Implement. Change in Education

#19 Guest: Dr. Maria Navarro on Where High Quality & Diverse Teachers Drive Student Success (Blueprint Pillar 2)

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄: 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬My conversation with Dr. Maria Navarro, Superintendent of Charles County Public Schools, reveals a powerful blueprint for educational transformation in action. Dr. Navarro's district has increased teacher diversity from 37.8% to 43.2% while dramatically expanding National Board Certification candidates from 8 to 117 teachers - showing how strategic leadership creates real change. 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟑 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: • 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫-𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬: Piloting the 60/40 model (60% teaching, 40% teacher leadership) enables peer coaching and faster improvement. • 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬: Naming the idea that moving to high-needs schools can feel like a “demotion” opened honest, equity-centered conversations—and change. • 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧: Charles, Calvert, & St. Mary’s are partnering with higher ed to build sustainable teacher pathways. The Blueprint reforms aren't just policy—they're changing how educators work together while keeping excellent teachers in classrooms through meaningful career advancement.

#18 Blog: Five Lesson from Chefs for Education Leaders

For Father's Day, I was given a family-friendly cooking class from my wife and boys (3rd and 6th grade). The experience reminded me of how cooking and education have quite a bit in common. Including cuts and burns! Chefs know that success in the kitchen doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through *mise-en-place* (“everything in its place”). Leaders face the same challenge: prepare well, or get lost in the rush. In this episode, we discuss how the chef's discipline of *mise-en-place* ("everything in its place") offers powerful lessons for education leaders seeking deeper focus: - Preparation before action - Clear tools and workflows - Mindset of readiness - Economy of motion - Continuous improvement Leadership, like cooking, is an art built on discipline. Links mentioned for show notes:- Blog: https://edscalellc.com/five-lesson-from-chefs-for-education-leaders/- James Beard award-winning Baltimore chef Cindy Wolf talks about leadership in the kitchen

#17 Guest: Blueprint Advisory Committee Pillar 5 Presentation

Making Reform Real: Lessons from Maryland’s Blueprint
Want to implement ambitious education reforms that actually stick? Maryland’s Blueprint shows us the stakes — and the lessons.
I recently joined the Blueprint Pillar 5 Advisory Committee to share insights on how communication and implementation strategies can make or break systemic reform. While Maryland is the case study, these lessons apply anywhere leaders are trying to drive meaningful change.
The takeaway? Policy sets the direction, but success is 90% about implementation. Clear roles, timely updates, and school-first communication are what build trust, accelerate learning, and scale what works.
Whether you’re in education leadership, policy, or school improvement, these strategies can help your initiatives gain traction.
Listen now to hear how we can align big reforms with everyday practice — and make communication the bridge between intent and reality.
 
 

#16 Blog: CACTE Closing Keynote Leveraging Change for Students (overview)

Finding Our Stride in Times of Change!Change is hard — but when we embrace it, it opens the door to possibilities we never saw before. Driving back from CACTE through the Rockies, I was reminded that change often feels like stepping into the unknown, but those paths can lead to powerful growth.As William Bridges writes in Managing Transitions, change is like a marathon. Leadership isn’t about sprinting ahead; it’s about ensuring everyone crosses the finish line together. The real measure of leadership isn’t speed — it’s how many people finish the race with you.In this episode, we discuss 4 keys to leading change well: - Get clear on the vision - Scale what’s already working - Build feedback loops - Stay consistent Links mentioned for show notes:- Blog: CACTE Closing Keynote Leveraging Change for Students (overview)- Colorado Association for Career and Technical Education (CACTE)- You can listen to my full talk here (on my podcast)- Book reference: Managing Transitions by William Bridges- Synergy Stick

#15 Guest: CACTE Closing Keynote- Leveraging Change for Students

EdScale's Founder Tom DeWire gave the closing keynote in July 2025 at the annual CACTE Summit in Colorado to talk about change management.  It was an incredible gathering of over 400 educators in Colorado focused on career and technical education. 
Since 1917, Colorado Association for Career and Technical Education (CACTE) has been the largest state organization supporting CTE educators in their efforts to prepare students for career and life success.
EdScale co-designed breakouts right after this session for their members to put the learnings from the conference into practice around four key questions relevant to educators in Colorado.  It was a pleasure to work with such a committed group of educators!
Change is inevitable. But how we implement it—that’s the choice. At CACTE, I left the group with a few key takeaways:
Get clear together before diving into details.
Obsess over what’s working.
Build feedback loops for course correction.
And above all, stay consistent.
Because the real measure of leadership isn’t how fast you get to the finish line—it’s how many people cross it with you.

#14 Blog: Case Study: Delaware is the first state in growing the educator workforce

What does it take to build and retain a strong, more diverse educator workforce? This episode spotlights Delaware’s bold approach to strengthening the teacher pipeline, and how one state is turning strategy into sustainable, statewide impact.
Inside the episode:
How Delaware is tackling teacher shortages with short- and long-term strategies
Why partnerships, pathways, and pipelines are reshaping the educator workforce
What it means to build capacity through systems, not just programs
How the Delaware DOE is creating a national model for teacher recruitment and retention
Learn how EdExcel and CTE leaders are turning vision into action—with support from EdScale—and how the sold-out Teacher Pathways Showcase captured the momentum underway. Stay tuned for more updates and insights!
Links mentioned for show notes:
Blog: Case Study: Delaware is the first state in growing the educator workforce
Delaware Makes Improvements in Education Staffing 
Delaware news: nine-percent salary increase for teachers in next year’s budget
Delaware Workforce Development Board

#13 Guest: Laura Weeldreyer on MD Blueprint Pillar 1 (Early Childhood)

In this episode of Implement Change in Education, we’re joined by Laura Weeldreyer, Executive Director of the Maryland Family Network.
With decades of leadership in public and private education, including key roles at Johns Hopkins and Baltimore City Schools, Laura brings a clear-eyed, mission-driven perspective on what it takes to build a truly integrated early childhood system. Drawing on her years of work in classrooms, central offices, and policy spaces, she shares how Maryland is working to expand high-quality pre-K while preserving the fragile childcare ecosystem that families rely on.
“Investing in early childhood,” says Laura, “is one of the most impactful public investments we can make, benefiting two generations and shaping the future of our communities.”
We explore:
Why the zero-to-five window is critical for equity, development, and family connection
Maryland’s Blueprint for education and the promise—and complexities—of Pillar One
The challenges and opportunities in expanding mixed-delivery pre-K
The tension between rapid seat expansion and preserving infant-toddler care
How local communities like Washington County are modeling collaborative, system-level change
If you care about the future of education, this is an episode you won’t want to miss—perfect for leaders, teachers, parents, policymakers, and advocates alike.

#12 Blog: The Blueprint is in trouble: Aligned, coherent implementation remains elusive

What will it take to turn Maryland’s historic Blueprint into lasting change? Our latest blog unpacks why coordination is breaking down and what it will take to turn visionary policy into real impact for schools, students, and communities.Inside the post:- Why implementation has become “everything, everywhere, all at once - What districts are doing well — and why we’re not learning from them - How missing communication, unclear roles, and untracked progress are stalling change - What a healthy Blueprint implementation ecosystem could look like Links mentioned for show notes:- Blog: The Blueprint is in trouble: Aligned, coherent implementation remains elusive- #4 Guest: Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools- MACO podcasts on education and funding- Blueprint for Maryland’s Future – Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB)- Book: Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change by William Bridges

#11 Guest: Derek Mitchell, Partners in School Innovation

In this episode of Implement Change in Education, we’re joined by the visionary Dr. Derek Mitchell, CEO of Partners in School Innovation.
With deep roots as a district leader, researcher, and systems thinker, Dr. Mitchell shares a powerful perspective on what it really takes to improve outcomes in under-resourced schools. Drawing from decades of work across the country—and his own experience growing up on Chicago’s West Side—he offers a bold yet practical take on school transformation.
“Improvement,” says Dr. Mitchell, “is both an art and a science. The science is in the tools. The art is in how people show up in moments of challenge and stay in community to do the work together.”
We explore:
Why equity must start with adult learning and intentional culture
The power of embedded, high-trust coaching in high-need schools
Results-Oriented Cycles of Improvement (ROCI) as a strategy for change
Leading through reflection, clarity of purpose, and community proximity
Lessons from the Gates Foundation’s Networked Improvement Communities initiative
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of education—leaders, teachers, parents, and advocates alike.

#10 EdEchoes: Guest Highlights Edition

In this special highlight compilation, we bring you powerful moments from conversations with some of the most influential education leaders. These short clips capture the insight, urgency, and vision driving change in schools today.
You'll hear from:
Dr. Carey M. Wright, Maryland State Superintendent, on building teacher capacity and transforming reading instruction statewide.
Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, and Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff, on system-wide trust-building, curriculum reform, and instructional leadership.
Secretary Cindy Marten, Delaware State Superintendent, on local equity, strategic budgeting, and leadership through change.
Plus a snippet from our very first episode with Troy Mix, reflecting on implementation and what it takes to move big systems.
Whether you're a policymaker, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode offers a quick yet meaningful listen into how bold, student-centered leadership is shaping the future of public education.

#9 Blog: How to stay hungry for better, consistent results -- A lesson from Boston Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla

What does it take to lead a team of superstars to the top—and keep them growing? In this episode, we explore the leadership mindset of Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, whose blend of tactical brilliance, emotional intelligence, and unshakable calm has guided one of the most dominant NBA teams in history.
From his “criticism is an opportunity” mantra to flying across the world to support a benched Jayson Tatum during the Olympics, Mazzulla shows us what it looks like to lead with humility, adaptability, and relentless care for people. Whether you're managing teams or shaping systems, this conversation unpacks what it really means to challenge the status quo, stay hungry at the top, and continuously improve.
Inspired by a blog post that resonated far beyond basketball, this episode asks: Where do you need to grow? What needs to change?

#8 Guest: Cindy Marten, Delaware Secretary of Education

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Secretary of Education for Delaware, Cindy Marten. With decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and former Deputy Secretary of Education, Secretary Marten brings bold yet grounded insights to transforming public education systems. From her time leading San Diego Unified, where she helped drive graduation rates to 89% and close equity gaps, to her new role in Delaware, she shares a leadership style rooted in community voice, strategic coherence, and a relentless commitment to equity.
“Equity,” says Secretary Marten,“ is a school that knows its students and families by name, by strength, and by need—and builds systems to meet those needs in the right way at the right time.”
We discuss her lessons from scaling the Vision 2020 strategy in San Diego, what it means to center local context while building system-wide solutions, and how Delaware can align its many promising initiatives into a coherent roadmap for student success. These include an emphasis on equitable student funding, building strong bridges to kindergarten, addressing literacy across disciplines, expanding career pathways, and supporting and empowering educators.Whether you’re a district leader, policy strategist, or classroom teacher, this conversation is a masterclass in implementation leadership.

#7 Blog: J-A-T (Just Ask Them) Theory

In this episode, we dive into the J-A-T Theory — a simple but powerful framework for building trust, deepening relationships, and encouraging meaningful feedback. Inspired by a recent EdScale blog post, we explore how curiosity and the habit of Just Asking Them can shift conversations and unlock progress in management, coaching, and collaboration. Whether you're leading a team or working cross-functionally, this episode offers practical insights for increasing clarity and connection.
Key Insights:
Feedback is one of the greatest gifts for growth — but only when it's grounded in trust.
The J-A-T Theory encourages direct, curious conversations by simply asking the questions we often hesitate to.
Building trust requires credibility, reliability, intimacy, and low self-orientation, as outlined in The Trusted Advisor.
Using J-A-T can help move through uncertainty and hesitation, improving communication and outcomes.
Links referenced in podcast:
Blog: J-A-T Theory | EdScale
"The Coaching Habit" by Michael Bungay Stanier
"The Trusted Advisor" by David H. Maister
"Radical Candor" by Kim Scott
"The JOLT Effect" by Matthew Dixon & Ted McKenna

#6 Guest: Dr. Sonja Brookins-Santelises (CEO) and Alison Perkins-Cohen (CoS) in Baltimore City Public Schools

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sonja Brookins-Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, and Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Santelises has led transformative change in Baltimore’s schools, driving historic academic gains and prioritizing equity.
To my knowledge, they are the longest standing CEO/CoS team in large urban schools across the country! 
Together, they’ve implemented the Blueprint for Success, focusing on academics, leadership, and student well-being. In this conversation, they share insights on the challenges of educational reform, their leadership legacy, and what’s next for Baltimore’s schools. Don’t miss their perspective on the future of public education in Baltimore.

#5 Blog: Five tactics to navigating a leadership transition

Navigating leadership transitions can be challenging, but with the right strategies, they become opportunities for growth. Our latest blog post shares five key tactics—rooted in research and practical frameworks—to help leaders and organizations adapt and thrive during change. From building strong relationships to scenario planning, these actionable insights drive better results.
Change involves navigating uncertainty but is also fundamentally about loss - even when changing something you don't like, you are losing something familiar. Understanding both the emotional and strategic components is key to successfully managing transitions.
Links referenced in podcast
Original blog post
Weekly Reviews overview with David Allen
#4 Guest Podcast with Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Wright
#6 Guest Podcast with Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Santelises (available late March 2025)
The First 90 Days podcast episode
NPR article on positive coping skills for stress

#4 Guest: Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Carey Wright, a nationally recognized education leader with over 50 years of experience. She led Mississippi’s historic rise in fourth-grade reading scores, proving that strategic, long-term reform can drive real student success. Now back in Maryland, she’s leading through one of the most ambitious education overhauls in a generation. In this episode, we discuss lessons from Mississippi, the future of Maryland’s Blueprint, and what it takes to create lasting change in public education.

#3 Blog: What's Important Now - The Team!

This blog post reflects on a visit to the Baltimore Ravens stadium and the valuable lessons learned about teamwork and core values. It explores how the Ravens emphasize their mantra "What’s Important Now" (W.I.N.) and "The Team, The Team, The Team" to foster a culture of unity and excellence. I connect these insights to our work at EdScale, highlighting the importance of building cohesive teams and implementing effective leadership strategies.
Key Insights:
The Ravens’ focus on "What’s Important Now" (W.I.N.) and prioritizing the team above all else.
Leadership and team development lessons drawn from the Ravens’ culture.
Application of these principles to EdScale’s mission to support partners in achieving ambitious goals.
Links referenced in podcast:
Blog post: What’s Important Now - The Team!
EdScale Book and Workbook
The 4Ps of Leadership
Ravens Stadium Tours

#2 Guest: Rebroadcast of First State Insights Podcast About Implementation

Starting something new often comes with unexpected challenges, and launching a podcast with guest interviews is no different. Scheduling surprises are par for the course. As a result, we will be sharing the first guest episode in February. 
But today I’m thrilled to share a rebroadcast of a conversation I had last year with Troy Mix from the University of Delaware Biden School on First State Insights. Troy and I explored the intricacies of implementing change in education, and I’m grateful to have his permission to share it with you today. Let’s dive in!

#1 Blog: Five lessons I learned coaching the “best team in the league” (my son’s 4th grade basketball team)

In this episode, we explore five powerful lessons learned from coaching a 4th grade basketball team that directly apply to education leadership. Through experiences of victories, setbacks, and a nail-biting championship game, these insights demonstrate the parallels between sports coaching and implementing change in education systems. The key lessons include:
Elevate voices and listen to stakeholder insights
Maintain consistency with proven strategies despite setbacks
Foster a positive mindset while staying resilient
Lead with support rather than strict accountability
Trust in the process and celebrate progress, even when results aren't perfect

Coming Soon! Implement. Change in Education

Introducing our new podcast, Implement. Change in Education. Full episodes starting in January 2025!