In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Gearl Loden, Superintendent of Nixa Public Schools in Missouri and author of Before It Breaks: The Seven Pillars of Trust Every Leader Must Build. With more than 36 years in education and 18 years as a superintendent, Dr. Loden shares how his personal experiences, leadership journey, and passion for developing people have shaped one of the nation's highest-performing school districts.

Drawing from both his new book and his leadership experience, Dr. Loden explains why trust is the foundation of every successful organization. He discusses practical strategies for building stronger teams, repairing damaged relationships, creating systems that support people, and leading with courage through difficult conversations.

The conversation also explores Nixa Public Schools' transformation through professional learning communities, community partnerships, innovative leadership development, and proactive decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Loden shares how focusing on trust, continuous improvement, and serving the entire community has helped Nixa become one of the top-performing districts in Missouri while maintaining a culture where both students and staff thrive.

Key Moments

03:55 How Personal Challenges Shaped His Leadership

06:05 Why Trust Is Every Leader's Foundation

07:13 The 72-Hour Trust Protocol

10:26 Building Competent Systems, Not Just Competent People

19:02 Leading Through the Pandemic

24:38 Preparing Before COVID Changed Everything

27:57 One Nixa and Building Community Connections

33:24 Earning Community Trust Through Leadership

35:26 Why Public Education Matters More Than Ever

39:30 Creating a Culture Where Employees Thrive

Why You'll Love This Episode

Dr. Loden blends practical leadership strategies with personal stories that demonstrate how trust, strong systems, and genuine care for people create thriving schools. Whether you're leading a district, a campus, or a team, this conversation offers actionable ideas for building stronger relationships, developing future leaders, and creating a culture where everyone can succeed.

Exclusive Unlock 360 Bonus
Before It Breaks: https://a.co/d/03nCfWkq

Purchase "Before It Breaks" and register your copy to receive Dr. Loden's companion resources. Unlock 360 listeners can also receive the exclusive workbook after August 7 by using the promo code below when registering their book.

You'll also gain access to Dr. Loden's complimentary leadership masterclasses and additional downloadable resources designed to help you put the book's concepts into practice.

Promo Code: Unlock360

Connect with Dr. Gearl Loden
Website: https://www.nixapublicschools.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gearl-loden-lodenleadership
Email: gearlloden@nixaschools.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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Drew discusses how Piedmont has balanced rapid enrollment growth while maintaining a strong commitment to academic excellence, teacher support, and student success. He explains why developing grit, empathy, and integrity alongside strong academic performance prepares students for success long after graduation, and how investing in teachers remains the district's greatest strategy for improving outcomes.

The conversation also explores collaborative leadership, professional learning communities, leadership development, Capturing Kids' Hearts, and creating systems that empower educators to lead. Drew shares practical lessons on building district culture, engaging stakeholders in shared decision-making, and ensuring every student benefits from caring, highly effective teachers.

Key Moments

00:20 Drew's Journey into Education

03:13 Leading a Fast-Growing School District

05:51 Why Grit and Empathy Matter

09:15 Building a Shared District Vision

11:36 Turning Core Values into Daily Practice

13:29 Supporting Teachers for Student Success

14:46 Professional Learning Communities in Action

16:39 Collaborative Leadership Systems

18:48 Research on Teacher-Student Relationships

23:25 Building a Strong District Culture

26:22 Developing Future School Leaders

31:32 Preparing Every Student for Success

35:21 The Mentor Who Shaped Drew's Leadership

Why You'll Love This Episode

Dr. Eichelberger shares thoughtful leadership strategies for creating positive school culture, supporting educators, and building collaborative systems that improve student outcomes. His practical insights on leadership development, teacher investment, and organizational culture offer valuable lessons for district and school leaders alike.

Connect with Dr. Drew Eichelberger
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-eichelberger-17736719
Website: https://www.piedmontschools.org/
Email: drew.eichelberger@piedmontschools.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.

Sean discusses Port Washington's thoughtful approach to curriculum improvement, highlighting how meaningful teacher involvement, sustained professional learning, and shared ownership have transformed the district's work in mathematics and literacy. Rather than treating initiatives as separate projects, he explains how the district is building coherent systems that ensure every student receives the support they need.

The conversation also explores instructional coaching, small-group learning, conceptual understanding in mathematics, professional collaboration, and the importance of creating systems that outlast individual leaders. Sean shares practical leadership insights on building trust, communicating vision, and sustaining meaningful instructional improvement through collective ownership.

Key Moments

00:18 Sean's Journey into Education

06:29 Building a Collaborative District Culture

08:39 Teacher Voice in Curriculum Decisions

12:52 Shifting Mathematics Instruction

15:52 Building Deep Mathematical Understanding

18:43 Creating a Shared District Vision

21:11 Turning Vision into Systems

24:01 Professional Learning That Lasts

27:24 Instructional Coaching for Teachers

28:57 Community Support for Innovation

29:49 Leading Through Transparency

30:35 Educators Who Shaped Sean's Journey

Why You'll Love This Episode

Sean shares valuable insights on leading instructional improvement through collaboration, coherent systems, and teacher ownership. His thoughtful approach to curriculum, professional learning, and sustainable leadership offers practical strategies for district and school leaders working to improve teaching and learning while building lasting organizational capacity.

Connect with Dr. Sean Feeney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-feeney-8625747a
Website: https://www.portnet.org/
Email: sfeeney@portnet.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.

Eric discusses the transformation underway in West Memphis Schools, where a renewed focus on instructional systems, leadership development, and teacher support has already produced significant academic gains. He explains how the district's 'Power of Ten' initiative united educators around a shared, attainable goal while building collective teacher efficacy and creating momentum for sustained success.

The conversation also explores developing instructional leaders, creating meaningful accountability, leveraging artificial intelligence to support educators, and preparing students for future careers through innovative partnerships with Google. Eric offers practical leadership lessons on building effective teams, embracing change, and creating systems where both educators and students can thrive.

Key Moments

00:30 Eric's Journey into Education

03:52 Coaching Principles That Shape Leadership

06:37 Transforming West Memphis Schools

09:02 The Power of Ten Initiative

12:30 Leading Change Through Stability

15:51 Building Instructional Leaders

19:31 Leadership Through Real-World Scenarios

23:39 Creating Buy-In Around Student Growth

25:16 Merit-Based Teacher Incentives

29:49 The Future of West Memphis Schools

36:44 Using AI to Support Teachers

39:15 Preparing Students for AI Careers

43:54 A Father's Lasting Influence

Why You'll Love This Episode

Eric shares practical strategies for accelerating district improvement through instructional leadership, clear accountability, and strong teacher support. His insights on creating collective efficacy, developing future leaders, embracing AI, and preparing students for tomorrow's workforce offer valuable takeaways for superintendents, principals, and district leaders working to drive lasting school improvement.

Connect with Eric Foister
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-foister-b959572a
Website: https://www.wmsd.net/
Email: efoister@wmsd.net

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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 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
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.

Katy discusses how Willoughby-Eastlake is transforming student learning through its Portrait of a Graduate framework, districtwide career exploration initiatives, and a commitment to creating meaningful, student-centered experiences. She explains how career awareness begins in the elementary grades, expands through middle school exploration, and culminates in high school pathways that help students discover their passions while preparing them for college, careers, and life.

The conversation also explores leading instructional change through the Science of Reading, supporting educators with intentional professional learning, and fostering a culture where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement thrive. Katy shares practical insights into building systems that empower both students and teachers while keeping future readiness at the center of every decision.

Key Moments

00:29 Katy's Journey into Education

03:41 Leading Curriculum and Innovation

06:18 Building a Portrait of a Graduate

09:52 Career Exploration Starts Early

13:17 Creating Student-Centered Learning

16:42 Leading the Science of Reading

20:08 Supporting Teachers Through Change

23:41 Innovation Through Collaboration

27:04 Preparing Students for the Future

30:33 Advice for District Leaders

33:28 The Power of Student Voice

36:12 Leaders Who Inspired Katy

Why You'll Love This Episode

Katy shares practical strategies for preparing students for life beyond graduation by combining innovative instructional practices, career-connected learning, and strong leadership systems. Her insights into supporting educators through change, building future-ready schools, and creating meaningful learning experiences offer valuable takeaways for district and school leaders alike.

Connect with Katy Nagaj
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-nagaj-133005269
Website: https://www.weschools.org/
Email: katy.nagaj@weschools.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 Tammi Chandler, Mathematics Curriculum Director, and Julie Faneuf, English Language Arts Curriculum Director at Fitchburg Public Schools, to explore how strong collaboration across content areas is creating more coherent learning experiences for every student. Together, they share how literacy and mathematics leaders can break down silos, align instructional practices, and ensure every decision remains centered on student learning.

Tammi and Julie discuss Fitchburg's commitment to the belief that 'all means all,' highlighting the district's strategic focus on equitable access to high-quality instruction, collaborative professional learning communities, and instructional leadership teams. They explain how intentional planning, analyzing student work, and using evidence from classroom observations help teachers continuously refine instruction and improve outcomes for diverse learners.

The conversation also explores teacher clarity, reasoning across disciplines, curriculum implementation, and the importance of maintaining focus amid competing initiatives. By emphasizing coherence, collective efficacy, and ongoing collaboration, Tammi and Julie offer practical insights for district leaders working to strengthen teaching and learning across every classroom.

Key Moments

02:03 Connecting Literacy and Mathematics

03:42 What 'All Means All' Looks Like

06:18 Building a Collaborative PLC Culture

10:08 Inside Fitchburg's PLC Cycle

14:02 Analyzing Student Work Deeply

17:37 Using Video to Improve Instruction

21:03 The Role of Instructional Leadership Teams

22:18 Districtwide Focus on Student Reasoning

25:13 Challenges of Sustaining Improvement

27:14 Avoiding the 'Shiny New Initiative'

28:07 Less Is More for Lasting Change

29:16 Supporting New Teachers Through PLCs

30:37 Why Fitchburg Is a Great Place to Teach

31:33 Leadership Lessons from Trusted Mentors

Why You'll Love This Episode

Tammi and Julie provide a thoughtful look at how district leaders can create coherent instructional systems that support teachers and improve student outcomes. Their practical strategies for collaboration, curriculum implementation, professional learning, and continuous improvement offer valuable takeaways for leaders committed to ensuring success for every learner.

Connect with Tammi Chandler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammi-chandler-a4778a63
Website: https://www.fitchburg.k12.ma.us/home
Email: chandlert@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Connect with Julie Faneuf:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-f-b315613/
Website: https://www.fitchburg.k12.ma.us/home
Email: faneufj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

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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.

Ana reflects on her first year leading South Haven Public Schools, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the community, listening to students, and building relationships across the district. She discusses the district's strategic planning process, the role of student voice in shaping the future, and why creating a sense of belonging for every student remains a central priority.

The conversation also explores leadership development, teacher clarity, collective efficacy, curriculum implementation, and the importance of fostering healthy professional dialogue through cognitive dissonance. Ana shares how South Haven is strengthening instructional systems while remaining focused on supporting teachers, improving student outcomes, and ensuring every learner feels connected and valued.

Key Moments

00:45 Ana's Full-Circle Journey to Superintendent

01:52 How Education Changed Her Family's Future

03:41 Reconnecting with the South Haven Community

06:06 Building a New Strategic Plan

07:22 Student Agency and Student Voice

08:07 Creating a Sense of Belonging for Every Student

09:48 Leadership Teams Across the District

10:33 Strengthening MTSS Systems

12:18 Why Cognitive Dissonance Matters

14:51 Teacher Clarity and Collective Efficacy

16:42 Progress Over Perfection

18:01 Challenges with Teacher Housing and Retention

20:12 Addressing Resource Gaps in a Rural Community

21:26 Focusing on Curriculum Implementation

23:31 Supporting Teachers Through Professional Learning

24:26 Thriving Clubs and Student Opportunities

25:45 Ensuring Every Student Feels They Belong

26:14 Honoring a Teacher Who Made a Lasting Impact

Why You'll Love This Episode

Ana shares an authentic and inspiring leadership story rooted in service, community, and opportunity. Her focus on student voice, belonging, collaborative leadership, and instructional improvement offers valuable lessons for education leaders working to create schools where every student can thrive.

Connect with Ana Aleman-Putman

Website: https://www.shps.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-aleman-putman-789a6b27a
Email: aaleman-putman@shps.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.