{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Unlock 360","title":"S.5 | Ep. 7:  Leading with Equity, Culture, and the Whole Child with Dr. Theresa Rouse","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/c7a8f2af\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2466,"description":"In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86, to explore what it truly takes to move a district forward when it feels “stuck.”\nWith over three decades in education and experience spanning classrooms, site leadership, and district roles across multiple states and even internationally, Dr. Rouse brings a powerful perspective on leadership, equity, and system transformation.\nIn this conversation, she shares how Joliet began a deep equity journey—starting with examining internal beliefs and biases—and how that work has evolved into tangible changes in student outcomes, community perception, and district culture. From addressing achievement and discipline disparities to investing in early literacy, trauma-informed practices, and whole child development, this episode highlights how intentional leadership can reshape a system over time.\nKey Moments\n05:40 Embarking on an equity journey\n09:37 Engaging with the community\n13:08 Community literacy and early education\n16:40 Supporting women in leadership roles\n20:12 Committee involvement and coaching structure\n23:49 Federal and state budget challenges\n27:33 Community support and assistance programs\n31:11 Supporting multilingual student families\n32:44 Settling down in Joliet community\n35:42 Connecting with an old friend\n38:52 Mentorship impact and philosophy\nWhy You Will Love This Episode\nIf you are leading in a complex district environment, this episode offers a real-world look at how long-term change actually happens. Dr. Rouse doesn’t talk about quick wins—she shares what it takes to shift mindsets, systems, and outcomes over time. You will gain insight into leading equity work authentically, building strong community partnerships, and balancing academic priorities with the realities students bring to school every day.\nConnect with Dr. Theresa Rouse\nWebsite: https://www.joliet86.org/\nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-rouse-ed-d-bb65521a...","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}