OnYourMark Podcast

In this episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, Founder and CEO of Medley Learning, to explore how thoughtful technology can expand access for multilingual learners while keeping human connection at the center of learning.

Brandon shares how his own experience as a multilingual learner shaped his career as a special education teacher, principal, district leader, education advisor, and eventually founder. He also explains why years of research on literacy and multilingual learning haven't always translated into classroom practice--and how Medley is working to help close that gap.

Mindy and Brandon also dig into student agency, scaffolding without lowering expectations, the role of assistive technology, and why educators need tools that build their capacity rather than replace their relationships with students.

Key Moments

01:05 Brandon's journey from educator to founder

04:01 Lessons from his first years teaching

08:33 Closing the research-to-practice gap

11:43 How Medley supports multilingual learners

14:42 Giving students more agency

18:00 Creating space for human connection

22:00 Rethinking technology and screen time

24:54 Making grade-level text accessible

27:11 Why all screen time isn't equal

31:40 Brandon's vision for Medley's future

Why You'll Love This Episode

Brandon challenges the idea that supporting multilingual learners means lowering the level of the work. Instead, he shares how the right scaffolds can help students access challenging, grade-level content while building greater independence over time.

For educators and school leaders navigating questions about AI, screen time, multilingual learning, and student support, this episode offers a practical reminder: technology is most powerful when it creates more opportunities for students to learn, connect, and take meaningful risks.

Connect with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncardethernandez 
Medley Learning: https://www.medleylearning.com/ 

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom 
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ 
OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education 

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

Five years ago, OnYourMark was an idea built around a big question: Could virtual, high-impact tutoring give more students access to the reading support they deserve?

In this special fifth-anniversary episode, host Mindy Sjoblom is joined by two advisors who were there from the beginning: Ian Connell, Partner, Innovation - New Ventures at Charter School Growth Fund, and Julie Kennedy, Executive Director of Excellent Schools Washington.

Together, they revisit the earliest days of OnYourMark--from the changing literacy landscape and pandemic-era challenges that created an opportunity for innovation to the Seattle planning session that helped turn an idea into an organization.

They also reflect on what has remained constant through five years of growth: investing in people, putting student outcomes first, embracing research and continuous improvement, and using technology to strengthen--not replace--the human relationships at the heart of learning.

Key Moments

01:36 Ian and Julie's connection to OnYourMark

03:59 The literacy challenge that sparked the work

06:09 Why 2020 created a unique opportunity

09:39 Mindy's decision to take the founder leap

13:49 Building the original OnYourMark vision

18:26 From an ambitious goal to thousands of students

19:26 Why investing in people became the core strategy

27:48 Using AI to strengthen tutor coaching

33:47 Looking back at what OnYourMark proved

38:05 What the next five years could hold

Why You'll Love This Episode

Ian, Julie, and Mindy share what it really takes to move from an idea to an intervention that works inside the complexity of schools. They talk openly about the assumptions they had to test, the importance of strong implementation, and how OnYourMark has evolved alongside new research and technology.

Most importantly, the conversation is a reminder that innovation in education is still fundamentally about people. Technology can make coaching smarter and programs more scalable, but meaningful relationships between students and educators remain at the center.

For education leaders, founders, and anyone interested in literacy and innovation, this episode offers a practical look at what five years of building, testing, learning, and improving can make possible for kids.

Connect with Ian Connell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianconnell 
Charter School Growth Fund: https://chartergrowthfund.org/ 

Connect with Julie Kennedy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-trott-kennedy-21453a28 
Excellent Schools Washington: https://www.excellentschoolswa.org/ 

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom 
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ 
OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education 

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

In today's episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Jamie Thomas, Managing Director of Program Design and Impact at OnYourMark and one of the organization's founding team members.

Jamie shares how her journey from elementary teaching to early childhood program design, instructional coaching, and literacy intervention shaped the work she leads today. Together, Mindy and Jamie reflect on how OnYourMark has evolved over the past five years--from an early idea to supporting thousands of students with targeted literacy intervention.

Mindy and Jamie discuss what it really takes to design an effective literacy program: listening to students, tutors, and school partners; grounding decisions in the science of reading; using data to continuously improve; and protecting the relationship between students and tutors. They also explore why early intervention matters, how support needs to change for older struggling readers, and what research has taught OnYourMark about delivering effective and sustainable high-dosage tutoring.

Key Moments

01:05 Jamie's path from classroom teacher to literacy program leader
05:37 Designing intervention through research, data, and listening
07:48 How school collaboration improves student outcomes
11:37 Using tutor feedback to strengthen program design
13:07 Listening to student voices in tutoring
15:51 Why early literacy intervention matters
18:03 Supporting older struggling readers differently
23:22 Creating coherence across different literacy curricula
28:46 What research has taught OnYourMark about tutoring
32:58 How OnYourMark trains and develops tutors
35:03 What schools should look for in a literacy intervention partner

Why You'll Love This Episode

If you care about literacy intervention, high-dosage tutoring, or designing programs that actually respond to student needs, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how OnYourMark approaches the work.

Jamie shares why strong program design starts with listening, how research and continuous improvement shape decisions, and why relationships remain essential even in highly structured literacy intervention. You'll also hear practical insight into supporting older struggling readers, building coherence with school partners, and developing tutors who are prepared to deliver strong instruction from day one.

Connect with Jamie Thomas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-thomas-1a5a0718 
Website: https://onyourmarkeducation.org/ 

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom 
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ 
OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education 

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

In today's episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Melissa Gude, Chief Academic Officer at Little Rock School District in Arkansas.

Melissa shares how her path from a nontraditional start in education to district-level leadership shaped her belief in mission-driven work, strong instructional systems, and collective accountability for student outcomes.

Mindy and Melissa discuss how Arkansas's LEARNS Act has changed the early literacy landscape, including new third-grade promotion requirements, individualized reading plans, and the statewide ATLAS assessment system. Melissa also explains how Little Rock improved third-grade literacy outcomes by investing in high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, high-impact tutoring, and outcomes-based contracting.

Key Moments
00:52 Melissa Gude's journey into education leadership

07:40 How the LEARNS Act changed literacy in Arkansas

12:22 Third-grade accountability and reading success

16:11 Strengthening instruction with high-quality curriculum

18:46 Why outcomes-based contracting works

24:09 Building strong district and school partnerships

27:20 Terry Elementary's literacy success story

30:21 Improving attendance for tutoring success

34:15 Advice for districts implementing high-impact tutoring

38:51 Looking ahead to earlier literacy intervention

Why You'll Love This Episode

If you care about early literacy, district accountability, or making sure education investments lead to measurable student growth, this conversation offers a practical look at what it takes.

Melissa speaks honestly about the opportunities and challenges created by new literacy legislation, the importance of selecting the right partners, and why successful tutoring requires more than purchasing a program. It takes clear expectations, shared ownership, strong school leadership, and consistent communication.

Her reflections offer valuable lessons for any district leader working to improve literacy outcomes while making thoughtful and sustainable decisions about resources.

Connect with Melissa Gude
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gude-education 
Little Rock School District: https://www.lrsd.org/ 

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom 
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ 
OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education 

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Margaret Marotta, Superintendent of Haverhill Public Schools, and Bonnie Antkowiak, Assistant Superintendent of Haverhill Public Schools.

Together, they share how Haverhill is building stronger, more coherent literacy systems across grade levels, from early reading instruction to secondary literacy and high-dosage tutoring.

Mindy, Margaret, and Bonnie discuss what makes Haverhill special, including its deep community pride, diverse student population, and strong pathways for educators to grow within the district. They also explore how high-quality instructional materials, thoughtful implementation, MTSS, and tutoring are helping more students access grade-level learning and build confidence as readers.

Key Moments

03:22 What makes Haverhill Public Schools special
05:40 Growing educators from within the community
07:40 Supporting diverse learners through cohesive curriculum and MTSS
09:47 Why Haverhill was named a Spotlight District for secondary literacy
10:20 Implementing high-quality instructional materials in high school
12:13 Leading through teacher pushback with flexibility and support
15:18 Supporting struggling readers with interventionists and co-teaching
17:28 Building coherence across K–8 literacy instruction
20:15 Using data to strengthen Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports
22:52 How high-dosage tutoring fits into Haverhill’s literacy system
28:08 Student investment and relationships in virtual tutoring
30:02 Funding literacy priorities through grants and community partnerships
32:05 A five-year vision for Haverhill’s literacy outcomes

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you care about literacy systems, implementation, and making sure every student has access to strong instruction, this episode offers a practical look inside district leadership. Margaret and Bonnie share how Haverhill is aligning resources to priorities, supporting teachers through change, and expanding reading intervention so more students can grow with confidence.

Connect with Margaret Marotta and Bonnie Antkowiak
Haverhill Public Schools: https://www.haverhill-ps.org/
Margaret Marotta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-marotta-smith-47508926
Bonnie Antkowiak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-antkowiak-8051463b/

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86 in Illinois.

With more than 30 years in education and 16 years as a superintendent, Dr. Rouse reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to district leader and shares how a commitment to equity, cultural proficiency, and whole-child support has shaped nearly a decade of transformation in Joliet.

Mindy and Dr. Rouse discuss the district’s equity journey, the importance of examining personal biases before changing systems, and the intentional literacy strategies helping students recover and accelerate after the pandemic. They also explore the role of music, art, social-emotional learning, and community trust in creating schools where every child can thrive. As Dr. Rouse prepares for retirement in 2027, she reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave behind—and the torch she hopes to pass forward.

Key Moments

01:19 Dr. Rouse’s path from classroom teacher to superintendent

03:11 Arriving in Joliet and uncovering the district’s biggest challenge

06:12 Beginning the district’s cultural proficiency and equity journey

08:19 Personal reflection, bias, and leadership growth

09:55 Leading difficult conversations as a new superintendent

12:44 Why meaningful organizational change took two years to build

16:33 Results of the district’s equity-focused approach

20:19 Embedding equity into strategic planning and hiring practices

21:37 What literacy through an equity lens looks like in practice

22:43 Strengthening kindergarten literacy through targeted support

25:28 Recovering from pandemic learning loss and accelerating growth

26:15 Building coherent literacy systems across the district

28:24 Supporting multilingual learners through resources and access

29:49 Selecting and implementing Wit & Wisdom as a core curriculum

31:04 Why social-emotional learning is foundational to academic success

33:33 The role of music and art in educating the whole child

37:30 Preparing for retirement and passing the torch to the next leader

38:21 New schools, facility investments, and leaving a lasting legacy

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you care about educational equity, literacy leadership, and creating systems that truly serve all students, this conversation is a must-listen. Dr. Rouse offers a thoughtful and deeply personal perspective on leading change, supporting educators, and ensuring every child has access to the opportunities they deserve. Her reflections on leadership, community trust, and whole-child education provide valuable lessons for district leaders at every stage of their journey.

Connect with Dr. Theresa Rouse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-rouse-ed-d-bb65521a
Website: https://www.joliet86.org/

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

In this episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. Toni Jones, Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools in Connecticut, for a deep and honest conversation about what it really takes to build successful early literacy programs in schools. Dr. Toni Jones shares her remarkable career journey across different states and countries, and how those diverse experiences shaped her commitment to equity in education.

Together, they dive into the unique challenges of leading a high-performing yet economically diverse district, facing persistent achievement gaps, and pivoting through the disruptive years of COVID-19. Dr. Toni Jones opens up about the strategic decisions that helped level the playing field for all students, including system-wide literacy initiatives, targeted use of federal funds, consistent implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and innovative tutoring and volunteer programs.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical insights on leveraging data, building strong principal leadership, fostering collaboration over competition, and making the most of available resources, no matter the budget. Mindy Sjoblom and Dr. Toni Jones also look ahead to the future of education, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence, the need to prepare students for an ever-changing world, and what’s next for Greenwich’s Achieve 2028 strategic plan.

Key Moments

06:21 Improving Literacy Through Phonics

07:45 Balanced Literacy for All Students

10:51 Achieving Literacy Success

14:54 Streamlined Math Resource Adoption

19:14 Greenwich's Strong Volunteer Community

21:10 MTSS Leadership and Power Tutoring

26:29 Strategic Problem-Solving Through Data

29:37 "Resource Allocation for Education Effectiveness"

33:18 Adapting Education for AI Future

36:07 Implementing and Exploring AI in Schools

39:04 AI Translation and Education Tools

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re working to improve early literacy outcomes without losing sight of equity, this episode is packed with practical insight. Dr. Toni Jones shares how to move from inconsistent practices to a clear, districtwide system that delivers results, especially for students who need it most. You’ll hear how consistency, strategic use of resources, and data-driven decision-making can close gaps, strengthen instruction, and support teachers at scale. Plus, the conversation offers a real look at balancing structure with student engagement, and what it takes to lead meaningful change across diverse schools.

Connect with Dr. Toni Jones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtonijones
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom

OnYourMark
Website: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education

About OnYourMark Podcast

The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. NaTasha Crain, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Marshall Independent School District in East Texas.

With her entire career rooted in East Texas public schools, Dr. Crain shares how her journey from secondary English teacher to elementary principal to district leader—has shaped her belief in strong Tier 1 instruction, aligned systems, and clear expectations for adults.

Mindy and Dr. Crain explore how Marshall ISD is improving literacy outcomes by investing in professional learning, lesson rehearsal, and consistent instructional practices. The conversation also highlights how clarity in communication, thoughtful MTSS systems, and intentional implementation of resources like i-Ready are helping teachers meet students where they are—while ensuring equity across classrooms..

Key Moments

01:05 Dr. Crain’s career journey across East Texas public schools

03:45 From secondary to elementary leadership: lessons learned

07:32 Improving literacy outcomes through Tier 1 instruction

09:54 Building teacher capacity through explicit instruction and alignment

11:10 District-wide PD structure and six-week planning cycles

12:30 Lesson rehearsal and PLCs as tools for instructional growth

13:33 Redefining Tier 2 and Tier 3 support through MTSS

15:30 Using i-Ready diagnostics and stretch goals to close gaps

17:42 Monitoring fidelity and implementation with clear systems

20:29 Supporting emergent bilingual learners and early literacy foundations

24:07 Building a culture of continuous learning through modeling

27:15 A five-year vision for equity and whole-child success

28:48 What Dr. Crain is reading: The Craft of Clarity

30:14 “Paint done”: communicating expectations with precision

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re focused on literacy improvement, professional learning, or system-wide coherence, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement. Dr. Crain shares how clarity is kind, why Tier 1 instruction does the heavy lifting, and how leaders can build trust by learning alongside teachers. Her grounded approach to equity and implementation makes this a valuable listen for district and campus leaders alike.

Connect with Dr NaTasha Crain
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-natasha-crain-337575b5
Website:https://www.marshallisd.com/

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMark
Website: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Kelly Elrod, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Continuous Improvement in Anderson School District 5 (South Carolina).

With 35 years in education—spanning early childhood special education, literacy coaching, school turnaround leadership, and district-level roles—Kelly shares what it takes to rebuild coherent systems after COVID while protecting teachers from overload.

Mindy and Kelly dig into the shift from balanced literacy to the science of reading, why strong Tier 1 instruction matters most, and how Anderson 5 is strengthening support for students—especially in a district with high poverty and a highly transient student population. Kelly also explains how her team is approaching professional development with clarity, consistency, and a focus on the “why,” so teachers know exactly where they’re headed and how they’ll get there.

Key Moments

01:01 Kelly Elrod’s 35-year journey through early childhood, special education, and district leadership

03:12 Leading turnaround work and building school culture from the ground up

06:34 Why districts are striving for coherence after COVID

08:58 Balanced literacy vs. science of reading: what was missing

11:22 Why Anderson 5 is prioritizing 4K instruction

14:10 Addressing foundational reading gaps in middle school

17:05 Managing professional development during large-scale change

20:48 Universal Design for Learning and strengthening Tier 1 instruction

23:20 Change management: starting early and sharing the “why”

26:52 Curriculum fidelity and supporting a highly transient student population

30:30 Rethinking intervention through push-in models and MTSS

35:22 A five-year vision for stronger systems and sustained student support

37:05 What Kelly is reading and what’s next for instructional equity

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re working to strengthen literacy outcomes and protect teacher capacity, this episode will resonate. Kelly offers practical, grounded insight into building district coherence especially in communities with high need and constant change. You’ll hear what it looks like to move from “too many initiatives” to a clear, supportive system where students don’t fall through the cracks and teachers aren’t asked to reinvent the wheel.

Connect with Kelly Elrod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-elrod-b8384149
Website: https://www.anderson5.net/

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
OnYourMark LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

In this episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County School District in Florida, and Laura France, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction. Together, they share how a district once labeled “in decline” moved from a 54.9% graduation rate and multiple failing schools to over 92% graduation and zero schools in failing status.

Mindy, Dr. Surrency, and Laura unpack how stable leadership, stronger Tier 1 instruction, and a relentless focus on systems not quick fixes have transformed teaching, learning, and literacy across the district. From novice teacher support to near-peer tutoring, this is a masterclass in long-game, student-centered change. 

Key Moments

00:04 Welcome to the OnYourMark Podcast & Today’s Guests

01:25 Rick’s 48-Year Journey in Education & Returning as Superintendent

02:18 From District in Decline to 92.5% Graduation Rate

03:53 Turning Around a Chronically Failing School & Scaling What Worked

04:56 Laura on Strengthening Core Instruction vs. “Intervening Our Way Out”

07:19 Building a Common Language for Instruction & Real-Time Professional Learning

11:15 Making Learning Relevant: CTE, STEM, and Portrait of a Graduate

13:51 STEM Pathways, K–12 STEM Accreditation & Cambridge Acceleration

33:18 Inside Putnam’s K–12 Comprehensive Evidence-Based Reading Plan

37:42 Trend Walks: Non-Evaluative Classroom Visits that Drive PD

39:52 Raising Future Teachers: Near-Peer “RAISE” Tutors & Grow-Your-Own Pipelines

44:45 Looking Ahead: Five New Schools, a $300M Bond, and What’s Next

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you care about literacy, leadership, and long-term system improvement, this conversation will stay with you. Dr. Rick Surrency and Laura France share openly about moving a district from decline to stability, rebuilding core instruction, and creating systems that last beyond any one leader. They unpack how relevance, strong pedagogy, and community trust come together to help every student grow and how investing in teachers keeps the whole system moving forward. Their clarity, humility, and deep commitment to kids make this an energizing listen for any education leader focused on sustainable change.

Connect with Our Guests

Dr. Rick Surrency: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-surrency-221a69a5
Laura France: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-france-376602a7

Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
OnYourMark LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.