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In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, Valorie Montgomery and Sue Herrera sit down with Michael Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ). With more than 30 years in education, Michael leads a groundbreaking collaboration among rural districts in South Texas—one that’s creating real-world, high-impact opportunities for students through shared academies and innovative career pathways.

Michael shares how the Zone came to life, what makes its model so unique, and how rural districts can work together to increase opportunities without losing their identity. From healthcare certifications to welding, drone technology, and early childhood education, RSIZ is proving that rural schools don’t have to do everything alone to offer students big possibilities.

Whether you’re listening from Missouri or anywhere else in the country, this conversation offers inspiration, practical insights, and a blueprint for rural leaders ready to collaborate, innovate, and rethink what’s possible for their students.

Resources:

The Rural School Innovation Zone

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In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, hosts Valorie Montgomery and Sue Herrera welcome Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth—a nationally recognized educator, author, and edtech consultant—who helps teachers navigate the evolving landscape of education. Dr. Poth, who teaches Spanish and STEAM in Pennsylvania, shares her insights on emerging technologies such as AI, VR, and cybersecurity, making them approachable and practical for classrooms.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Poth reflects on her journey in education and how her perspective on AI has evolved over more than seven years of hands-on experience. She offers guidance for teachers feeling overwhelmed by new tools, highlighting simple entry points and real-world examples of AI integration that enhance learning. Emphasizing the importance of student agency, social-emotional learning (SEL), and real-world readiness, she explains how technology can support—not replace—human-centered teaching.

The conversation also touches on the ethical and legal implications of AI in education, encouraging educators to stay informed and intentional. Dr. Poth concludes by sharing her outlook on the future, predicting that AI and other emerging tools will shape classrooms over the next few years by fostering creativity, curiosity, and connection.

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth’s Website

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In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, hosts Valorie Montgomery and Rebecca Kessler sit down with David Williams, principal of Hancock Place High School, to talk about what it really means to reimagine education. David shares how his team is creating a student-centered learning environment through competency-based education, flexible scheduling, and a strong school culture. His work shows what’s possible when educators move beyond theory and take bold action to transform the student experience.

Resources:

Hancock Place

John Hattie

Simon Sinek “Start with The Why”

Tom Guskey

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In this episode of TransformEd with StepUp, hosts Valorie Montgomery and Shauna Stephanchick sit down with Sarah Kennedy, a public health professional and community development field specialist at the University of Missouri Extension. With over 15 years of experience in data, evaluation, and systems change, Sarah shares how MU Extension is bridging the gap between education, business, and community to strengthen early childhood systems across the state.

From free business coaching for childcare providers to innovative early learning programs and statewide after-school networks, Sarah walks us through the many ways MU Extension “brings the university to you.” Listeners will leave this episode with a clearer understanding of how to connect local needs to statewide resources—especially in early childhood and family engagement.

Featured Resources Mentioned:

• MU Extension Website
• MU Extension Early Childhood
• Missouri Small Business Development Center
• Missouri Supporting Early Childhood Administration
• Missouri After School Network
  • Contact: Mark Cowsert cowsertm@missouri.edu (573) 882-9665
  • Regional Staff
• Parenting Foundations
• Early Child Care Virtual MOPD Trainings
  Research Briefs
  • The Economic Impact of Child Care Shortage in Missouri
  • Missouri Economic Indicators Data Brief on Child Care

Mental Health Summit for Child Care Administrators - Jefferson City - October 18 from 9:00am-4:00pm (FREE)

Crisis to Collaboration: Tackling the Child Care Challenge - Lake of the Ozarks - November 12 from 11:00am-1:30pm (FREE)

Key Quote:

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In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, Dr. Sabba Quidwai (author of How Design Thinking Makes You Irreplaceable in a World with AI) joins us to explore how schools can embrace AI without losing the human connection that makes learning powerful.

Dr. Quidwai shares why innovation begins with empathy, not technology, and how design thinking helps leaders uncover real problems before rushing to solutions. She challenges common misconceptions about AI, explains how to approach it as a trusted team member, and highlights the uniquely human skills—like curiosity, creativity, and collaboration—that will keep us thriving in an AI-driven future.

Full of practical strategies and inspiring stories from her work with schools, this conversation is a roadmap for any leader ready to move from fear to confidence with AI while designing cultures of innovation.

🔗Resources:

https://www.designingschools.org/

How Design Thinking Makes You Irreplaceable in a World with AI

Learn More about the Design Thinking Process

Gemini (Google AI)

Canva

The Song of Significance

Harvard Business Journal: Top 100 Uses of AI

Design 39 School

Google Design Sprint

Google Click (The Foundation Sprint)

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In this episode, we sit down with one of the most influential thinkers in modern education—Jay McTighe, co-author of the landmark Understanding by Design framework. With more than 5 decades in the field, Jay has shaped the way educators around the globe think about curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

From his early work in gifted education to co-authoring with Grant Wiggins, Jay shares how his experiences continue to fuel his passion for authentic, student-centered learning. Together, the hosts and Jay explore the lasting impact of Understanding by Design (UbD), the importance of backward planning, and why teaching for transfer is more critical now than ever before.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Jay’s Journey in Education: From classroom teacher to state-level leader to international author and consultant.
• The Origins of UbD: How a partnership with Grant Wiggins reshaped curriculum planning worldwide.
• Why UbD Endures: Understanding and transfer as timeless goals for student learning.
• The “Three Sins” of Curriculum Planning.
• Backward Design in Action: Clarity of goals, alignment of assessments, and purposeful instruction.
• Relevance Today: Why transfer and authentic assessment matter in a world of rapid change, AI, and unforeseen challenges like COVID.
  
  

Resources:

https://jaymctighe.com/

Understanding by Design (UbD) – by Grant Wiggins & Jay McTighe
Leading Modern Learning – by Jay McTighe
Assessing Student Learning by Design – by Jay McTighe

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In this episode of TransformEd with StepUp, we sit down with Dr. Mike Schmoker — former teacher, administrator, and nationally recognized author of Focus and Results Now.

Dr. Schmoker shares the disconnect he saw early in his career between teacher preparation programs and the actual needs of classrooms. He outlines three essential elements schools should prioritize above all else:

1. Clear curriculum guidance — what to teach and when.
2. Structured instruction — with regular checks for understanding.
3. Literacy — purposeful reading, discussion, and writing across subjects.

The conversation explores how leaders can simplify professional development, keep staff focused on proven practices, and monitor implementation for real results. Dr. Schmoker closes with his perspective on the future of education — noting both encouraging momentum in phonics instruction and the stubborn persistence of ineffective practices.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, principal, or district leader, this episode offers practical guidance to cut through the noise and focus on what works.

Resources:

Mike Schmoker's Website

Results Now 2.0 (Book)

Focus (book)

Linda Darling-Hammond

Madeline Hunter Instructional Model

Robert Marzano

Sold a Story Podcast Series (Emily Hanford)

If Literacy is a Priority, Why Do We Cling to the Wrong Practices? EduWeek Article

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In this episode of TransformEd with StepUp, we sit down with Jan Richardson, the Guided Reading guru and author of the Next Step Forward in Guided Reading series, whose work has shaped how educators approach reading instruction across the globe. Jan shares her proven framework for small-group reading that integrates phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency into every lesson. She offers practical strategies for supporting struggling readers, challenging advanced learners, and meeting the needs of English learners — all while fostering independence and a genuine love of reading.

Our conversation covers the essential moves educators can make to transform literacy instruction, from planning purposeful lessons to creating equitable opportunities for every student to succeed. Whether you’re a teacher looking to refine your small-group instruction, an instructional coach supporting literacy growth, or a school leader driving school reform, Jan’s advice will give you actionable steps you can implement immediately.

This episode is packed with research-based insights, real-world examples, and encouragement from one of the most trusted voices in education. If your focus is literacy, school reform, and raising student achievement, you won’t want to miss the wisdom of Jan Richardson.

Resources:

Jan Richardson's Website

Literacy Tips

Literacy Footprints Classroom Kits

Literacy Footprints Free Resources

RISE intervention progra