Send us a text 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 ...
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Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 t...
Send us a text 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 coach...
Send us a text 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 ...
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, th...
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: Clear curriculum guidance — what to teach and when.Structured instruction — with regular checks for understandin...
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 th...
In this episode, the StepUp team reflects on their first-ever Missouri Curriculum & Instruction Summit (MOCIS)—a conference designed to uplift, connect, and empower Missouri educators. Valorie is joined by StepUp consultants Jessica Gray, Lindsey Bond, and Sara Rayl to share key takeaways, favorite moments, and what shifted their thinking as consultants. From inspiring keynotes to powerful breakout sessions led by Missouri educators, this conversation gives listeners a peek behind the cur...
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we sit down with Jose Moreno—tech innovator and founder of NeuLight—to explore how AI and thoughtful design can transform the educator experience. Drawing from his work at Microsoft and Netflix, Jose brings a unique perspective to education, focusing on tools that are both effective and user-loved.Jose introduces IntelliTear, a groundbreaking system that simplifies multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), RTI, and PBIS by centralizing data and using ...
In this inspiring episode of TransformED with StepUp, we sit down with Christina Hocker, Director of Education at Startland, to explore how design thinking and entrepreneurial mindsets can reinvigorate classrooms and empower both students and teachers. With two decades of experience and a passion for innovation, Christina shares her journey from building a culinary program that connected students to real-world experiences, to scaling educator support across Missouri and beyond. Together, we u...
In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Bond, StepUp Consultant and passionate Missouri educator, to explore what it means to lead with curiosity, flexibility, and heart. Lindsey shares how her journey—from teaching multiple grade levels to mentoring colleagues and developing curriculum—has shaped her belief that learning should be a daily pursuit.We discuss the power of teacher collaboration, how to keep instruction student-centered, and what it means to grow with purpose throughout a care...
In this episode, we chat with internationally recognized author and educator Erik M. Francis (founder of Maverik Education) and a leading voice on cognitive rigor and depth of knowledge (DOK). Erik unpacks why cognitive rigor is more than just a buzzword—it’s about the level and depth of thinking students are asked to demonstrate. Drawing from his bestselling books, Now That's a Good Question! and Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge, he offers a fresh take on how we frame questions, design inst...
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we are joined by Mindy Hampton, Superintendent of Oak Grove School District and a seasoned leader with over 20 years in public education. Mindy shares insights into her journey in special education and her commitment to fostering a positive, high-expectation environment for both students and staff. As an advocate for women in leadership and a dedicated member of the Missouri Association of School Administrators, Mindy discusses her work to elevate v...
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we’re excited to welcome Amanda Sheets, Director of Assessment for Farmington School District in Farmington, Missouri. Under Amanda’s leadership, the district has made impressive progress in aligning teaching practices and student learning outcomes with priority standards using StepUp’s tools and well-structured pacing guides. Amanda shares how these resources have streamlined teachers’ workflows, putting all course materials and standards at their ...
In the latest episode of TransformED with StepUp, part of our Meet the Mind series, we sit down with our incredible teammate, Diane, to explore the personal drive behind her work in education. Diane opens up about her "why," sharing how her own struggles with learning standards inspired her to ensure students today have the tools they need to succeed. She believes the right resources can make a world of difference for those finding the journey challenging. Diane also discusses a change she'd ...
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we’re excited to welcome Natalie Wexler, a prominent education author known for her groundbreaking insights into education reform. Natalie’s acclaimed book, The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It, along with her works on effective writing instruction, have sparked meaningful discussions on improving U.S. schools. She also hosts Reading Comprehension Revisited as part of the Knowledge Matters Podcas...
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we’re joined by Dr. Mitch Hiser, Principal of Lewis and Clark Elementary (Liberty Public Schools) and Regional President of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP). Known for his dedication to fostering a learner-centered culture, Dr. Hiser leads his school with a commitment to helping every student reach their potential. Dr. Hiser shares his insights on empowering students to become active participants in their own learning...
In this TransformED with StepUp episode, part of our Meet the Mind series, we introduce you to Sara, a dedicated member of our StepUp Consulting team. Sara shares her passion for education and her "why" — the motivation that drives her commitment to supporting educators who make a profound impact on students' lives. Sara highlights how StepUp Consulting’s MATT Tool is a game-changer for districts, helping them stay aligned with learning standards and on track for success. Get to know Sara's i...
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we sit down with April Smith, accomplished author and creator of the popular Simplify Writing curriculum. April shares her transformative approach to teaching writing, designed to make instruction accessible and effective for students. Her curriculum focuses on bite-sized, differentiated lessons that empower teachers to deliver meaningful feedback and support to every student—no matter their skill level. April discusses her goal to move beyond tradi...
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we are joined by Shawnee Caruthers, the Vice President of Advocacy at Getting Smart, an organization committed to reimagining learning through innovative and human-centered approaches. With a rich background in advertising, journalism, and education, Shawnee brings a unique perspective to the conversation on how to engage students and educators in meaningful, real-world learning. Together, we explore Shawnee’s journey and her advocacy work at Gettin...
Send us a text 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 ...
