In this episode, our host, Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with the inspiring Dr. Deanna Townsend Smith, an influential leader with over two decades of experience in public education, equity, and strategic leadership. From her beginnings as a recreational therapist to her transformative work turning around struggling schools and her current role as Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity, Dr. Townsend Smith’s journey is fueled by a deep-rooted mission: to ensure every child receives a sound, basic education.

Together, they explore urgent issues shaping K-16 education, from resegregation and discipline disparities to the vital importance of diverse educator workforces and equitable resources. Dr. Townsend Smith shares the guiding mission of the Dudley Flood Center, her philosophy of eradicating inequities, and how events like the annual Color of Education Summit serve as catalysts for policy, practice, and community-driven change.

You’ll hear powerful insights on how school districts can become more intentional about educational equity, how storytelling and the arts amplify marginalized voices, and practical ways listeners, educators, families, and community members alike can contribute to building better, more inclusive schools. Dr. Townsend Smith’s passion and wisdom are sure to leave you encouraged and ready to take action in your own community. So, settle in as we dive into this rich conversation on creating educational opportunity for all.

Key Moments
03:41 Unexpected Path to Education Leadership
06:25 "Inaugural Director Heeds Call"
12:30 Intentional Planning Drives Global Change
15:50 Equity Profiles Drive Systemic Change
20:07 Color of Education Impact
20:59 "Community Learning for Lasting Solutions"
24:46 Storytelling: Tool for Democratic Engagement
28:39 "Community's Role in Education"
33:49 Community-Inspired Discipline Reform
38:27 Redefining Community Engagement
39:59 "Serve and Embrace Community Needs"
45:36 Inspiring Future Generations
48:31 "Advocating Educational Equity and Growth"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
A Journey Rooted in Purpose: From her beginnings as a recreational therapist to becoming the Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity, Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith shares how her path was shaped by resilience, mentorship, and a deep commitment to children.
Confronting Inequities Head-On: Dr. Townsend-Smith identifies seven pressing disparities in education, such as discipline practices, resegregation, and access to rigorous courses, and explains how districts can create lasting change by tackling them with intentionality.
Turning Vision Into Action: Learn how the Dudley Flood Center partners with schools and communities to design equity profiles, build frameworks for change, and hold leaders accountable for making progress toward a sound, basic education for every child.
The Color of Education Summit: Get a preview of this powerful annual convening where students, educators, elders, and community voices come together. Dr. Townsend-Smith shares how storytelling, art, and collective narratives are at the heart of this year’s theme.
Hope That Endures: Through faith, history, and a belief in possibility, Dr. Townsend-Smith reminds us why the work matters and how communities can sustain one another in the fight for equity and opportunity.

Connect with Guest - Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deanna-townsend-smith-4b025447
Website: https://floodcenter.org/

Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/
Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/
Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

In this episode, host Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with Dr. Anthony Lewis, superintendent of Durham Public Schools and a nationally recognized advocate for equity and innovation in education. Hailing from Talladega, Alabama, Dr. Lewis draws upon his remarkable journey, from special education teacher to influential district leader to share candid insights on legacy leadership, servant leadership, and navigating uncertainty in public education.

Together, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Lewis explore how leaders can create a lasting impact that transcends their tenure, the importance of empowering every voice in a school community, and how to steer districts through financial challenges while staying true to the mission of student success. Dr. Lewis opens up about his personal roots, the foundational moments that shaped his approach, and the bold vision he holds for the future of Durham’s students. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with practical wisdom, stories of resilience, and a powerful call to keep students at the center of every decision.

Let’s make the impossible possible, join us for an episode that will leave you rethinking legacy and leadership in education.

Key Moments

07:22 Roots of Servant Leadership

11:03 Mentorship Shaping Courageous Leadership

20:33 "Removing Barriers for Staff Success"

26:05 "Refocus: Leveraging Partnerships for Progress"

31:06 Workplace Challenges and Transparency

37:30 Inclusive Two-Way School Communication

39:30 "Student-Centered Leadership Engagement"

45:59 Urgent Education Reforms Needed

49:16 Critical Thinking Over Critical Race Theory

55:57 Student-Centered Decision Making

01:00:16 "Legacy Leadership Insights"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Legacy in Action: Dr. Anthony Lewis doesn't just talk about legacy, he lives it. From special education classrooms to the superintendent’s seat, his journey is a blueprint for leadership rooted in purpose, equity, and enduring impact.

Student-Centered, Always: Whether he’s riding the school bus or sitting in on cafeteria conversations, Dr. Lewis defines leadership by showing up. Hear how he turns visibility into accountability and why his office is wherever his students and staff are.

Equity with Urgency: In the face of budget cuts, staffing concerns, and political pressures, Dr. Lewis models how to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction, centering the most marginalized voices without compromise.

Systems Built to Last: Learn how Durham Public Schools is building people, not just programs. Dr. Lewis unpacks how he’s developing leadership at every level to ensure the work endures long after his tenure.

Real Talk, Real Stakes: From a heartbreaking student story about literacy to a vision where every child thrives regardless of zip code, this episode reminds us why the work matters and what it takes to get it right.

Connect with Guest - Dr. Anthony Lewis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dranthony-lewis-phd

Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/
Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/

Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

In this insightful episode, Amy Miller, District Director of Integrated Academic and Behavior Systems (IABS) and board-certified psychologist, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to implement MTSS with fidelity in a large, diverse district. From scaling supports across 56 schools with a three-person core team to tackling chronic absenteeism and behavior reform through restorative practices, Amy offers more than theories; she shares tested solutions and lived realities.

Backed by over 25 years of systems design experience and a commitment to equity, Amy emphasizes the importance of aligned leadership, creative staffing, community trust, and responsive professional development. If you’ve ever wondered how districts can use MTSS to address both academic gaps and climate challenges, this episode is your playbook.

Key Moments

05:04 – State vs. District Perspective: The value of side-by-side support

10:28 – High Schools and MTSS: Why sustainability is the biggest hurdle

13:34 – Two-Tier Model for High Schools: Pragmatic structures for student success

14:52 – Tier 1 Instruction as a Districtwide Priority: Messaging from the Superintendent

16:52 – Top Implementation Barriers: Funding, retention, and onboarding

20:25 – Reimagining District Support: Customer service mindset from the central office

24:20 – Restorative Practices as Tier 1 Behavior Supports: Building relationships systemically

28:00 – Making MTSS One Framework, Not Many Initiatives

31:15 – Attendance Interventions That Center Relationships Over Punishment

34:44 – Engagement Tree Model: Linking SEL, attendance, behavior, and academics

38:00 – School Improvement Plans & NC Star: Making data actionable

42:21 – Panorama, Progress Monitoring & FAM Assessments: Tools and trust

44:32 – PD That Hits Home: Real data, real students, real-time coaching

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Ground-Level Truth, Top-Level Strategy: Amy unpacks both the theory and the day-to-day lift of implementing MTSS in a resource-strapped reality.

Restorative, Not Reactive: Learn how Durham is integrating restorative practices directly into its MTSS framework, shifting both beliefs and behavior.

From Silos to Systems: This episode demonstrates what true systems thinking looks like—where data, relationships, and leadership converge to drive meaningful change.

Connect with Guest - Amy Miller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-miller-ed-s-67566329

Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/
Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/

Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

In this episode, Dr. Flood opens up about his remarkable journey, from navigating entrenched resistance to integration to his ongoing commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging in every school community. He challenges us to move beyond compliance toward genuine inclusion, urging leaders to model compassion and courage, even when making tough or unpopular decisions.

Whether you’re new to education or a seasoned changemaker, you’ll be inspired by Dr. Flood’s stories, practical advice, and unwavering belief in the promise of every child. Get ready to reflect, learn, and be reminded of the profound difference one leader can make when they dedicate themselves to justice and possibility. Tune in as we explore what it truly means to build an educational legacy that lasts.

Key Moments
05:16 "Understanding Value and Capability"08:18 Communication: Use Clear, Inclusive Terms

10:59 Addressing Disenfranchisement and Achievement Gaps
15:20 Exploring Possibilities and Outcomes

18:45 Perseverance Over Knockout
19:57 "Prioritizing Children's Needs"

24:45 "Educating Parents and Lawmakers"

28:58 After-School Work Solution
32:32 "Diversity in Community of Learners"
33:43 Belief Shapes Learner Potential
37:41 "Educator's Resolve Amid CRT Debate"
39:34 Children's Right to Education
43:51 "Surround Yourself with Supportive People"
46:49 Confident, Prepared Educator's Approach
50:46 "Educational Leadership's True Purpose"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
1. Legacy Rooted in Justice: Dr. Flood’s lifelong commitment to equity and desegregation isn’t abstract; it’s lived, and you feel the moral clarity of his purpose in every story and insight he shares.

2. Belonging Over Compliance: He draws a profound distinction between desegregation (legal) and integration (social and emotional), pushing leaders to go beyond access and create environments of true belonging. That’s a deeply resonant message in today’s schools.

3. Wisdom with Practicality: His advice is grounded. For instance, he shares that sending students home for misbehavior doesn’t solve the problem; it displaces it. Instead, he focuses on keeping kids in school and helping them learn from consequences, a restorative, inclusive approach.

Connect with Guest - Dr. Dudley E. Flood
Website: https://www.cde.ca.gov/

Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/
Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/

Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

In this episode of M-TIP, Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with Principal Kelly Holland of Glendale-Kenly Elementary to unpack a truly remarkable turnaround story. Once a school labeled as "not meeting growth" for years, Glendale-Kenly not only rebounded post-COVID but soared—achieving exceptional student growth, especially among English Language Learners and students with disabilities. With bold leadership moves, strategic delegation, and a laser focus on inclusion and teacher empowerment, Principal Holland shares how her team rebuilt trust, restructured systems, and reignited academic excellence.

From building teacher-led committees to rethinking differentiation and instruction fidelity, this episode dives deep into the actionable strategies that transformed a struggling school into a statewide exemplar. It’s not just a comeback—it’s a masterclass in what’s possible when vision meets execution.

Key Moments
00:00 "Glendale Kenly Exceeds Post-COVID Growth"
03:24 Transition from Assistant to Principal
09:08 Empowering Committees Transformed Leadership
11:30 Flexible Committee Meeting Schedule
15:19 Impressive EL Proficiency at Glendale Kenly
19:02 Strategic Inclusion and Pull-Out Services
22:34 Improving EC Student Proficiency
25:45 Academic Transformation Plan Unveiled
28:38 Empowering Teachers for Immediate Impact
32:08 Introducing New Teaching Format
33:45 Strategic Teacher Leadership Development
36:29 Empowered School Team Progress
39:41 "Remarkable School Transformation Efforts"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you're a school leader, educator, or advocate for equitable education, this episode will recharge your belief in the power of intentional leadership. You’ll hear how one principal moved from managing every detail to cultivating a culture of shared ownership, leading to record-breaking EL proficiency scores and meaningful student growth. Packed with real strategies, human-centered insights, and a dose of honest reflection, this episode is a powerful reminder: when you build the right systems and empower the right people, the “impossible” becomes inevitable.

Connect with Guest - Kelly Holland
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-holland-902528102?trk=pub-pbmap
Website: https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/gke

Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/
Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/

Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember—real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

In this episode, host Dr. Tamara Thomas has an in-depth conversation with Dr. Cynthia Simons, the principal credited with ushering in remarkable change at Warren County High School. After ten years of academic stagnation and persistent challenges, Dr. Simons stepped into the principal role in 2023, bringing her over twenty-five years of experience and a passion for educational excellence.

In just one year, Dr. Simons led the school to break free from its long-standing struggles, achieving overall academic growth and seeing every student subgroup meet or exceed achievement targets. Her approach? A combination of setting clear, high expectations, fostering a culture of collaboration, leveraging data to inform instruction, and making every staff member and student feel seen and supported.

Dr. Simons discusses how she navigated the initial challenges of taking over a low-performing school, built trust with staff and the community, and created structures, like student and parent advisory committees, that empowered all voices within the school. She also opens up about the importance of recognizing big and small wins, and how transparency and intentionality made all the difference.

Key Moments

04:15 "Overcoming CSI School Challenges"

07:38 Enhancing Student Growth with EVAS Data

09:38 School-Wide Data Ownership

15:50 School Ambassadorship and Teacher Expectations

18:46 Coaching for Collaborative Growth

21:22 Improving Graduation and Discipline Rates

25:59 Fostering Positive School Culture Strategies

27:09 Engaging Parent & Student Advisory

31:25 Support Systems for School Administrators

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you're an educator, leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of change, this episode will hit home. Dr. Simons doesn’t just talk strategy—she shows what it looks like to lead with courage, conviction, and care. Her story is a masterclass in what happens when expectations are high, data is transparent, and relationships come first.

You’ll walk away with practical takeaways on instructional leadership, culture-building, and mobilizing a team toward a shared vision. But more than that, you’ll be reminded that even the most entrenched challenges can be overcome with the right mix of vision and heart.

Connect with Guest - Dr. Cynthia Simons

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clsleads

Website: https://www.warrenk12nc.org/

Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/

Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/

Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, keep reflecting, and remember—real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

In this episode of the M-TIP Podcast, Dr. Tamara Thomas sits down with Principal of Selma Middle School, Stephen Baker to unpack one of the most inspiring school turnaround stories in North Carolina. Once ranked the 10th lowest performing school in the state and designated a Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) school, Selma Middle has not only defied the odds—it’s redefined them.

Stephen shares his decision to step into the role at Selma in 2019, just before the pandemic struck, and how he led his team through a journey marked by urgency, intentionality, and an unwavering focus on culture. Under his leadership, Selma Middle moved from the bottom 5% to the top 10% in student growth by 2022 and again exceeded growth in 2024.

Key Moments

00:00 Selma Community Impact and Challenges

08:11 "Aiming Beyond Average for Growth"

10:53 Testing Strategy Backfired, Growth Met

20:31 "Fake It Until You Become It"

25:24 "Effective Organizational Strategies and Partnerships"

27:52 Culture: The Secret to Sustained Success

33:57 Enhancing Intelligence Through Vocabulary Teaching

39:32 Cortisol's Impact on Learning

47:11 "Balancing Support and Challenges in Education"

50:26 Building Leadership and Ownership

53:56 Classroom Struggles and Coaching Solutions

01:02:45 Aligning with School Improvement Strategy

01:07:12 Contextual Evidence-Based Education

01:09:47 Tailored Evidence-Based Solutions

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’ve ever wondered what real school turnaround looks like, this episode delivers. Principal Stephen Baker doesn’t just talk theory—he walks us through the exact steps his team took to lead Selma Middle from crisis to confidence. It’s a masterclass in leadership, culture, and the power of doing the hard things well.

Connect with Guest - Stephen Baker

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-baker-8107905b/

Website: https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/

Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/

Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/

Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Selma Middle’s story reminds us what’s possible when vision meets action. Keep striving, keep reflecting, and remember—real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.