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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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
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

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.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Jonathan Eggerman, Deputy Superintendent of Pine Tree ISD, to explore how proximity, relationships, and everyday leadership practices are fueling major growth across the district.

Jonathan shares his path from Arkansas coach and principal to deputy superintendent in East Texas, and how Pine Tree ISD has built a culture where leaders stay close to classrooms, kids, and each other. From removing obstacles for teachers to celebrating wins as a district family, he describes how intentional, relational leadership can transform campus culture and academic outcomes.

The conversation moves through real systems that make Pine Tree’s momentum possible, including teacher mentorship structures, leadership pipelines, and the district’s “rock star” framework for defining excellence. Jonathan also explains how Pine Tree maintains consistency as schools continue to grow, improve, and set higher goals each year.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Deputy Superintendent Jonathan Eggerman

01:07 Jonathan’s early career in Arkansas and entry into admin roles

02:38 Moving into principal and superintendent work in Texas

04:29 Transition to Pine Tree ISD and partnership with Superintendent Clugston

07:19 The district’s “culture of proximity” and daily campus visibility

11:19 Why relationships drive learning and community trust

12:23 Proactive leadership versus reactive systems

17:44 Building a district family through events, shared service, and support

19:47 “Hoist the Colors” and districtwide community-building traditions

26:43 Pine Tree’s recent academic and extracurricular growth

31:38 Letting great teachers teach and removing barriers

33:24 Anchor Academy, Leadership Cubed, and mentoring structures

Why You Will Love This Episode

You will hear a candid, practical look at how Pine Tree ISD built a healthy, high-trust culture that supports both academic results and human connection. Jonathan offers insights leaders can apply immediately, from sustaining momentum after big gains to designing support systems that help teachers thrive.

Connect with Jonathan Eggerman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-eggerman-052989244/
Website: https://ptisd.org

Follow Us

Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

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.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.