Unlock 360

Wendy York Davoud

Welcome to Unlock 360 Podcast, where each episode unpacks the practices, partnerships, and people behind measurable gains in student outcomes. From building collaborative leadership cultures to designing equity-driven systems, you'll hear what happens when clarity, coherence, and coaching align. Whether you're a superintendent, campus leader, or classroom educator, Unlock 360 offers fresh insights, practical strategies, and an honest look at what it takes to create lasting impact. New episodes released biweekly.

  1. Aug 24

    S.5 | Ep. 26: Amplify, Don't Simplify: Creating Opportunity for Multilingual Learners with Evan Stevens

    In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Evan B. Stevens, Multilingual Learner Support Specialist with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina. After beginning his career as a music educator, Evan transitioned into multilingual learner education and district-level support, where he now works with educators across 21 schools. He shares how his varied background in teaching, technology, and data shapes his approach to helping multilingual learners access meaningful learning opportunities.Evan explores how Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is bringing STEAM, technology, and artificial intelligence into multilingual learner education. From 3D printing and virtual reality to robotics and AI prompting, he explains why language proficiency should never determine the level of challenge or opportunity available to students. Evan highlights the idea of 'amplify, not simplify,' emphasizing that educators can provide language scaffolds while still asking multilingual learners to think critically, solve complex problems, and engage with rigorous content. The conversation also examines how AI can strengthen instructional coaching and professional learning. Evan shares examples of using AI and data to identify specific opportunities for improvement, generate targeted PLC conversations, and build his own capacity as a coach. He also discusses the importance of relationships between district leaders and classroom educators, ensuring resources reflect the diverse languages and backgrounds students bring to school, and creating a shared sense of purpose across multilingual learner teams. Key Moments 01:42 Evan's Journey into Education 03:31 Making Multilingual Learners Visible 05:39 Bringing AI into Language Learning 06:38 Expanding STEAM Opportunities 07:46 Measuring Engagement and Achievement 10:24 Supporting Multilingual Learners Across Charlotte 13:16 Understanding Charlotte's Language Diversity 15:39 Supporting Non-Spanish-Speaking Learners 18:39 Language Does Not Limit Ability 20:18 Amplify, Don't Simplify 24:56 Bringing AI into Education 26:01 Developing AI Champions 27:50 Using AI to Strengthen Coaching 28:51 Improving PLCs Through AI and Data 32:57 Building Trust with Teachers 36:22 Connecting Multilingual Learner Communities Why You'll Love This Episode Evan offers a fresh perspective on multilingual learner education by challenging the idea that language development should mean lowering academic expectations. His examples show how technology, STEAM, AI, thoughtful scaffolding, and strong teacher relationships can expand opportunities while helping students develop both language and future-ready skills. Connect with Evan StevensCharlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Website: https://www.cmsk12.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanbstevens Email: evanb.stevens@cms.k12.nc.us Follow UsWendy 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.

  2. Aug 21

    S.5 | Ep. 25: Creating Consistency, Fiscal Strength, and Better Outcomes for Students

    In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Jim Sebert, Superintendent of the School District of Waukesha in Wisconsin. With 30 years in education and two decades as a superintendent, Jim reflects on his leadership journey, his belief that the superintendency is more of a lifestyle than a job, and the experiences that inspired his recently published book, Going to School: A Life in Education.Jim shares how Waukesha has strengthened student achievement by moving from teacher-created resources toward a guaranteed and viable curriculum with greater consistency across schools and classrooms. He discusses the district's investment of more than $11 million in curriculum, its focus on impactful coaching and professional development, and the significant academic growth that has followed. Jim also explains how fiscal responsibility and student achievement can coexist, including Waukesha's achievement of becoming debt-free while continuing to direct resources toward classrooms and students. The conversation also explores one of the most difficult challenges facing many school systems: declining enrollment and the need to right-size district operations. Jim walks through Waukesha's 'Optimizing Our Future' process, including 37 community meetings, extensive stakeholder feedback, school consolidations, and the lessons his team learned about leading change transparently. He also shares how the district uses focused KPIs, teacher collaboration, strategic resource allocation, and community engagement to build a smaller but stronger school system positioned for continued improvement. Key Moments 01:57 A Life Dedicated to Education 03:08 Going to School: A Life in Education 05:53 The Superintendency as a Lifestyle 08:02 Leading Waukesha Through COVID 09:33 Creating a Consistent School System 10:03 Investing in Curriculum and Achievement 11:05 Balancing Achievement and Fiscal Responsibility 15:52 Building Collective Efficacy 18:59 Right-Sizing the District 23:05 Optimizing Waukesha's Future 24:45 Listening Through Community Engagement 27:47 Using Feedback to Guide Decisions 32:43 Lessons from Leading a Referendum 36:10 Making a Smaller Footprint Stronger 42:53 Focusing on Meaningful KPIs Why You'll Love This Episode Jim offers a practical look at what it takes to lead a district through academic transformation, declining enrollment, school consolidation, and financial change without losing sight of students. His experiences demonstrate how consistency, transparent communication, focused metrics, and strong community engagement can help school systems navigate difficult decisions while continuing to improve outcomes. Connect with Jim Sebert School District of Waukesha Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-sebert-ed-d-6a819119 Email: jsebert@waukesha.k12.wi.us Book: Going to School: A Life in Education Follow UsWendy 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.

  3. Aug 19

    S.5 | Ep. 24: Empowering Every Scholar Through Voice, Resilience, and Opportunity

    In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Rhonda Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Uniondale Union Free School District in New York. Drawing on 37 years in education, Rhonda reflects on her journey from middle school teacher to principal, superintendent, and district leader, sharing how relationships and a commitment to being 'in service for children' have shaped every stage of her career.Rhonda explores Uniondale's strategic promise to ensure every scholar is empowered, responsible, resilient, and prepared for leadership, college, and career. She discusses how the district has strengthened attendance, academic achievement, scholar engagement, and graduation outcomes by creating classrooms where students feel valued and have a meaningful voice. Rhonda also shares how professional development, classroom visits, inquiry teams, PLCs, and collaborative leadership structures are helping educators learn from one another and continuously improve instruction. The conversation also highlights Uniondale's commitment to expanding opportunity and developing student leaders. From opening AP courses to more scholars and creating AP ambassadors to including student voices in superintendent advisory groups and school board conversations, Rhonda explains why students should be active participants in shaping their educational experience. She also looks ahead to Uniondale's next strategic planning cycle and its continued pursuit of a bold goal: preparing every scholar to graduate on time and succeed in whatever path they choose. Key Moments 00:48 Rhonda's 37-Year Education Journey 02:32 Falling in Love with Teaching 04:44 Building Relationships with Scholars 07:52 Leading Through Service 10:27 Uniondale's Promise to Every Scholar 13:28 Improving Attendance and Achievement 16:37 Increasing Scholar Voice in Classrooms 18:54 Teachers Learning from Teachers 19:47 Collaboration Through Inquiry Teams 21:30 Developing Collaborative Leaders 23:35 Expanding Access to AP Courses 25:16 Creating Student Leadership Opportunities 27:53 The Goal of 100% Graduation 29:37 Uniondale's Four Strategic Goals 34:00 Educators Who Shaped Rhonda's Leadership Why You'll Love This Episode Rhonda offers an inspiring and practical perspective on creating educational systems centered on relationships, scholar voice, and opportunity. From expanding access to rigorous coursework to strengthening collaboration among teachers and leaders, she demonstrates how a clear promise to students can guide decisions and create meaningful, sustainable improvement. Connect with Rhonda Taylor Website: https://district.uniondaleschools.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-taylor-42b933234 Email: rtaylor@uniondaleschools.org Follow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryorkLead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead.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.

  4. Aug 17

    S.5 | Ep. 23: Turning Teacher Voice Into Student Success with Jaym S Abraham

    In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Jaym S Abraham, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Harper Creek Community Schools in Michigan. Jaym reflects on his journey from high school teacher and coach to building principal and district leader, sharing how each role strengthened his belief that education is fundamentally a relationship business.Jaym explores how Harper Creek is creating stronger systems around professional learning, PBIS, PLCs, and tiered student support. He explains why districts must give educators the time and structures needed to collaborate, use data, and respond to student needs. From teacher-led professional development to intentional intervention schedules and a districtwide curriculum council, Jaym shares how empowering educators can turn existing expertise into meaningful improvement. The conversation also highlights Jaym's experience leading successful school turnarounds and the lessons those experiences taught him about culture, accountability, and collective ownership. He shares how one school moved from roughly 11 to 12 percent proficiency to 57 percent in a single year with the same staff, and how another became a top-performing middle school in Michigan. Throughout the episode, Jaym emphasizes keeping improvement focused, building reflection into the system, and creating environments where educators have both a voice and responsibility for results. Key Moments 00:41 Jaym's Journey into Education 03:02 Stepping Into District Leadership 04:52 Avoiding Initiative Fatigue 06:35 Teacher-Led Professional Learning 07:49 Building Collaboration Into the Schedule 10:46 Schedules Reflect District Priorities 12:36 Creating Districtwide Leadership Structures 14:34 Empowering Educators Through Voice 15:49 Turning Around an Elementary School 18:17 Sustaining School Improvement 20:43 Building High-Performing Leadership Teams 22:27 Creating Internal Accountability 24:45 Making Reflection Unavoidable 26:53 The Culture of Harper Creek 30:31 Leaders Who Shaped Jaym's Journey Why You'll Love This Episode Jaym offers a practical look at how strong systems, collaborative teams, and educator voice can drive meaningful school improvement. His experiences demonstrate that transformation does not always require another new program. Sometimes the most powerful change comes from giving educators the right structures, time, trust, and accountability to work together around the needs of every student. Connect with Jaym S Abraham Website: https://www.harpercreek.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaym-abraham-463a3238 Email: abrahamj@harpercreek.net Follow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryorkLead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead.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.

  5. Aug 14

    S.5 | Ep. 22: Collaborative Culture and Future-Ready Learning with Superintendent Dave Moyer

    In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Dave Moyer, Superintendent of Northport-East Northport Union Free School District in New York. Drawing on more than 17 years of superintendent experience across three states, Dave shares the leadership lessons he's learned while guiding school systems through change, building trust, and creating collaborative cultures that keep students at the center of every decision.Dave reflects on stepping into a district navigating significant financial and community challenges following the pandemic. He explains how strengthening communication, investing in leadership development, and creating shared understanding helped move the district from uncertainty toward a more unified vision for the future. The conversation explores professional learning communities, instructional leadership, change management, future-focused learning, and the importance of building leadership capacity at every level of the organization. Dave also shares his perspective on preserving opportunities for students while responding to declining enrollment, and why strong systems--not individual heroes--create lasting success for schools. Key Moments 00:42 Dave's Journey into Educational Leadership 02:38 Why Public Education Matters 06:23 Lessons from Leading Across Three States 09:34 Entering a District During Change 14:56 Building Trust Through Leadership 18:34 Creating Strong Professional Learning Communities 21:01 Personalizing Learning for Every Student 23:03 Responding to Declining Enrollment 26:16 Developing Leadership Capacity 28:58 Why Collaboration Matters More Than Ever 29:52 Celebrating Student Success Beyond Test Scores 31:11 Honoring Influential Mentors Why You'll Love This Episode Dr. Moyer shares practical leadership strategies for building trust, strengthening instructional leadership, and creating collaborative systems that improve outcomes for every student. His thoughtful perspective on leading through change, preparing schools for the future, and empowering educators offers valuable insights for superintendents, principals, and district leaders alike. Connect with Dr. Dave MoyerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-moyer-88716a17 Website: https://www.northport.k12.ny.us/ Email: david.moyer@northport.k12.ny.us Follow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryorkLead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead.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.

  6. Aug 12

    S.5 | Ep. 21: How Strong School Communities Shape Lifelong Learners with Dr. Joseph S. Piccirillo

    In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Joseph S. Piccirillo, Superintendent of Newton Public Schools in New Jersey. Beginning his career as a high school music and theater teacher, Joseph shares how creativity, curiosity, and a passion for lifelong learning have shaped his approach to educational leadership and his vision for serving every student with dignity and purpose.Joseph reflects on leading Newton Public Schools through the continued recovery from the pandemic while strengthening academics, investing in facilities, expanding student opportunities, and building stronger connections across the community. He explains how strategic investments in school environments, communication, and partnerships have helped foster greater pride among students, families, and the broader Newton community. The conversation also explores leadership rooted in mission and values, preparing students for an AI-driven future, developing character alongside academic excellence, and honoring the unique strengths of every learner. Joseph shares thoughtful insights on why schools should focus as much on developing good people as they do on preparing successful graduates. Key Moments 01:29 How Music Shaped His Leadership 02:36 Inspiring Lifelong Curiosity 07:17 Leading Through Pandemic Recovery 10:10 Investing in Schools and Community Pride 14:08 Expanding College and Career Opportunities 18:33 Building a Mission-Driven District 22:57 Developing Leaders Through Character 27:46 Preparing Students for an AI Future 29:11 Why Character Matters More Than Ever 32:16 Sharing the Newton Story 33:15 The Lesson That Changed Joseph's Leadership Why You'll Love This Episode Dr. Piccirillo offers a thoughtful perspective on educational leadership that balances academic excellence with character development, community pride, and lifelong curiosity. His reflections on mission-driven leadership, preparing students for an evolving world, and recognizing the dignity of every learner provide valuable inspiration for educators and school leaders alike. Connect with Dr. Joseph S. PiccirilloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joseph-s-piccirillo-38571238 Website: https://www.newtonnj.org/ Email: jpiccirillo@newtonnj.org Follow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryorkLead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead.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.

  7. Aug 10

    S.5 | Ep. 20: Building Belonging, Student Voice, and Stronger Schools with Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula

    In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Superintendent of Oak Harbor Public Schools in Washington. With more than 35 years in public education and leadership experience across multiple states, Michelle shares how listening deeply to students, families, and the community has shaped a unified vision for one of Washington's unique military-connected school districts.Michelle reflects on her own educational journey, including the counselor who told her she wasn't 'college material' and the teachers and mentors who inspired her to prove otherwise. She explains how those experiences continue to fuel her commitment to ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. The conversation explores Oak Harbor's 'One Oak Harbor' philosophy, the power of student voice in strategic planning, creating a strong sense of belonging for highly mobile military families, and building coherent instructional systems that strengthen both academic achievement and community partnerships. Michelle also shares practical leadership lessons on listening first, leading with purpose, and designing schools around the student experience. Key Moments 00:54 Michelle's Journey into Education 04:02 The Counselor Who Changed Her Path 09:48 Listening Before Leading 11:06 Creating a Community-Driven Strategic Plan 14:33 Measuring Progress Beyond the Plan 15:53 Balancing Belonging and Academic Rigor 17:33 Building Collaborative Learning Systems 19:37 Leadership Lessons Across States 22:23 Learning Through Student Voice 25:28 The One Oak Harbor Experience 27:58 Sharing Alumni Success Stories 29:12 A Tribute to Mrs. Dana Why You'll Love This Episode Dr. Kuss-Cybula shares inspiring leadership lessons on building community trust, elevating student voice, and creating school systems where every student feels they belong while achieving at high levels. Her practical approach to strategic planning, collaboration, and culture offers valuable insights for district and school leaders everywhere. Connect with Dr. Michelle Kuss-CybulaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kuss-cybula-ed-d-4b2322319 Website: https://ohsd.net/ Email: mkuss-cybula@ohsd.net Follow UsWendy 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.

  8. Aug 7

    S.5 | Ep. 19: Growing Student Success Through Trust, Purpose, and Everyday Excellence

    In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Scott Nielsen, Superintendent of Weld RE-5J School District in Colorado. With more than three decades in education and a career that began in special education, Scott shares how his experiences as a teacher, coach, principal, and district leader have shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in relationships, strengths, and student-centered learning.Scott reflects on leading a growing district while rebuilding trust, strengthening instructional leadership, and creating systems that empower educators to improve outcomes for every student. He explains how shifting the focus from accountability ratings to daily teaching and learning has transformed professional learning communities, increased collaboration among school leaders, and helped one elementary school become a model for instructional excellence across the district. The conversation also explores celebrating success, elevating student voice, expanding work-based learning opportunities, and helping every student discover a sense of purpose and belonging. Scott shares practical leadership lessons on simplifying priorities, building strong school culture, and creating learning experiences that connect students' passions with future opportunities. Key Moments 02:43 Lessons from Special Education Leadership 05:46 Leading a Growing School District 08:36 Moving Schools to High Performance 11:14 Celebrating Teacher Success 15:33 Rebuilding Trust Across the District 16:40 Growing Instructional Leadership 20:19 Creating Authentic Learning Environments 23:48 Celebrating Students and Staff 25:12 Elevating Student Voice 29:16 The Future of Weld RE-5J 32:38 Connecting Learning to Student Passions Why You'll Love This Episode Scott shares practical strategies for strengthening instructional leadership, building trust, and creating systems that improve student outcomes through collaboration rather than compliance. His insights on celebrating success, listening to students, and connecting learning to purpose offer valuable takeaways for superintendents, principals, and district leaders committed to continuous improvement. Connect with Scott NielsenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-nielsenre5j Website: https://weldre5j.org/ Email: scott.nielsen@weldre5j.org Follow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryorkLead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead.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.

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About

Welcome to Unlock 360 Podcast, where each episode unpacks the practices, partnerships, and people behind measurable gains in student outcomes. From building collaborative leadership cultures to designing equity-driven systems, you'll hear what happens when clarity, coherence, and coaching align. Whether you're a superintendent, campus leader, or classroom educator, Unlock 360 offers fresh insights, practical strategies, and an honest look at what it takes to create lasting impact. New episodes released biweekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Wendy York Davoud
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wendy York Davoud
  • Show Website
    Unlock 360