On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Christopher Sanzeri, Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction in Specialized Student Services at Elgin Area School District U-46. Christopher shares how U-46 is rethinking special education curriculum design, moving away from fragmented, supplement-heavy models toward coherent, aligned instructional systems.

This conversation explores the district’s shift to selecting high-quality curricular resources first and then building frameworks around them, as well as the launch of the Multi Abilities Classroom (MAC) model. Christopher also discusses balancing curriculum coherence with teacher autonomy, using common assessments responsibly, and leveraging new tools, including AI, to better individualize instruction while maintaining equity and rigor for all learners.

Key Moments

02:37 Shifting from framework-first to resource-first curriculum design

03:32 Building coherence through aligned instructional materials

05:13 Origins of the Multi Abilities Classroom (MAC) model

06:47 Aligning programs for students with diverse learning needs

08:40 Redistricting as a catalyst for system redesign

09:21 Launching MAC with districtwide planning and support

12:06 Curriculum coherence and teacher autonomy

14:24 Rethinking grading and common assessments

15:42 Clarifying accommodations versus modifications

17:21 Using AI tools to individualize assessments

22:19 Aligning MAC goals to the district strategic plan

25:51 Measuring success through student access and voice

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a thoughtful, practical look at how special education systems can move beyond patchwork solutions toward intentional, scalable design. Christopher shares real examples of how curriculum coherence, clear expectations, and smart use of technology can improve access to grade-level content without sacrificing individualization.

Listeners will also gain insight into how districts can monitor implementation, honor teacher expertise, and elevate student voice as a meaningful measure of success. It’s a must-listen for leaders navigating inclusion, equity, and instructional alignment in complex systems.

Connect with Christopher Sanzeri | Assistant Director for Curriculum & Instruction Specialized Student Services
Elgin Area School District U-46

Website: https://www.u-46.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-sanzeri-8a4a2b93/

Connect with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/

NovoDia
Website: https://www.novodia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/

About Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Zeek Edmond, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning for Tacoma Public Schools. Zeek shares how Tacoma is expanding equitable access to early learning, strengthening teacher retention, and building aligned systems that support both students and educators.

From scaling preschool from a handful of pilot sites to districtwide access, to creating structured mentorship for new and transitioning teachers, this conversation explores how intentional design turns equity goals into everyday practice. Zeek also reflects on his leadership journey featured in 178 Days: Confronting a History of Failure, offering honest lessons on transparency, data-informed culture, and why systems matter as much as strategy.

Key Moments

04:57 Expanding preschool access across Tacoma

06:27 Facilities and logistics of scaling early learning

07:16 Moving from half-day to full-day preschool

09:21 BEST Mentor Program for teacher retention

11:12 Supporting new teachers beyond instruction

14:55 Lessons from 178 Days school turnaround work

17:06 Using data to build student ownership

21:03 Student-selected support through Friday “FaceTime”

24:21 Whole-child systems in daily instruction

29:50 Reducing disruptions to protect learning time

34:23 Course access and scheduling as equity levers

41:17 Field trips as an equity and opportunity strategy

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a clear, systems-level look at how district leaders move from isolated initiatives to coherent, scalable practice. Zeek shares practical examples of early learning expansion, teacher mentorship, and whole-child frameworks that directly improve academic outcomes.

You’ll also hear thoughtful insights on equity that go beyond intention, including how master scheduling, course access, and shared language across departments can either create or remove barriers for students. It’s a valuable listen for leaders focused on sustainability, alignment, and real-world impact.

Connect with Zeek Edmond | Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
Tacoma Public Schools
Website: https://www.tacomaschools.org/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zeek-edmond-coach

Connect with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/

NovoDia
Website: https://www.novodia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/

About Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Peter McWain, Executive Director for Curriculum & Instruction at Santa Fe Public Schools, to unpack what it really takes to design equitable, standards-aligned learning beyond a boxed program. Peter shares the story behind founding an early college high school built for first-generation students, why he prioritizes growth over proficiency, and how federal funding can be braided to expand learning time and opportunity.

Together, they explore what strong curriculum systems look like in practice, how to build teacher capacity (especially in districts with many alternative-licensure educators), and how leaders can fill gaps in instructional materials while keeping expectations high and learning relevant.

Key Moments

03:26 Why Peter founded an Early College High School for first-generation students

05:45 Growth vs. proficiency and how to measure real success

07:14 Context behind outcomes, poverty, and why growth tells the fuller story

08:21 Federal funding and balancing mandates with local instructional autonomy

09:23 Braided funding, compliance realities, and planning amid uncertainty

12:55 Access to rigorous curriculum starts with strong foundations and alignment

14:02 The “Opportunity Myth” lesson and why standards alignment matters

15:19 Why teacher capacity is the real lever, not a perfect program

19:13 Building systems that support grade-level instruction for every classroom

20:27 What culturally responsive teaching looks like in real practice

22:32 Extending learning with 21st Century programming tied to core instruction

32:09 Professional development that sticks through change, coaching, and continuity

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This conversation is practical and honest about what district leaders are up against, from boxed programs that need customization to the real lift of compliance, training, and implementation. Peter breaks down how high expectations, aligned materials, and sustained support help students access rigorous learning without leaving teachers to figure it out alone.

You will also hear clear, actionable ideas for building coherent systems. From using growth measures to tell the true story of progress, to braiding funds and designing professional learning that leads to real classroom practice, this episode offers strategies leaders can apply right away.

Connect with Peter McWain | Executive Director for Curriculum & Instruction, Santa Fe Public Schools
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mcwain-26024b91/
Website: https://www.sfps.info/

Connect with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/

NovoDia
Website: https://www.novodia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/

About Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.