In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Tammi Chandler, Mathematics Curriculum Director, and Julie Faneuf, English Language Arts Curriculum Director at Fitchburg Public Schools, to explore how strong collaboration across content areas is creating more coherent learning experiences for every student. Together, they share how literacy and mathematics leaders can break down silos, align instructional practices, and ensure every decision remains centered on student learning.
Tammi and Julie discuss Fitchburg's commitment to the belief that 'all means all,' highlighting the district's strategic focus on equitable access to high-quality instruction, collaborative professional learning communities, and instructional leadership teams. They explain how intentional planning, analyzing student work, and using evidence from classroom observations help teachers continuously refine instruction and improve outcomes for diverse learners.
The conversation also explores teacher clarity, reasoning across disciplines, curriculum implementation, and the importance of maintaining focus amid competing initiatives. By emphasizing coherence, collective efficacy, and ongoing collaboration, Tammi and Julie offer practical insights for district leaders working to strengthen teaching and learning across every classroom.
Key Moments
02:03 Connecting Literacy and Mathematics
03:42 What 'All Means All' Looks Like
06:18 Building a Collaborative PLC Culture
10:08 Inside Fitchburg's PLC Cycle
14:02 Analyzing Student Work Deeply
17:37 Using Video to Improve Instruction
21:03 The Role of Instructional Leadership Teams
22:18 Districtwide Focus on Student Reasoning
25:13 Challenges of Sustaining Improvement
27:14 Avoiding the 'Shiny New Initiative'
28:07 Less Is More for Lasting Change
29:16 Supporting New Teachers Through PLCs
30:37 Why Fitchburg Is a Great Place to Teach
31:33 Leadership Lessons from Trusted Mentors
Why You'll Love This Episode
Tammi and Julie provide a thoughtful look at how district leaders can create coherent instructional systems that support teachers and improve student outcomes. Their practical strategies for collaboration, curriculum implementation, professional learning, and continuous improvement offer valuable takeaways for leaders committed to ensuring success for every learner.
Connect with Tammi Chandler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammi-chandler-a4778a63
Website: https://www.fitchburg.k12.ma.us/home
Email: chandlert@fitchburg.k12.ma.us
Connect with Julie Faneuf:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-f-b315613/
Website: https://www.fitchburg.k12.ma.us/home
Email: faneufj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
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