In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86 in Illinois.
With more than 30 years in education and 16 years as a superintendent, Dr. Rouse reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to district leader and shares how a commitment to equity, cultural proficiency, and whole-child support has shaped nearly a decade of transformation in Joliet.
Mindy and Dr. Rouse discuss the district’s equity journey, the importance of examining personal biases before changing systems, and the intentional literacy strategies helping students recover and accelerate after the pandemic. They also explore the role of music, art, social-emotional learning, and community trust in creating schools where every child can thrive. As Dr. Rouse prepares for retirement in 2027, she reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave behind—and the torch she hopes to pass forward.
Key Moments
01:19 Dr. Rouse’s path from classroom teacher to superintendent
03:11 Arriving in Joliet and uncovering the district’s biggest challenge
06:12 Beginning the district’s cultural proficiency and equity journey
08:19 Personal reflection, bias, and leadership growth
09:55 Leading difficult conversations as a new superintendent
12:44 Why meaningful organizational change took two years to build
16:33 Results of the district’s equity-focused approach
20:19 Embedding equity into strategic planning and hiring practices
21:37 What literacy through an equity lens looks like in practice
22:43 Strengthening kindergarten literacy through targeted support
25:28 Recovering from pandemic learning loss and accelerating growth
26:15 Building coherent literacy systems across the district
28:24 Supporting multilingual learners through resources and access
29:49 Selecting and implementing Wit & Wisdom as a core curriculum
31:04 Why social-emotional learning is foundational to academic success
33:33 The role of music and art in educating the whole child
37:30 Preparing for retirement and passing the torch to the next leader
38:21 New schools, facility investments, and leaving a lasting legacy
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you care about educational equity, literacy leadership, and creating systems that truly serve all students, this conversation is a must-listen. Dr. Rouse offers a thoughtful and deeply personal perspective on leading change, supporting educators, and ensuring every child has access to the opportunities they deserve. Her reflections on leadership, community trust, and whole-child education provide valuable lessons for district leaders at every stage of their journey.
Connect with Dr. Theresa Rouse LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-rouse-ed-d-bb65521a Website:
https://www.joliet86.org/ Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom OnYourMarkWebsite:
https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/ OnYourMark LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.
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