Implement. Change in Education

#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