TransformED with STEP Up

Resources:

Results Now 2.0 (Book)

Focus (book)

Linda Darling-Hammond  

Madeline Hunter Instructional Model

Robert Marzano

Sold a Story Podcast Series (Emily Hanford) 

If Literacy is a Priority, Why Do We Cling to the Wrong Practices? EduWeek Article

Jan Richardson's Website

Literacy Tips

Literacy Footprints Classroom Kits 

Literacy Footprints Free Resources

RISE intervention program

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 StepUp Website

MOCIS Website

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In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we sit down with Jose Moreno—tech innovator and founder of NeuLight—to explore how AI and thoughtful design can transform the educator experience. Drawing from his work at Microsoft and Netflix, Jose brings a unique perspective to education, focusing on tools that are both effective and user-loved.

Jose introduces IntelliTear, a groundbreaking system that simplifies multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), RTI, and PBIS by centralizing data and using AI to recommend tailored student interventions. We discuss its real-world impact, especially in rural districts and behavioral support efforts.

This episode unpacks:

• The power of AI to ease teacher workload and amplify student support
  
  

• New Light’s commitment to data privacy and ethical AI
  
  

• Upcoming academic integration features
  
  

• Why tech in education must be built with educators—not just for them
  
  

🔗 Visit newlight.io for demos, resources, and ways to connect with Jose.

In this inspiring episode of TransformED with StepUp, we sit down with Christina Hocker, Director of Education at Startland, to explore how design thinking and entrepreneurial mindsets can reinvigorate classrooms and empower both students and teachers. With two decades of experience and a passion for innovation, Christina shares her journey from building a culinary program that connected students to real-world experiences, to scaling educator support across Missouri and beyond.

Together, we unpack Startland’s mission to reimagine what’s possible in education through:

*Real-world learning that inspires student agency and engagement

*Design thinking as a tool for problem-solving and empathy-building

*The importance of coaching and support for educators adopting new approaches

Whether you're looking to rethink instruction, bring energy back to your classroom, or support your team in transforming practice, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration.

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Bond, StepUp Consultant and passionate Missouri educator, to explore what it means to lead with curiosity, flexibility, and heart. Lindsey shares how her journey—from teaching multiple grade levels to mentoring colleagues and developing curriculum—has shaped her belief that learning should be a daily pursuit.

We discuss the power of teacher collaboration, how to keep instruction student-centered, and what it means to grow with purpose throughout a career in education. Plus, Lindsey offers her insights on building trust with teachers, celebrating small wins, and finding joy in the work—even in the most unexpected moments.

Whether you're a new educator or a seasoned leader, this conversation is a reminder that growth is a mindset, and leadership can happen at every level.

In this episode, we chat with internationally recognized author and educator Erik M. Francis (founder of Maverik Education) and a leading voice on cognitive rigor and depth of knowledge (DOK).

Erik unpacks why cognitive rigor is more than just a buzzword—it’s about the level and depth of thinking students are asked to demonstrate. Drawing from his bestselling books, Now That's a Good Question! and Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge, he offers a fresh take on how we frame questions, design instruction, and assess student learning.

🚨 Hot Take Alert: Erik doesn’t hold back on the DOK Wheel. He breaks down its origins, why it’s misleading, and how educators can move beyond the oversimplified graphic to truly support deeper learning.

Whether you're new to the concepts of Bloom’s Taxonomy and DOK or you’ve been wrestling with them for years, this episode brings clarity, challenge, and a renewed sense of purpose for your instructional practice.

Tune in for practical strategies, myth-busting insights, and a deeper understanding of what real rigor looks like in today’s classrooms.

cResources:

MASA (Missouri Association School Administrators)

Oak Grove School District

Jackson County Children’s Service Fund

Jackson County COMBAT Grant

In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we’re excited to welcome Amanda Sheets, Director of Assessment for Farmington School District in Farmington, Missouri. Under Amanda’s leadership, the district has made impressive progress in aligning teaching practices and student learning outcomes with priority standards using StepUp’s tools and well-structured pacing guides.

Amanda shares how these resources have streamlined teachers’ workflows, putting all course materials and standards at their fingertips. This approach has allowed educators to gain a deeper understanding of the standards, enhancing their teaching effectiveness. Additionally, Amanda highlights the impact of introducing students to self-assessment standards, which has empowered them to track their own progress throughout the year.

Tune in to explore how Farmington’s use of StepUp tools is shaping a more cohesive, standards-based approach to teaching and assessment, driving meaningful outcomes for both educators and students.

In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we’re excited to welcome Natalie Wexler, a prominent education author known for her groundbreaking insights into education reform. Natalie’s acclaimed book, The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It, along with her works on effective writing instruction, have sparked meaningful discussions on improving U.S. schools. She also hosts Reading Comprehension Revisited as part of the Knowledge Matters Podcast series and has written for top publications like The New York Times And The Atlantic.

Natalie brings a wealth of experience as a reporter, lawyer, and historian to our conversation. Together, we explore the hidden causes of educational inequities and practical solutions for creating knowledge-rich classrooms. Key insights from this episode include Natalie’s perspective on how current teaching methods often fail to equip elementary students with the academic knowledge and vocabulary essential for success in later years. She discusses the benefits of reading aloud to engage young learners, introduces new topics through storytelling, and underscores the value of discussion in helping children retain new information. Join us as we dive deep into how we can transform education to better serve all students.

Show Notes:

The Knowledge Gap

Writing Revolution

The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It 

Reading Comprehension Revisited