Reset for Success: Hear From Midland Superintendent in New Audio

by | March 27, 2025

When Superintendent Stephanie Howard came to Midland ISD in the Permian Basin of Texas, she knew what success with Opportunity Culture® teaching team models should look like, after working with them in neighboring Ector County ISD as a deputy superintendent. Although Midland ISD was using these teams as well, several Opportunity Culture® fundamentals weren’t being followed.

I talked with Howard and Jessie Garcia, who also worked with the models in Ector County, about how they led Midland through a complete implementation reset—an effort now paying off in learning growth for students, sustainable higher pay for teacher-leaders that can reach six figures, and stronger teacher support and retention. Hear how they did it in our latest audio piece—and don’t miss the bonus “go big or go home” clip from Superintendent Howard!

Superintendent Stephanie Howard
Jessie Garcia | Talent, Acquisition, and Development

Keep Reading

So You Got High Learning Growth—Now What?

As learning growth results continue to come in across the U.S. for the 2024–25 year, educators in many high-growth schools may find their celebrations tinged with an edge of dread. They and their students worked so hard for their results—but what now? Huge...

Podcast Recap!

Interested in hearing more about the Opportunity Culture® initiative? Check out the podcasts we've been on this year: Redesigning school staffing for student success: On The Education Gadfly Show, Public Impact Co-President Bryan Hassel discusses with host Mike...