{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"M-TIP","title":"From Crisis to Triumph: Selma Middle School's Remarkable Turnaround","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/f560f334\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4216,"description":"In this episode of the M-TIP Podcast, Dr. Tamara Thomas sits down with Principal of Selma Middle School, Stephen Baker to unpack one of the most inspiring school turnaround stories in North Carolina. Once ranked the 10th lowest performing school in the state and designated a Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) school, Selma Middle has not only defied the odds—it’s redefined them.Stephen shares his decision to step into the role at Selma in 2019, just before the pandemic struck, and how he led his team through a journey marked by urgency, intentionality, and an unwavering focus on culture. Under his leadership, Selma Middle moved from the bottom 5% to the top 10% in student growth by 2022 and again exceeded growth in 2024.Key Moments00:00 Selma Community Impact and Challenges08:11 \"Aiming Beyond Average for Growth\"10:53 Testing Strategy Backfired, Growth Met20:31 \"Fake It Until You Become It\"25:24 \"Effective Organizational Strategies and Partnerships\"27:52 Culture: The Secret to Sustained Success33:57 Enhancing Intelligence Through Vocabulary Teaching39:32 Cortisol's Impact on Learning47:11 \"Balancing Support and Challenges in Education\"50:26 Building Leadership and Ownership53:56 Classroom Struggles and Coaching Solutions01:02:45 Aligning with School Improvement Strategy01:07:12 Contextual Evidence-Based Education01:09:47 Tailored Evidence-Based SolutionsWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeIf you’ve ever wondered what real school turnaround looks like, this episode delivers. Principal Stephen Baker doesn’t just talk theory—he walks us through the exact steps his team took to lead Selma Middle from crisis to confidence. It’s a masterclass in leadership, culture, and the power of doing the hard things well.Connect with Guest - Stephen BakerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-baker-8107905b/Website: https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara ThomasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/Website:...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/Q9RY8ZKpYnj_iFA6f_u3RVMZ9tdnUMt78aUyu76PkKY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS85ZWFh/MGJiYzE3MDZmYWFm/MzA1ZDAwM2I2NGE0/MjA5My5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}