OnYourMark Podcast

Mindy Sjoblom
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education

OnYourMark is a mission-driven podcast exploring how high-dosage virtual tutoring can close early literacy gaps and expand opportunity for students across the country. Through conversations with superintendents, chief academic officers, and education leaders, the show dives into scalable solutions that merge human connection with data-driven instruction. The tone is intelligent, purposeful, and compassionate, focused on equity, access, and impact

  1. Oct 23

    Designing for Multilingual Learners: Technology, Access, and Human Connection

    In this episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, Founder and CEO of Medley Learning, to explore how thoughtful technology can expand access for multilingual learners while keeping human connection at the center of learning. Brandon shares how his own experience as a multilingual learner shaped his career as a special education teacher, principal, district leader, education advisor, and eventually founder. He also explains why years of research on literacy and multilingual learning haven't always translated into classroom practice--and how Medley is working to help close that gap. Mindy and Brandon also dig into student agency, scaffolding without lowering expectations, the role of assistive technology, and why educators need tools that build their capacity rather than replace their relationships with students. Key Moments 01:05 Brandon's journey from educator to founder 04:01 Lessons from his first years teaching 08:33 Closing the research-to-practice gap 11:43 How Medley supports multilingual learners 14:42 Giving students more agency 18:00 Creating space for human connection 22:00 Rethinking technology and screen time 24:54 Making grade-level text accessible 27:11 Why all screen time isn't equal 31:40 Brandon's vision for Medley's future Why You'll Love This Episode Brandon challenges the idea that supporting multilingual learners means lowering the level of the work. Instead, he shares how the right scaffolds can help students access challenging, grade-level content while building greater independence over time. For educators and school leaders navigating questions about AI, screen time, multilingual learning, and student support, this episode offers a practical reminder: technology is most powerful when it creates more opportunities for students to learn, connect, and take meaningful risks. Connect with Brandon Cardet-HernandezLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncardethernandez Medley Learning: https://www.medleylearning.com/  Follow Us:Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education  About OnYourMark PodcastThe OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child. 👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

    Designing for Multilingual Learners: Technology, Access, and Human Connection

  2. Oct 21

    Five Years of OnYourMark: Building, Learning, and Betting on What Works for Kids

    Five years ago, OnYourMark was an idea built around a big question: Could virtual, high-impact tutoring give more students access to the reading support they deserve? In this special fifth-anniversary episode, host Mindy Sjoblom is joined by two advisors who were there from the beginning: Ian Connell, Partner, Innovation - New Ventures at Charter School Growth Fund, and Julie Kennedy, Executive Director of Excellent Schools Washington. Together, they revisit the earliest days of OnYourMark--from the changing literacy landscape and pandemic-era challenges that created an opportunity for innovation to the Seattle planning session that helped turn an idea into an organization. They also reflect on what has remained constant through five years of growth: investing in people, putting student outcomes first, embracing research and continuous improvement, and using technology to strengthen--not replace--the human relationships at the heart of learning. Key Moments 01:36 Ian and Julie's connection to OnYourMark 03:59 The literacy challenge that sparked the work 06:09 Why 2020 created a unique opportunity 09:39 Mindy's decision to take the founder leap 13:49 Building the original OnYourMark vision 18:26 From an ambitious goal to thousands of students 19:26 Why investing in people became the core strategy 27:48 Using AI to strengthen tutor coaching 33:47 Looking back at what OnYourMark proved 38:05 What the next five years could hold Why You'll Love This Episode Ian, Julie, and Mindy share what it really takes to move from an idea to an intervention that works inside the complexity of schools. They talk openly about the assumptions they had to test, the importance of strong implementation, and how OnYourMark has evolved alongside new research and technology. Most importantly, the conversation is a reminder that innovation in education is still fundamentally about people. Technology can make coaching smarter and programs more scalable, but meaningful relationships between students and educators remain at the center. For education leaders, founders, and anyone interested in literacy and innovation, this episode offers a practical look at what five years of building, testing, learning, and improving can make possible for kids. Connect with Ian ConnellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianconnell Charter School Growth Fund: https://chartergrowthfund.org/  Connect with Julie KennedyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-trott-kennedy-21453a28 Excellent Schools Washington: https://www.excellentschoolswa.org/  Follow Us:Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education  About OnYourMark PodcastThe OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child. 👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

    Five Years of OnYourMark: Building, Learning, and Betting on What Works for Kids

  3. Sep 22

    Designing Literacy Intervention That Works: How Jamie Thomas Builds for Student Impact at OnYourMark

    In today's episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Jamie Thomas, Managing Director of Program Design and Impact at OnYourMark and one of the organization's founding team members. Jamie shares how her journey from elementary teaching to early childhood program design, instructional coaching, and literacy intervention shaped the work she leads today. Together, Mindy and Jamie reflect on how OnYourMark has evolved over the past five years--from an early idea to supporting thousands of students with targeted literacy intervention. Mindy and Jamie discuss what it really takes to design an effective literacy program: listening to students, tutors, and school partners; grounding decisions in the science of reading; using data to continuously improve; and protecting the relationship between students and tutors. They also explore why early intervention matters, how support needs to change for older struggling readers, and what research has taught OnYourMark about delivering effective and sustainable high-dosage tutoring. Key Moments 01:05 Jamie's path from classroom teacher to literacy program leader05:37 Designing intervention through research, data, and listening07:48 How school collaboration improves student outcomes11:37 Using tutor feedback to strengthen program design13:07 Listening to student voices in tutoring15:51 Why early literacy intervention matters18:03 Supporting older struggling readers differently23:22 Creating coherence across different literacy curricula28:46 What research has taught OnYourMark about tutoring32:58 How OnYourMark trains and develops tutors35:03 What schools should look for in a literacy intervention partner Why You'll Love This Episode If you care about literacy intervention, high-dosage tutoring, or designing programs that actually respond to student needs, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how OnYourMark approaches the work. Jamie shares why strong program design starts with listening, how research and continuous improvement shape decisions, and why relationships remain essential even in highly structured literacy intervention. You'll also hear practical insight into supporting older struggling readers, building coherence with school partners, and developing tutors who are prepared to deliver strong instruction from day one. Connect with Jamie ThomasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-thomas-1a5a0718 Website: https://onyourmarkeducation.org/  Follow Us:Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education  About OnYourMark PodcastThe OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child. 👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

    Designing Literacy Intervention That Works: How Jamie Thomas Builds for Student Impact at OnYourMark

  4. Aug 3

    From Accountability to Impact: How Melissa Gude Is Strengthening Early Literacy in Little Rock School District

    In today's episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Melissa Gude, Chief Academic Officer at Little Rock School District in Arkansas. Melissa shares how her path from a nontraditional start in education to district-level leadership shaped her belief in mission-driven work, strong instructional systems, and collective accountability for student outcomes. Mindy and Melissa discuss how Arkansas's LEARNS Act has changed the early literacy landscape, including new third-grade promotion requirements, individualized reading plans, and the statewide ATLAS assessment system. Melissa also explains how Little Rock improved third-grade literacy outcomes by investing in high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, high-impact tutoring, and outcomes-based contracting. Key Moments00:52 Melissa Gude's journey into education leadership 07:40 How the LEARNS Act changed literacy in Arkansas 12:22 Third-grade accountability and reading success 16:11 Strengthening instruction with high-quality curriculum 18:46 Why outcomes-based contracting works 24:09 Building strong district and school partnerships 27:20 Terry Elementary's literacy success story 30:21 Improving attendance for tutoring success 34:15 Advice for districts implementing high-impact tutoring 38:51 Looking ahead to earlier literacy intervention Why You'll Love This Episode If you care about early literacy, district accountability, or making sure education investments lead to measurable student growth, this conversation offers a practical look at what it takes. Melissa speaks honestly about the opportunities and challenges created by new literacy legislation, the importance of selecting the right partners, and why successful tutoring requires more than purchasing a program. It takes clear expectations, shared ownership, strong school leadership, and consistent communication. Her reflections offer valuable lessons for any district leader working to improve literacy outcomes while making thoughtful and sustainable decisions about resources. Connect with Melissa GudeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gude-education Little Rock School District: https://www.lrsd.org/  Follow Us:Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education  About OnYourMark PodcastThe OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child. 👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

    From Accountability to Impact: How Melissa Gude Is Strengthening Early Literacy in Little Rock School District

  5. Jul 17

    Strengthening Literacy Pathways: How Readers Are Being Supported in Haverhill Public Schools

    In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Margaret Marotta, Superintendent of Haverhill Public Schools, and Bonnie Antkowiak, Assistant Superintendent of Haverhill Public Schools. Together, they share how Haverhill is building stronger, more coherent literacy systems across grade levels, from early reading instruction to secondary literacy and high-dosage tutoring. Mindy, Margaret, and Bonnie discuss what makes Haverhill special, including its deep community pride, diverse student population, and strong pathways for educators to grow within the district. They also explore how high-quality instructional materials, thoughtful implementation, MTSS, and tutoring are helping more students access grade-level learning and build confidence as readers. Key Moments03:22 What makes Haverhill Public Schools special05:40 Growing educators from within the community07:40 Supporting diverse learners through cohesive curriculum and MTSS09:47 Why Haverhill was named a Spotlight District for secondary literacy10:20 Implementing high-quality instructional materials in high school12:13 Leading through teacher pushback with flexibility and support15:18 Supporting struggling readers with interventionists and co-teaching17:28 Building coherence across K–8 literacy instruction20:15 Using data to strengthen Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports22:52 How high-dosage tutoring fits into Haverhill’s literacy system28:08 Student investment and relationships in virtual tutoring30:02 Funding literacy priorities through grants and community partnerships32:05 A five-year vision for Haverhill’s literacy outcomes Why You’ll Love This EpisodeIf you care about literacy systems, implementation, and making sure every student has access to strong instruction, this episode offers a practical look inside district leadership. Margaret and Bonnie share how Haverhill is aligning resources to priorities, supporting teachers through change, and expanding reading intervention so more students can grow with confidence. Connect with Margaret Marotta and Bonnie AntkowiakHaverhill Public Schools: https://www.haverhill-ps.org/ Margaret Marotta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-marotta-smith-47508926 Bonnie Antkowiak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-antkowiak-8051463b/ Follow Us:Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education About OnYourMark PodcastThe OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child. 👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

    Strengthening Literacy Pathways: How Readers Are Being Supported in Haverhill Public Schools

  6. Jun 17

    Leading with Equity, Literacy, and Heart: Dr. Theresa Rouse’s Journey Transforming Joliet Public Schools District 86

    In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86 in Illinois. With more than 30 years in education and 16 years as a superintendent, Dr. Rouse reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to district leader and shares how a commitment to equity, cultural proficiency, and whole-child support has shaped nearly a decade of transformation in Joliet. Mindy and Dr. Rouse discuss the district’s equity journey, the importance of examining personal biases before changing systems, and the intentional literacy strategies helping students recover and accelerate after the pandemic. They also explore the role of music, art, social-emotional learning, and community trust in creating schools where every child can thrive. As Dr. Rouse prepares for retirement in 2027, she reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave behind—and the torch she hopes to pass forward. Key Moments01:19 Dr. Rouse’s path from classroom teacher to superintendent 03:11 Arriving in Joliet and uncovering the district’s biggest challenge 06:12 Beginning the district’s cultural proficiency and equity journey 08:19 Personal reflection, bias, and leadership growth 09:55 Leading difficult conversations as a new superintendent 12:44 Why meaningful organizational change took two years to build 16:33 Results of the district’s equity-focused approach 20:19 Embedding equity into strategic planning and hiring practices 21:37 What literacy through an equity lens looks like in practice 22:43 Strengthening kindergarten literacy through targeted support 25:28 Recovering from pandemic learning loss and accelerating growth 26:15 Building coherent literacy systems across the district 28:24 Supporting multilingual learners through resources and access 29:49 Selecting and implementing Wit & Wisdom as a core curriculum 31:04 Why social-emotional learning is foundational to academic success 33:33 The role of music and art in educating the whole child 37:30 Preparing for retirement and passing the torch to the next leader 38:21 New schools, facility investments, and leaving a lasting legacy Why You’ll Love This EpisodeIf you care about educational equity, literacy leadership, and creating systems that truly serve all students, this conversation is a must-listen. Dr. Rouse offers a thoughtful and deeply personal perspective on leading change, supporting educators, and ensuring every child has access to the opportunities they deserve. Her reflections on leadership, community trust, and whole-child education provide valuable lessons for district leaders at every stage of their journey. Connect with Dr. Theresa Rouse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-rouse-ed-d-bb65521a Website: https://www.joliet86.org/ Follow Us:Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education About OnYourMark PodcastThe OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child. 👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

  7. Mar 25

    Inside Greenwich’s Literacy Success: Strategy, Consistency, and Community Involvement

    In this episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. Toni Jones, Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools in Connecticut, for a deep and honest conversation about what it really takes to build successful early literacy programs in schools. Dr. Toni Jones shares her remarkable career journey across different states and countries, and how those diverse experiences shaped her commitment to equity in education. Together, they dive into the unique challenges of leading a high-performing yet economically diverse district, facing persistent achievement gaps, and pivoting through the disruptive years of COVID-19. Dr. Toni Jones opens up about the strategic decisions that helped level the playing field for all students, including system-wide literacy initiatives, targeted use of federal funds, consistent implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and innovative tutoring and volunteer programs. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical insights on leveraging data, building strong principal leadership, fostering collaboration over competition, and making the most of available resources, no matter the budget. Mindy Sjoblom and Dr. Toni Jones also look ahead to the future of education, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence, the need to prepare students for an ever-changing world, and what’s next for Greenwich’s Achieve 2028 strategic plan. Key Moments 06:21 Improving Literacy Through Phonics 07:45 Balanced Literacy for All Students 10:51 Achieving Literacy Success 14:54 Streamlined Math Resource Adoption 19:14 Greenwich's Strong Volunteer Community 21:10 MTSS Leadership and Power Tutoring 26:29 Strategic Problem-Solving Through Data 29:37 "Resource Allocation for Education Effectiveness" 33:18 Adapting Education for AI Future 36:07 Implementing and Exploring AI in Schools 39:04 AI Translation and Education Tools Why You’ll Love This Episode If you’re working to improve early literacy outcomes without losing sight of equity, this episode is packed with practical insight. Dr. Toni Jones shares how to move from inconsistent practices to a clear, districtwide system that delivers results, especially for students who need it most. You’ll hear how consistency, strategic use of resources, and data-driven decision-making can close gaps, strengthen instruction, and support teachers at scale. Plus, the conversation offers a real look at balancing structure with student engagement, and what it takes to lead meaningful change across diverse schools. Connect with Dr. Toni Jones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtonijones Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/ Follow Us:Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education About OnYourMark Podcast The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child. 👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

    Inside Greenwich’s Literacy Success: Strategy, Consistency, and Community Involvement

  8. Jan 6

    Capacity Through Clarity: How Dr. NaTasha Crain Is Strengthening Literacy Systems in Marshall ISD

    In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. NaTasha Crain, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Marshall Independent School District in East Texas. With her entire career rooted in East Texas public schools, Dr. Crain shares how her journey from secondary English teacher to elementary principal to district leader—has shaped her belief in strong Tier 1 instruction, aligned systems, and clear expectations for adults. Mindy and Dr. Crain explore how Marshall ISD is improving literacy outcomes by investing in professional learning, lesson rehearsal, and consistent instructional practices. The conversation also highlights how clarity in communication, thoughtful MTSS systems, and intentional implementation of resources like i-Ready are helping teachers meet students where they are—while ensuring equity across classrooms.. Key Moments 01:05 Dr. Crain’s career journey across East Texas public schools 03:45 From secondary to elementary leadership: lessons learned 07:32 Improving literacy outcomes through Tier 1 instruction 09:54 Building teacher capacity through explicit instruction and alignment 11:10 District-wide PD structure and six-week planning cycles 12:30 Lesson rehearsal and PLCs as tools for instructional growth 13:33 Redefining Tier 2 and Tier 3 support through MTSS 15:30 Using i-Ready diagnostics and stretch goals to close gaps 17:42 Monitoring fidelity and implementation with clear systems 20:29 Supporting emergent bilingual learners and early literacy foundations 24:07 Building a culture of continuous learning through modeling 27:15 A five-year vision for equity and whole-child success 28:48 What Dr. Crain is reading: The Craft of Clarity 30:14 “Paint done”: communicating expectations with precision Why You’ll Love This Episode If you’re focused on literacy improvement, professional learning, or system-wide coherence, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement. Dr. Crain shares how clarity is kind, why Tier 1 instruction does the heavy lifting, and how leaders can build trust by learning alongside teachers. Her grounded approach to equity and implementation makes this a valuable listen for district and campus leaders alike. Connect with Dr NaTasha CrainLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-natasha-crain-337575b5Website:https://www.marshallisd.com/ Follow Us:Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblomOnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education About OnYourMark PodcastThe OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child. 👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.

    Capacity Through Clarity: How Dr. NaTasha Crain Is Strengthening Literacy Systems in Marshall ISD
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

OnYourMark is a mission-driven podcast exploring how high-dosage virtual tutoring can close early literacy gaps and expand opportunity for students across the country. Through conversations with superintendents, chief academic officers, and education leaders, the show dives into scalable solutions that merge human connection with data-driven instruction. The tone is intelligent, purposeful, and compassionate, focused on equity, access, and impact

Information

  • Creator
    Mindy Sjoblom
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mindy Sjoblom