In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Devoud sits down with David Ritchey, Superintendent of Lamesa Independent School District in rural West Texas. David shares how his district is leading with heart and innovation—creating equitable opportunities through technology, strong Tier 1 instruction, and community-rooted career pathways.

Together, Wendy and David explore how Lamesa ISD is transforming teaching and learning by pairing high expectations with genuine care. From providing iPads for every student to launching a P-TECH early-college model that graduates students with certifications or degrees, David’s story reveals how a clear vision and a culture of belonging can change outcomes for an entire community.

Key Moments

00:00 Overcoming tech glitches and getting started

00:51 Innovating with Apple technology in every classroom

03:02 Every student—Pre-K through 12—has an iPad

05:17 Leading through visibility and relationships

07:11 Strengthening Tier 1 instruction district-wide

10:38 Launching P-TECH for college and career pathways

13:53 Ensuring every graduate leaves with opportunity and choice

17:52 Building homegrown leadership and teacher pipelines

27:21 Coaching administrators to coach teachers

34:33 Leading with empathy, consistency, and care

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This is a powerful look at what’s possible when small districts dream big. Superintendent Ritchey shows how to turn vision into action—through Tier 1 excellence, authentic relationships, and opportunities that last long after graduation. If you believe leadership starts with love and ends with impact, this one’s for you.

Connect with Superintendent David Ritchey

Website: https://www.lamesaisd.net/

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Wendy York Devoud 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’re 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.

In today's episode, "Unlock 360 with Charles Gideon," host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Principal Charles Gideon of Castleberry Elementary in Castleberry ISD. Principal Gideon shares the journey that led him from the classroom to school leadership and his pride in building a culture of excellence and fun at "DFW's favorite elementary school."

From winning community awards and championing the school's spirited traditions to tackling the real challenges of literacy and mathematics instruction, Principal Gideon opens up about the strategies that drive student and teacher success. You'll hear about intentional PLC time, staff retention secrets, and how his team thrives on both high expectations and a healthy dose of friendly competition. Plus, the conversation touches on supporting teachers, fostering leadership among staff, and the importance of nurturing opportunities for every student.

Key Moments

03:53 Winning Streak for Our School

08:29 Early Literacy Initiative Success

10:54 AI Tools Enhancing Classroom Performance

14:19 Answering Prompts for Higher Scores

20:23 Collaboration, Efficacy, Retention Focus

21:20 Teacher Retention Boosts Student Success

26:49 Building Classroom Leadership Culture

28:34 Honoring Tony Eugene York

In Memoriam

Tony Eugene York
June 27, 1948 – October 21, 2023

Tony attended Castleberry Elementary and Irma Marsh before graduating from Castleberry High School.
For more information about Tony’s life, service, and loved ones, please visit:
https://www.biggersfh.com/obituaries/Tony-Eugene-York?obId=29667255

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Principal Gideon opens the curtain on how Castleberry Elementary became “DFW’s favorite” while doing the hard work that moves learning: revamping early literacy with a structured block, using PLCs four days a week to plan tightly and act on data, and building a culture where high expectations and teacher retention go hand in hand. He shares concrete, classroom-ready moves like teaching students to restate prompts and use text evidence and how thoughtful use of AI feedback tools can sharpen writing instruction without replacing teacher judgment. It’s fun (spirit sticks and pep rallies!) and deeply practical (growth tracking, vertical alignment, and leadership pipelines). If you care about turning vision into daily habits that lift every student, this conversation will hit home.

Connect with Charles Gideon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-gideon-46506a18a
Website: https://www.castleberryisd.net/

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’re 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 episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Stacey Cohen, Principal of Mesa View Elementary School, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Stacey shares how her team moved from the brink of turnaround to sustained performance—and most recently, national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School—by pairing research-based practice with a culture of dignity, partnership, and “leadership for all.”

Together, Wendy and Stacey explore how Mesa View is deepening Tier 1 instruction, building daily SEL routines that stick, and redesigning student supports to keep learners connected. They also unpack how authentic family engagement and shared leadership fuel long-term improvement and community trust.

Key Moments

01:07 Inheriting a strong culture amid performance decline

03:02 Moving from priority improvement toward success

04:51 Six high-impact practices that shifted outcomes

10:22 Replacing hallway removals with cozy corners

16:01 Building daily SEL lessons and community circles

19:22 Tackling chronic absenteeism after the pandemic

23:29 From involvement to true family engagement

26:20 Reimagining kindergarten onboarding

27:50 Launching FLYT Club for families

31:20 Empowering teachers through shared leadership

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This is a grounded, inspiring story of turnaround done right. Stacey shows how a school can achieve lasting success—without new funding—through high-impact instruction, inclusion, and trust. If you’re passionate about leadership, systems change, and culture that uplifts everyone, this episode delivers powerful, practical takeaways.

Connect with Principal Stacey Cohen
Website: https://mesaview.d51schools.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’re 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,