Leading Engaged Learning

Dr. Crocker shares how Center Line moved from a long-standing balanced literacy approach toward structured literacy and the science of reading, using data, teacher committees, literacy coaches, instructional rounds, and job-embedded professional learning to support the transition. She also explains how the district's K-12 wall-to-wall career academy model connects classroom learning to future careers, giving students hands-on experiences while building communication, collaboration, leadership, and critical-thinking skills.

Key Moments

03:50 Shifting Toward Structured Literacy

05:45 Using Data to Drive Change

08:10 Supporting Teachers Through Coaching

10:10 Strengthening Student Engagement

13:20 Building K-12 Career Pathways

15:30 Connecting Students to Careers

18:00 Linking Literacy and Career Learning

21:15 Building Graduate Profile Skills

24:20 Connecting Curriculum and Academies

27:10 Protecting Tier 1 Instruction

29:30 Teaching Through Career Pathways

32:00 Preparing Students for Life After School

34:20 Alumni Returning as Mentors

37:00 Starting an Academy Model

Why You'll Love This Episode

This episode offers a practical look at how districts can connect academic improvement with meaningful preparation for life beyond school. Dr. Crocker shows that literacy, career readiness, project-based learning, and student engagement do not need to operate as separate initiatives. When thoughtfully aligned, they can reinforce one another and make learning more relevant.

You'll learn:

- Why data and teacher input should guide literacy transformation
- How job-embedded coaching supports science of reading implementation
- Why explicit instruction and engagement strategies need to work together
- How Center Line connects career exploration from kindergarten through high school
- How guaranteed real-world experiences make learning more relevant
- Why Tier 1 instruction must remain protected while providing intervention
- How teachers can connect academic content to career pathways
- Why community and industry partnerships strengthen career preparation
- How graduate profile skills can become part of everyday instruction
- Why student and alumni voices matter when designing future-ready learning

Dr. Crocker reinforces an important idea throughout the conversation: literacy, engagement, and career readiness are not competing priorities. The strongest systems intentionally connect them so students can understand both what they are learning and where that learning can take them.

Connect with Our Guest

Dr. Carey Crocker
Assistant Superintendent, Center Line Public Schools
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carey-crocker-8596178b
Website: https://www.clps.org/

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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.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Beatriz Maldonado, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning at Berwyn South School District 100, to explore how districts can successfully shift from balanced literacy to a science of reading approach.

With nearly two decades of experience in the district and a background as a bilingual and ELL educator, Beatriz shares how District 100 rebuilt its literacy system by first investing in adult learning. From training leaders and teachers in the science of reading to protecting Tier 1 instruction, redesigning schedules, and using instructional coaches to support implementation, this conversation highlights how systems-level planning can drive meaningful literacy improvement for multilingual learners and all students.

Key Moments

05:14 Moving Beyond Balanced Literacy

07:00 Building Adult Knowledge First

09:23 Starting with Foundational Systems

11:12 Misconceptions About Science of Reading

13:00 Instructional Coaches Driving Implementation

16:17 Protecting Tier 1 Instruction

17:20 WIN Blocks for Student Support

20:00 Preparing Leaders for Instructional Change

23:00 Walkthroughs for Curriculum Fidelity

25:40 Supporting Math and Literacy Needs

27:59 Keeping Creativity in Structured Literacy

32:17 Purposeful Technology Use

35:00 Auditing Digital Tools

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a practical look at what it takes to make a major literacy shift stick. Beatriz makes it clear that successful implementation starts long before a new curriculum is adopted—it begins with building the knowledge and capacity of the adults who will lead and teach it.

You’ll learn:

Why adult learning must come before curriculum implementation
How science of reading training helped leaders and teachers build shared understanding
Why Tier 1 instruction must be protected before expanding Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports
How WIN blocks help students receive targeted support without lowering expectations
The role instructional coaches play in building confidence and consistency
How leaders can use walkthroughs and data literacy to support implementation
Why structured literacy does not have to eliminate creativity or engagement
How purposeful technology can support multilingual learners and fluency practice

Beatriz also reinforces a powerful idea: what we do for one student, we must do for all. Equity, access, and high-quality instruction are not optional—they are the foundation of meaningful literacy improvement.

Connect with Our Guest

Beatriz Maldonado
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Berwyn South School District 100
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatriz-maldonado-310 
Webiste: https://www.bsd100.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 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.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Dr. David E. Lawrence, Superintendent of Dayton Public Schools, to discuss what it takes to improve literacy outcomes in a large urban school district.

Leading more than 13,000 students across Dayton Public Schools, Dr. Lawrence shares his practical approach to literacy improvement, instructional accountability, and organizational leadership. From monitoring curriculum implementation across 17 elementary schools to redesigning district priorities through an Academic Action Plan, this conversation explores how leaders can create focused systems that drive measurable results. Dr. Lawrence also discusses teacher retention, early literacy foundations, inclusion practices, leadership development, and the importance of building the right team to sustain long-term success.

Key Moments

03:43 Monitoring Literacy Implementation

05:23 Accountability Through Curriculum Fidelity

06:17 Using Data to Drive Decisions

07:39 Teacher Retention and Support

10:19 Preschool Promise Partnership

12:20 Literacy Through Professional Expertise

14:21 Supporting Diverse Learners Through Inclusion

17:44 Removing Barriers to Student Learning

20:44 Academic Action Plan Focus

22:16 Annual Strategic Review Process

24:03 Overcoming Deficit Thinking

25:39 Staffing Challenges in Urban Education

26:34 Three Non-Negotiables for Success

28:46 Advice for New Superintendents

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a candid look at district leadership, literacy improvement, and organizational accountability in a large urban school system. Dr. Lawrence shares practical lessons from decades in education and explains why successful literacy systems require more than great resources—they require consistent implementation, strong leadership, and unwavering focus.

You'll learn:

• Why curriculum fidelity matters for literacy growth
• How data and classroom observations work together to drive improvement
• Strategies for retaining and supporting high-quality teachers
• How inclusion practices can improve outcomes for diverse learners
• The value of focused, short-term action planning over lengthy strategic plans
• Why leadership teams are critical to district success
• How to balance accountability with support for educators
• Key lessons for new and aspiring superintendents

Dr. Lawrence also reinforces an important message: sustainable improvement happens when leaders focus on people, maintain clear priorities, and ensure every decision supports student success.

Connect with Our Guest

Dr. David E. Lawrence

Superintendent, Dayton Public Schools

Website: https://dps.k12.oh.us/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-e-lawrence  

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.

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Dr. Paul Enderle, Superintendent of Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123, to explore how strong leadership, instructional coaching, and intentional system design can improve literacy outcomes for every student.

With more than two decades in educational leadership and deep roots in the Oak Lawn community, Dr. Enderle shares how District 123 is strengthening literacy instruction through collaborative structures, guaranteed intervention time, and a people-first approach to supporting educators. From building district-wide consistency across schools to expanding literacy-rich learning opportunities, this conversation highlights what it takes to create coherent systems that truly support students and teachers alike.

Key Moments

05:37 Leadership Rooted in Community

08:37 Investing in Instructional Coaching

10:12 Creating Guaranteed Student Experiences

11:20 Addressing Post-Pandemic Learning Loss

11:58 Expanding Literacy and Math Instruction Time

12:20 WIN Blocks: “What I Need” Intervention Support

12:52 Using Data to Target Learning Gaps

13:06 Teaching Students How to Read Early

14:15 Building Literacy-Rich School Structures

16:40 Supporting Teachers Through Coaching and Resources

18:10 Creating Collaborative Systems Across Schools

20:25 Strengthening Literacy Through Consistency

23:14 People Over Programs Philosophy

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a practical and thoughtful look at how district leaders can strengthen literacy systems by investing in both students and educators. Dr. Enderle emphasizes that sustainable improvement happens when schools prioritize people, collaboration, and consistent instructional support.

You’ll learn:

• Why instructional coaching can transform teaching and learning
• How district-wide collaboration creates consistent student experiences
• The importance of dedicated literacy and intervention time
• How WIN blocks help schools personalize support for students
• Why strong literacy systems require both resources and educator development
• How districts can respond to post-pandemic learning challenges strategically
• The role of servant leadership in building strong school cultures
• Why “people over programs” remains a critical leadership mindset

Dr. Enderle also reinforces a powerful idea: when educators feel supported and connected, students are more likely to thrive academically and emotionally.

Connect with Our Guest

Dr. Paul Enderle
Superintendent, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

Website: https://www.d123.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-enderle-011b0142

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.