Systems That Serve: Amy Miller on Scaling MTSS with Purpose and Precision

The Color of Education Summit: Legacy, Change, and Collective Action

In this episode, our host, Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with the inspiring Dr. Deanna Townsend Smith, an influential leader with over two decades of experience in public education, equity, and strategic leadership. From her beginnings as a recreational therapist to her transformative work turning around struggling schools and her current role as Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity, Dr. Townsend Smith’s journey is fueled by a deep-rooted mission: to ensure every child receives a sound, basic education. Together, they explore urgent issues shaping K-16 education, from resegregation and discipline disparities to the vital importance of diverse educator workforces and equitable resources. Dr. Townsend Smith shares the guiding mission of the Dudley Flood Center, her philosophy of eradicating inequities, and how events like the annual Color of Education Summit serve as catalysts for policy, practice, and community-driven change. You’ll hear powerful insights on how school districts can become more intentional about educational equity, how storytelling and the arts amplify marginalized voices, and practical ways listeners, educators, families, and community members alike can contribute to building better, more inclusive schools. Dr. Townsend Smith’s passion and wisdom are sure to leave you encouraged and ready to take action in your own community. So, settle in as we dive into this rich conversation on creating educational opportunity for all. Key Moments 03:41 Unexpected Path to Education Leadership 06:25 "Inaugural Director Heeds Call" 12:30 Intentional Planning Drives Global Change 15:50 Equity Profiles Drive Systemic Change 20:07 Color of Education Impact 20:59 "Community Learning for Lasting Solutions" 24:46 Storytelling: Tool for Democratic Engagement 28:39 "Community's Role in Education" 33:49 Community-Inspired Discipline Reform 38:27 Redefining Community Engagement 39:59 "Serve and Embrace Community Needs" 45:36 Inspiring Future Generations 48:31 "Advocating Educational Equity and Growth" Why You’ll Love This Episode: A Journey Rooted in Purpose: From her beginnings as a recreational therapist to becoming the Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity, Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith shares how her path was shaped by resilience, mentorship, and a deep commitment to children. Confronting Inequities Head-On: Dr. Townsend-Smith identifies seven pressing disparities in education, such as discipline practices, resegregation, and access to rigorous courses, and explains how districts can create lasting change by tackling them with intentionality. Turning Vision Into Action: Learn how the Dudley Flood Center partners with schools and communities to design equity profiles, build frameworks for change, and hold leaders accountable for making progress toward a sound, basic education for every child. The Color of Education Summit: Get a preview of this powerful annual convening where students, educators, elders, and community voices come together. Dr. Townsend-Smith shares how storytelling, art, and collective narratives are at the heart of this year’s theme. Hope That Endures: Through faith, history, and a belief in possibility, Dr. Townsend-Smith reminds us why the work matters and how communities can sustain one another in the fight for equity and opportunity. Connect with Guest - Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deanna-townsend-smith-4b025447  Website: https://floodcenter.org/  Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/ Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/ Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

Planting Seeds for the Future: Legacy and Leadership with Dr. Anthony Lewis

In this episode, host Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with Dr. Anthony Lewis, superintendent of Durham Public Schools and a nationally recognized advocate for equity and innovation in education. Hailing from Talladega, Alabama, Dr. Lewis draws upon his remarkable journey, from special education teacher to influential district leader to share candid insights on legacy leadership, servant leadership, and navigating uncertainty in public education. Together, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Lewis explore how leaders can create a lasting impact that transcends their tenure, the importance of empowering every voice in a school community, and how to steer districts through financial challenges while staying true to the mission of student success. Dr. Lewis opens up about his personal roots, the foundational moments that shaped his approach, and the bold vision he holds for the future of Durham’s students. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with practical wisdom, stories of resilience, and a powerful call to keep students at the center of every decision. Let’s make the impossible possible, join us for an episode that will leave you rethinking legacy and leadership in education. Key Moments 07:22 Roots of Servant Leadership 11:03 Mentorship Shaping Courageous Leadership 20:33 "Removing Barriers for Staff Success" 26:05 "Refocus: Leveraging Partnerships for Progress" 31:06 Workplace Challenges and Transparency 37:30 Inclusive Two-Way School Communication 39:30 "Student-Centered Leadership Engagement" 45:59 Urgent Education Reforms Needed 49:16 Critical Thinking Over Critical Race Theory 55:57 Student-Centered Decision Making 01:00:16 "Legacy Leadership Insights" Why You’ll Love This Episode: Legacy in Action: Dr. Anthony Lewis doesn't just talk about legacy, he lives it. From special education classrooms to the superintendent’s seat, his journey is a blueprint for leadership rooted in purpose, equity, and enduring impact. Student-Centered, Always: Whether he’s riding the school bus or sitting in on cafeteria conversations, Dr. Lewis defines leadership by showing up. Hear how he turns visibility into accountability and why his office is wherever his students and staff are. Equity with Urgency: In the face of budget cuts, staffing concerns, and political pressures, Dr. Lewis models how to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction, centering the most marginalized voices without compromise. Systems Built to Last: Learn how Durham Public Schools is building people, not just programs. Dr. Lewis unpacks how he’s developing leadership at every level to ensure the work endures long after his tenure. Real Talk, Real Stakes: From a heartbreaking student story about literacy to a vision where every child thrives regardless of zip code, this episode reminds us why the work matters and what it takes to get it right. Connect with Guest - Dr. Anthony Lewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dranthony-lewis-phd [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dranthony-lewis-phd] Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/]Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/ [https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/] Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

Systems That Serve: Amy Miller on Scaling MTSS with Purpose and Precision

In this insightful episode, Amy Miller, District Director of Integrated Academic and Behavior Systems (IABS) and board-certified psychologist, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to implement MTSS with fidelity in a large, diverse district. From scaling supports across 56 schools with a three-person core team to tackling chronic absenteeism and behavior reform through restorative practices, Amy offers more than theories; she shares tested solutions and lived realities. Backed by over 25 years of systems design experience and a commitment to equity, Amy emphasizes the importance of aligned leadership, creative staffing, community trust, and responsive professional development. If you’ve ever wondered how districts can use MTSS to address both academic gaps and climate challenges, this episode is your playbook. Key Moments 05:04 – State vs. District Perspective: The value of side-by-side support 10:28 – High Schools and MTSS: Why sustainability is the biggest hurdle 13:34 – Two-Tier Model for High Schools: Pragmatic structures for student success 14:52 – Tier 1 Instruction as a Districtwide Priority: Messaging from the Superintendent 16:52 – Top Implementation Barriers: Funding, retention, and onboarding 20:25 – Reimagining District Support: Customer service mindset from the central office 24:20 – Restorative Practices as Tier 1 Behavior Supports: Building relationships systemically 28:00 – Making MTSS One Framework, Not Many Initiatives 31:15 – Attendance Interventions That Center Relationships Over Punishment 34:44 – Engagement Tree Model: Linking SEL, attendance, behavior, and academics 38:00 – School Improvement Plans & NC Star: Making data actionable 42:21 – Panorama, Progress Monitoring & FAM Assessments: Tools and trust 44:32 – PD That Hits Home: Real data, real students, real-time coaching Why You’ll Love This Episode: Ground-Level Truth, Top-Level Strategy: Amy unpacks both the theory and the day-to-day lift of implementing MTSS in a resource-strapped reality. Restorative, Not Reactive: Learn how Durham is integrating restorative practices directly into its MTSS framework, shifting both beliefs and behavior. From Silos to Systems: This episode demonstrates what true systems thinking looks like—where data, relationships, and leadership converge to drive meaningful change. Connect with Guest - Amy Miller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-miller-ed-s-67566329 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-miller-ed-s-67566329] Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/]Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/ [https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/] Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

The Power of Purpose: Dr. Dudley Flood’s Blueprint for Educational Transformation

In this episode, Dr. Flood opens up about his remarkable journey, from navigating entrenched resistance to integration to his ongoing commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging in every school community. He challenges us to move beyond compliance toward genuine inclusion, urging leaders to model compassion and courage, even when making tough or unpopular decisions. Whether you’re new to education or a seasoned changemaker, you’ll be inspired by Dr. Flood’s stories, practical advice, and unwavering belief in the promise of every child. Get ready to reflect, learn, and be reminded of the profound difference one leader can make when they dedicate themselves to justice and possibility. Tune in as we explore what it truly means to build an educational legacy that lasts. Key Moments 05:16 "Understanding Value and Capability"08:18 Communication: Use Clear, Inclusive Terms 10:59 Addressing Disenfranchisement and Achievement Gaps 15:20 Exploring Possibilities and Outcomes 18:45 Perseverance Over Knockout 19:57 "Prioritizing Children's Needs" 24:45 "Educating Parents and Lawmakers" 28:58 After-School Work Solution 32:32 "Diversity in Community of Learners" 33:43 Belief Shapes Learner Potential 37:41 "Educator's Resolve Amid CRT Debate" 39:34 Children's Right to Education 43:51 "Surround Yourself with Supportive People" 46:49 Confident, Prepared Educator's Approach 50:46 "Educational Leadership's True Purpose" Why You’ll Love This Episode: 1. Legacy Rooted in Justice: Dr. Flood’s lifelong commitment to equity and desegregation isn’t abstract; it’s lived, and you feel the moral clarity of his purpose in every story and insight he shares. 2. Belonging Over Compliance: He draws a profound distinction between desegregation (legal) and integration (social and emotional), pushing leaders to go beyond access and create environments of true belonging. That’s a deeply resonant message in today’s schools. 3. Wisdom with Practicality: His advice is grounded. For instance, he shares that sending students home for misbehavior doesn’t solve the problem; it displaces it. Instead, he focuses on keeping kids in school and helping them learn from consequences, a restorative, inclusive approach. Connect with Guest - Dr. Dudley E. Flood Website: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ [https://www.cde.ca.gov/] Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/]Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/ [https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/] Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.

Building Teacher Leadership for Lasting School Improvement at Glendale Kenly

In this episode of M-TIP, Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with Principal Kelly Holland of Glendale-Kenly Elementary to unpack a truly remarkable turnaround story. Once a school labeled as "not meeting growth" for years, Glendale-Kenly not only rebounded post-COVID but soared—achieving exceptional student growth, especially among English Language Learners and students with disabilities. With bold leadership moves, strategic delegation, and a laser focus on inclusion and teacher empowerment, Principal Holland shares how her team rebuilt trust, restructured systems, and reignited academic excellence. From building teacher-led committees to rethinking differentiation and instruction fidelity, this episode dives deep into the actionable strategies that transformed a struggling school into a statewide exemplar. It’s not just a comeback—it’s a masterclass in what’s possible when vision meets execution. Key Moments 00:00 "Glendale Kenly Exceeds Post-COVID Growth" 03:24 Transition from Assistant to Principal 09:08 Empowering Committees Transformed Leadership 11:30 Flexible Committee Meeting Schedule 15:19 Impressive EL Proficiency at Glendale Kenly 19:02 Strategic Inclusion and Pull-Out Services 22:34 Improving EC Student Proficiency 25:45 Academic Transformation Plan Unveiled 28:38 Empowering Teachers for Immediate Impact 32:08 Introducing New Teaching Format 33:45 Strategic Teacher Leadership Development 36:29 Empowered School Team Progress 39:41 "Remarkable School Transformation Efforts" Why You’ll Love This Episode: If you're a school leader, educator, or advocate for equitable education, this episode will recharge your belief in the power of intentional leadership. You’ll hear how one principal moved from managing every detail to cultivating a culture of shared ownership, leading to record-breaking EL proficiency scores and meaningful student growth. Packed with real strategies, human-centered insights, and a dose of honest reflection, this episode is a powerful reminder: when you build the right systems and empower the right people, the “impossible” becomes inevitable. Connect with Guest - Kelly Holland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-holland-902528102?trk=pub-pbmap Website: https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/gke Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/ Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/ Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember—real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.