There's a lot to read about in the latest newsletter! Check out the recap of the latest Opportunity Culture® data--big results showing how these roles outpace others in learning growth. We highlight the great things happening in Midland ISD, a Texas district in the...
Sharon Kebschull Barrett
Reset for Success: Hear From Midland Superintendent in New Audio
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!
Opportunity Culture® Cohorts and Collaboration: EdNC Op-Eds
Thanks to EdNC.org this week for publishing two op-eds by the leaders of The Innovation Project (TIP) and Public Impact, focused on exciting district strategic staffing collaboration in North Carolina. Photo courtesy of The Innovation Project Photo courtesy of The...
What Do Superintendents Say About Opportunity Culture® Models?
Scott Muri Jason van Heukelum Valerie Bridges Cindy Bennett Anthony Jackson We can tell you all about how district leaders laud Opportunity Culture® models. But as every great writing teacher ever has said, “show, don’t tell.” So to show you what superintendents...
The Opportunity Culture® 2024 Year in Review: So Much to Celebrate!
A district with strong use of—and strong support for—Opportunity Culture® models was named district of the year. Congratulations to Ector County ISD in Odessa, Texas! K–12 Dive reported that the percentage of high school seniors considered prepared for postsecondary success jumped from 56% to 88% between 2019 and…
Congratulating K-12 Dive District of the Year, Ector County ISD
A teaching team leader instructs students in small-group tutoring sessions in 2022 in Ector County ISD. Educators in the team leader role lead small teaching teams while continuing to teach students part of the time. Congratulations to K-12 Dive District of the Year...
Leading in Growth and Small Groups: Lessons From Winchester
At John Kerr Elementary in Winchester, Virginia, teaching team leader Brandi Shirley (left) and Reach Associate™ Debra James lead small-group instruction. In October, Winchester Public Schools Superintendent Jason van Heukelum got good news from the latest Virginia...
366 Schools in 8 States Receive Certified Status
We are excited to announce that 366 schools in 28 districts in eight states have been awarded the new "Certified Opportunity Culture School™, Provisional Level, 2023–24" designation! Showing their commitment to reaching all students with excellent teaching,...
Teach Plus Report Highlights New Mexico School Using Opportunity Culture® Roles
In a new report this summer, Teach Plus took a look at innovation in New Mexico districts, and highlighted a Carlsbad Municipal Schools middle school seeing success with student growth from its Opportunity Culture® teaching teams! Read what P.R. Leyva Middle School...
Free Webinar: Three Keys to Getting Every Educator a Coach
In schools using Opportunity Culture® staffing models, small teaching teams aim to provide every educator with a great coach—the team leader. What can administrators do to support these teacher-leaders in their new coaching roles? Join us June 27 for a free webinar to learn about three keys to achieving widespread but personalized coaching and a platform to support it.