In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Principal Guadalupe Montañez of Deanna Davenport Elementary in Canutillo ISD, a border community school that has made meaningful strides by strengthening culture, deepening teacher collaboration, and using high quality instructional materials with fidelity. Guadalupe shares how intentional practices, instructional support, and a people-first culture helped her teachers build confidence, consistency, and shared leadership.

The conversation highlights the realities of serving a high poverty, Title I campus near the U.S. Mexico border. Guadalupe explains how her staff supports students whose families face long commutes, economic pressure, and limited opportunities for school involvement. She also describes how trust, openness, and teacher voice have shaped a healthier, more connected school climate.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Guadalupe Montañez

00:35 Her journey from office manager to school leader

02:33 Serving a small border community in Canutillo ISD

04:03 Strengthening systems after a challenging accountability year

05:07 High quality curriculum and instructional collaboration

06:53 Fidelity to new materials and avoiding shortcuts

10:50 Keeping instruction on grade level for all students

13:10 Ensuring safety and emotional support for students

15:20 Supporting families navigating immigration fears

17:04 Empowering teachers as leaders and decision makers

22:34 PLC structures and monthly extended planning

24:10 Treating teachers with humanity, trust, and respect

29:09 Partnering with district leadership

Why You Will Love This Episode
This conversation offers a grounded, real world look at how trust, teacher voice, and aligned instructional systems can move a school forward. Guadalupe shares practical steps leaders can use to build stronger culture, support vulnerable communities, and create meaningful academic growth.

Connect with Guadalupe Montañez
Email: gperez@canutillo-isd.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupe-montanez-3b828539/
Website: https://www.canutillo-isd.org

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
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About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

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