Shows
Implement. Change in Education#12 Blog: The Blueprint is in trouble: Aligned, coherent implementation remains elusiveWhat will it take to turn Maryland’s historic Blueprint into lasting change? Our latest blog unpacks why coordination is breaking down and what it will take to turn visionary policy into real impact for schools, students, and communities.
Inside the post:
- Why implementation has become “everything, everywhere, all at once
- What districts are doing well — and why we’re not learning from them
- How missing communication, unclear roles, and untracked progress are stalling change
- What a healthy Blueprint implementation ecosystem could look like
Links mentioned for show not...2025-08-0519 min
Implement. Change in Education#13 Guest: Laura Weeldreyer on MD Blueprint Pillar 1 (Early Childhood)In this episode of Implement Change in Education, we’re joined by Laura Weeldreyer, Executive Director of the Maryland Family Network.
With decades of leadership in public and private education, including key roles at Johns Hopkins and Baltimore City Schools, Laura brings a clear-eyed, mission-driven perspective on what it takes to build a truly integrated early childhood system. Drawing on her years of work in classrooms, central offices, and policy spaces, she shares how Maryland is working to expand high-quality pre-K while preserving the fragile childcare ecosystem that families rely on.
“Investing in early childhood,” says L...2025-07-2237 min
Implement. Change in Education#11 Guest: Derek Mitchell, Partners in School InnovationIn this episode of Implement Change in Education, we’re joined by the visionary Dr. Derek Mitchell, CEO of Partners in School Innovation.
With deep roots as a district leader, researcher, and systems thinker, Dr. Mitchell shares a powerful perspective on what it really takes to improve outcomes in under-resourced schools. Drawing from decades of work across the country—and his own experience growing up on Chicago’s West Side—he offers a bold yet practical take on school transformation.
“Improvement,” says Dr. Mitchell, “is both an art and a science. The science is in the tools. The...2025-06-2436 min
Implement. Change in Education#10 EdEchoes: Guest Highlights EditionIn this special highlight compilation, we bring you powerful moments from conversations with some of the most influential education leaders. These short clips capture the insight, urgency, and vision driving change in schools today.
You'll hear from:
Dr. Carey M. Wright, Maryland State Superintendent, on building teacher capacity and transforming reading instruction statewide.
Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, and Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff, on system-wide trust-building, curriculum reform, and instructional leadership.
Secretary Cindy Marten, Delaware State Superintendent, on local equity, strategic budgeting, and leadership through change.
Plus a snippet from...2025-05-2720 min
Implement. Change in Education#9 Blog: How to stay hungry for better, consistent results -- A lesson from Boston Celtics Coach Joe MazzullaWhat does it take to lead a team of superstars to the top—and keep them growing? In this episode, we explore the leadership mindset of Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, whose blend of tactical brilliance, emotional intelligence, and unshakable calm has guided one of the most dominant NBA teams in history.
From his “criticism is an opportunity” mantra to flying across the world to support a benched Jayson Tatum during the Olympics, Mazzulla shows us what it looks like to lead with humility, adaptability, and relentless care for people. Whether you're managing teams or shaping system...2025-05-1310 min
Implement. Change in Education#8 Guest: Cindy Marten, Delaware Secretary of EducationIn this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Secretary of Education for Delaware, Cindy Marten. With decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and former Deputy Secretary of Education, Secretary Marten brings bold yet grounded insights to transforming public education systems. From her time leading San Diego Unified, where she helped drive graduation rates to 89% and close equity gaps, to her new role in Delaware, she shares a leadership style rooted in community voice, strategic coherence, and a relentless commitment to equity.
“Equity,” says Secretary Marten,“ is a school that knows its students and families by name, by...2025-04-2934 min
Implement. Change in Education#7 Blog: J-A-T (Just Ask Them) TheoryIn this episode, we dive into the J-A-T Theory — a simple but powerful framework for building trust, deepening relationships, and encouraging meaningful feedback. Inspired by a recent EdScale blog post, we explore how curiosity and the habit of Just Asking Them can shift conversations and unlock progress in management, coaching, and collaboration. Whether you're leading a team or working cross-functionally, this episode offers practical insights for increasing clarity and connection.
Key Insights:
Feedback is one of the greatest gifts for growth — but only when it's grounded in trust.
The J-A-T Theory encourages direct, curi...2025-04-0806 min
Implement. Change in Education#6 Guest: Dr. Sonja Brookins-Santelises (CEO) and Alison Perkins-Cohen (CoS) in Baltimore City Public SchoolsIn this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sonja Brookins-Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, and Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Santelises has led transformative change in Baltimore’s schools, driving historic academic gains and prioritizing equity.
To my knowledge, they are the longest standing CEO/CoS team in large urban schools across the country!
Together, they’ve implemented the Blueprint for Success, focusing on academics, leadership, and student well-being. In this conversation, they share insights on the challenges of educational reform, their leadership legacy, and what’s next for...2025-03-2532 min
Implement. Change in Education#5 Blog: Five tactics to navigating a leadership transitionNavigating leadership transitions can be challenging, but with the right strategies, they become opportunities for growth. Our latest blog post shares five key tactics—rooted in research and practical frameworks—to help leaders and organizations adapt and thrive during change. From building strong relationships to scenario planning, these actionable insights drive better results.
Change involves navigating uncertainty but is also fundamentally about loss - even when changing something you don't like, you are losing something familiar. Understanding both the emotional and strategic components is key to successfully managing transitions.
Links referenced in podcast
Original blog...2025-03-1109 min
Implement. Change in Education#4 Guest: Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of SchoolsToday, we’re joined by Dr. Carey Wright, a nationally recognized education leader with over 50 years of experience. She led Mississippi’s historic rise in fourth-grade reading scores, proving that strategic, long-term reform can drive real student success. Now back in Maryland, she’s leading through one of the most ambitious education overhauls in a generation. In this episode, we discuss lessons from Mississippi, the future of Maryland’s Blueprint, and what it takes to create lasting change in public education.
2025-02-2532 min
Implement. Change in Education#3 Blog: What's Important Now - The Team!This blog post reflects on a visit to the Baltimore Ravens stadium and the valuable lessons learned about teamwork and core values. It explores how the Ravens emphasize their mantra "What’s Important Now" (W.I.N.) and "The Team, The Team, The Team" to foster a culture of unity and excellence. I connect these insights to our work at EdScale, highlighting the importance of building cohesive teams and implementing effective leadership strategies.
Key Insights:
The Ravens’ focus on "What’s Important Now" (W.I.N.) and prioritizing the team above all else.
Leadership and team develo...2025-02-1108 min
Implement. Change in Education#2 Guest: Rebroadcast of First State Insights Podcast About ImplementationStarting something new often comes with unexpected challenges, and launching a podcast with guest interviews is no different. Scheduling surprises are par for the course. As a result, we will be sharing the first guest episode in February.
But today I’m thrilled to share a rebroadcast of a conversation I had last year with Troy Mix from the University of Delaware Biden School on First State Insights. Troy and I explored the intricacies of implementing change in education, and I’m grateful to have his permission to share it with you today. Let’s dive in!
2025-01-2728 min
Implement. Change in Education#1 Blog: Five lessons I learned coaching the “best team in the league” (my son’s 4th grade basketball team)In this episode, we explore five powerful lessons learned from coaching a 4th grade basketball team that directly apply to education leadership. Through experiences of victories, setbacks, and a nail-biting championship game, these insights demonstrate the parallels between sports coaching and implementing change in education systems. The key lessons include:
Elevate voices and listen to stakeholder insights
Maintain consistency with proven strategies despite setbacks
Foster a positive mindset while staying resilient
Lead with support rather than strict accountability
Trust in the process and celebrate progress, even when results aren't perfect
2025-01-1309 min
Implement. Change in EducationComing Soon! Implement. Change in EducationIntroducing our new podcast, Implement. Change in Education. Full episodes starting in January 2025!
2024-12-2101 min
First State InsightsHow To Implement (just about) AnythingTom DeWire, Founder and Principal Consultant of EdScale, speaks with Troy Mix, Associate Director of the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration (IPA), about his 2023 book, "How To Implement (just about) Anything: Lessons from 25 years in public education." This interview covers Tom's perspectives on the importance of and challenges associated with implementation, along with his lessons for driving and sustaining change in complex systems.
Through his work at EdScale, LLC (https://edscalellc.com/), Tom helps educators get better results through a relentless focus on implementation. Tom earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Delaware's Biden...2024-05-0927 min