{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Unlock 360","title":"S.5 | Ep. 13: Creating Future-Ready Learners Through Innovation, Career Exploration, and Student Choice","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1579,"description":"In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Katy Nagaj, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation for Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools in Ohio. With a career spanning classroom teaching, instructional leadership, and district administration, Katy shares how her passion for education has evolved into leading innovative learning experiences that prepare students for an ever-changing future.\nKaty discusses how Willoughby-Eastlake is transforming student learning through its Portrait of a Graduate framework, districtwide career exploration initiatives, and a commitment to creating meaningful, student-centered experiences. She explains how career awareness begins in the elementary grades, expands through middle school exploration, and culminates in high school pathways that help students discover their passions while preparing them for college, careers, and life.\nThe conversation also explores leading instructional change through the Science of Reading, supporting educators with intentional professional learning, and fostering a culture where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement thrive. Katy shares practical insights into building systems that empower both students and teachers while keeping future readiness at the center of every decision.\nKey Moments\n00:29 Katy's Journey into Education\n03:41 Leading Curriculum and Innovation\n06:18 Building a Portrait of a Graduate\n09:52 Career Exploration Starts Early\n13:17 Creating Student-Centered Learning\n16:42 Leading the Science of Reading\n20:08 Supporting Teachers Through Change\n23:41 Innovation Through Collaboration\n27:04 Preparing Students for the Future\n30:33 Advice for District Leaders\n33:28 The Power of Student Voice\n36:12 Leaders Who Inspired Katy\nWhy You'll Love This Episode\nKaty shares practical strategies for preparing students for life beyond graduation by combining innovative instructional practices, career-connected learning, and strong leadership systems. Her insights into...","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}