TransformED with STEP Up
Welcome to TransformED, the podcast designed for instructional leaders and educators ready to drive real change in their schools. If you're looking for innovative ways to transform education, you're in the right place.
Each episode delves into key issues affecting education, identifying flaws in traditional systems and exploring effective strategies for leaders. From tackling complex challenges to discovering groundbreaking approaches, we provide the tools needed for meaningful school transformation.
Episodes
33 episodes
Revisiting Curriculum Systems: Jay McTighe’s Ideas on Modern Learning
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 educator...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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35:36
Dr. Mike Schmoker on Simplifying School Improvement: Curriculum, Instruction, & Literacy
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 sa...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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32:36
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Jan Richardson on Literacy Leadership: Transforming Schools Through Reading Reform
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 re...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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29:32
Building the Instructional Leader Ecosystem: Lessons from the Missouri Curriculum & Instruction Summit 2025
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, L...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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42:51
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Human-Centered AI: Supporting Educators with NeuLight
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 bri...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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23:08
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Reimaging KC Schools: Startland Edu Leads the Way
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 stude...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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29:52
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Teaching with Purpose: Lindsey Bond on Transforming Young Lives
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 ment...
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27:47
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Beyond the DOK Wheel: Rethinking Rigor with Erik M. Francis
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 knowled...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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42:09
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The Power of Purposeful Leadership in Education with Mindy Hampton
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 edu...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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31:57
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Streamlined Teaching, Stronger Outcomes: How StepUp Tools Are Transforming Classrooms with Amanda Sheets
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 leade...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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23:58
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Behind the Why: Diane DeLaTorre’s Journey to Transforming Education
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," s...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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24:02
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From Classroom Gaps to Knowledge Gains: Natalie Wexler on Education Reform
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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40:12
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The Skill, The Will, The Thrill: Building a Culture of Excellence in Education with Dr. Mitch Hiser
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). K...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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33:45
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Supporting Those Who Change Lives: Sara’s Story
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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26:58
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Rethinking Writing Instruction: April Smith’s Simplified Approach
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 wr...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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29:32
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Beyond the Diploma: How Getting Smart is Transforming Education with Shawnee Caruthers
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....
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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41:09
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From Observation to Transformation: Lindsay Leonard’s Strategy for School Success
In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Lindsay Leonard, the dedicated principal of Pilot Grove Elementary in Pilot Grove, Missouri. Lindsay is not only a leader but a visionary reshaping educational practices to meet modern standards...
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Season 1
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28:04
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Systemic Change in Education: The Aurora Institute’s Student-Centered Vision
In this thought-provoking episode, we chat with a key leader from the Aurora Institute, Laurie Gagnon, to discuss their groundbreaking efforts in transforming education. The Aurora Institute, a forward-thinking nonprofit, h...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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33:47
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Building Brighter Futures: Jessica Gray’s Passion for Curriculum and Literacy
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," s...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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23:31
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Bridging Education and Careers: DeBruce Foundation’s Vision for the Future
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we sit down with Rebecca Kessler, Education and Integration Specialist at The DeBruce Foundation, an organization devoted to reshaping career readiness and workforce development.We del...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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21:46
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A Pioneer of Education: Dr. Hedgpeth's Vision for Student Success
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we sit down with Dr. Pam Hedgpeth, Executive Director of Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts (GOCSD). With nearly 30 years of experience as a public school educator, Dr. Hedgpe...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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34:24
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Cooking Up Change: How Kids Feeding Kids is Tackling Food Insecurity
In this episode of Transform Ed with Step Up, we chat with Diane Mora and Erika Iseminger, passionate educators from the Kids Feeding Kids initiative under Pete's Garden. This program links high school culinary lessons to real-world is...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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28:21
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Behind the Scenes with Sue Herrera: Leading Instructional Development
In this episode of our Meet the Mind series, we sit down with Sue Herrera, StepUp's Director of Instructional Development and Consultant. Sue shares her inspiring journey in education, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her passion for inst...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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23:20
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Elevating Social Studies: Building Informed Citizens for the Future
In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we shine a spotlight on a subject that is foundational for fostering informed and engaged citizens—Social Studies. While subjects like literacy and math often take center stage in education, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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39:08
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Beyond Grades: Revolutionizing Student Achievement with MTC
In this episode of TransformED, we dive into a groundbreaking shift in education with Mike Flanagan from the Mastery Transcript Consortium (MTC). We explore how MTC redefines the traditional high school transcript by moving beyond grades and te...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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41:18
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