In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Eboni Massey, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Petersburg City Public Schools in Virginia. With nearly three decades of experience spanning classroom teaching, instructional coaching, literacy leadership, and district administration, Eboni shares her passion for building educator capacity and ensuring every student receives a high-quality education.

Eboni discusses Petersburg's ambitious literacy transformation, driven by the Virginia Literacy Act and the adoption of high-quality instructional materials aligned to the science of reading. She explains how the district is strengthening teacher practice through coherent instructional systems, professional learning, and intentional coaching while addressing the unique challenges of recruiting, supporting, and retaining educators.

The conversation also explores the importance of instructional frameworks, collective teacher efficacy, leadership development, and creating consistent learning experiences across every classroom. Using memorable analogies and practical examples, Eboni shares how Petersburg is building sustainable systems that accelerate student achievement while empowering teachers to bring their own strengths and creativity to instruction.

Key Moments

00:28 Eboni's Journey into Education

05:01 Building Capacity Through Leadership

05:50 Leading Curriculum and Instruction

07:43 Transforming Literacy Across the District

10:18 Addressing Teacher Preparation Challenges

14:02 Changing Perceptions About Petersburg

17:46 Building a Coherent Instructional Framework

19:58 High-Quality Instructional Materials

20:44 The Electric Slide Approach to Teaching

23:33 Moving from 'What Works' to 'What Works Best'

26:39 Developing Strong Instructional Leaders

29:40 Leaders Who Shaped Eboni's Journey

Why You'll Love This Episode

Eboni shares practical insights on leading districtwide instructional improvement, supporting teachers through change, and building systems that create equitable learning opportunities for every student. Her passion for coaching, literacy, and sustainable leadership offers valuable lessons for district and school leaders alike.

Connect with Eboni Massey
Website: https://www.petersburg.k12.va.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eboni-massey
Email: ebmassey@petersburg.k12.va.us

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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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