrin sits down with Emily Makelky from the Curriculum Leadership Institute (CLI) to unpack what curriculum actually means and why empowering teachers to lead curriculum development can transform how schools serve students.

Drawing on years of classroom experience and consulting with districts across the country, Emily shares how leaders can move beyond resource adoption and build sustainable curriculum systems that reflect their community, their teachers, and their students.

The conversation also explores how leadership teams can prioritize curriculum work, avoid overwhelming teachers, and create structures that support long-term improvement.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like “What should we really be teaching?” or “How do we align instruction across classrooms?” this episode offers practical insight for school and district leaders.

In This Episode

1. Why a textbook is not a curriculum
2. The difference between resources and true curriculum alignment
3. How schools can build local curriculum that reflects their community
4. Why teacher voice and teacher leadership are essential in curriculum development
5. How leaders can create systems and routines that support curriculum work
6. Why going slow to go fast matters when implementing curriculum changes
7. How districts can create a long-range plan for curriculum development

About Emily Makelky

Just like when she was in the classroom, Emily loves it when the “lightbulb” comes on for teachers.

Combining her teaching experience with a foundation in business management, Emily now works as a consultant with the Curriculum Leadership Institute, helping schools and districts take a systematic approach to curriculum development and alignment.

Emily’s work focuses on helping educators clarify what should be taught, align instruction and assessment, and empower teachers to lead meaningful curriculum work within their schools.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Curriculum Leadership Institute

https://www.cliweb.org

Free tools and resources (including the Long Range Plan template)

https://www.cliweb.org/toolsandinspiration

Free Long Range Planning Session

https://calendly.com/d/3sk-z55-pg2/develop-your-long-range-plan

Connect with Darrin

If this episode resonated with you and you're looking for support in developing stronger leadership teams, clearer systems, and healthier school cultures, connect with Darrin.

Website: https://darrinpeppard.com/

Thank you to our Amazing Sponsors

This episode is sponored by DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems. Go to digicoach.com and tell them you heard about them here on the Leaning into Leadership podcast for special partner pricing.

This episode is also brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Connect with them at HeyTutor.com