In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Assistant Superintendent Timothy Ray of Catoosa Public Schools in Oklahoma to explore how thoughtful systems, teacher leadership, and steady change are shaping the future of the district.

Timothy shares his journey from classroom teacher and award winning assistant principal to district leader, and describes how Catoosa is using a five year Continuous Strategic Improvement plan to stay focused on academic achievement, culture and climate, staff support, and strong systems.

A major highlight of the conversation is the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP). Timothy explains how Catoosa selected master teachers and lead teachers, provided targeted training, and positioned them as PLC leaders and partners in professional learning.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Assistant Superintendent Timothy Ray

00:48 Timothy’s path from teacher and coach to administrator

02:20 Assistant Principal of the Year and the WARP suspension reduction program

06:27 Catoosa’s five year Continuous Strategic Improvement plan

07:35 Four pillars, academic achievement, culture, staff support, and systems

08:30 The Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program and selecting teacher leaders

14:09 Guaranteed and viable curriculum, common assessments, and data use

15:14 Strengthening systems across transportation, safety, health, and operations

21:39 The challenge of shifting from isolation to true collaboration in PLCs

22:44 Change, patience, and the balance of “push and praise”

29:33 Building systems and culture that will outlast individual leaders

32:57 Four day school week, schedule design, and PLC time

38:36 Gratitude, mentors, and what Timothy is thankful for

Why You Will Love This Episode

You will hear a grounded, practical look at how one district is aligning its vision, empowering teachers, and building systems that support both adults and students. Timothy offers clear examples of what it takes to move from isolated practice to collaborative teams, use data without losing heart, and lead change at a pace people can actually sustain.

Connect with Timothy Ray
Email: tray@catoosa.k12.ok.us
Website: https://www.catoosaps.net/

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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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