{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Unlock 360","title":"S.5 | Ep. 15: Eric Foister on building a High Expectations Culture and Lasting Achievement","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2569,"description":"In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Eric Foister, Superintendent of West Memphis School District in Arkansas. Drawing on his experience as a teacher, basketball coach, principal, assistant superintendent, and now district leader, Eric shares how strong relationships, instructional leadership, and a clear vision have fueled rapid districtwide improvement.\nEric discusses the transformation underway in West Memphis Schools, where a renewed focus on instructional systems, leadership development, and teacher support has already produced significant academic gains. He explains how the district's 'Power of Ten' initiative united educators around a shared, attainable goal while building collective teacher efficacy and creating momentum for sustained success.\nThe conversation also explores developing instructional leaders, creating meaningful accountability, leveraging artificial intelligence to support educators, and preparing students for future careers through innovative partnerships with Google. Eric offers practical leadership lessons on building effective teams, embracing change, and creating systems where both educators and students can thrive.\nKey Moments\n00:30 Eric's Journey into Education\n03:52 Coaching Principles That Shape Leadership\n06:37 Transforming West Memphis Schools\n09:02 The Power of Ten Initiative\n12:30 Leading Change Through Stability\n15:51 Building Instructional Leaders\n19:31 Leadership Through Real-World Scenarios\n23:39 Creating Buy-In Around Student Growth\n25:16 Merit-Based Teacher Incentives\n29:49 The Future of West Memphis Schools\n36:44 Using AI to Support Teachers\n39:15 Preparing Students for AI Careers\n43:54 A Father's Lasting Influence\nWhy You'll Love This Episode\nEric shares practical strategies for accelerating district improvement through instructional leadership, clear accountability, and strong teacher support. His insights on creating collective efficacy, developing future leaders, embracing AI, and preparing...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/cNqF3jSAGeObZtB8q6Pl2slNau9sCDYLUTBh6wENuzU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hYjlk/YmIwNjIyZjk2ZTk4/MDUzMmEwNTZjMWNj/OWNjNy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}