Building Literacy Systems Through People-First Leadership with Dr. Paul Enderle

On Leading Engaged Learning, host Miriam Williams sits down with Dr. Paul Enderle, Superintendent of Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123, to explore how strong leadership, instructional coaching, and intentional system design can improve literacy outcomes for every student.

With more than two decades in educational leadership and deep roots in the Oak Lawn community, Dr. Enderle shares how District 123 is strengthening literacy instruction through collaborative structures, guaranteed intervention time, and a people-first approach to supporting educators. From building district-wide consistency across schools to expanding literacy-rich learning opportunities, this conversation highlights what it takes to create coherent systems that truly support students and teachers alike.

Key Moments

05:37 Leadership Rooted in Community

08:37 Investing in Instructional Coaching

10:12 Creating Guaranteed Student Experiences

11:20 Addressing Post-Pandemic Learning Loss

11:58 Expanding Literacy and Math Instruction Time

12:20 WIN Blocks: “What I Need” Intervention Support

12:52 Using Data to Target Learning Gaps

13:06 Teaching Students How to Read Early

14:15 Building Literacy-Rich School Structures

16:40 Supporting Teachers Through Coaching and Resources

18:10 Creating Collaborative Systems Across Schools

20:25 Strengthening Literacy Through Consistency

23:14 People Over Programs Philosophy


Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a practical and thoughtful look at how district leaders can strengthen literacy systems by investing in both students and educators. Dr. Enderle emphasizes that sustainable improvement happens when schools prioritize people, collaboration, and consistent instructional support.

You’ll learn:

• Why instructional coaching can transform teaching and learning
• How district-wide collaboration creates consistent student experiences
• The importance of dedicated literacy and intervention time
• How WIN blocks help schools personalize support for students
• Why strong literacy systems require both resources and educator development
• How districts can respond to post-pandemic learning challenges strategically
• The role of servant leadership in building strong school cultures
• Why “people over programs” remains a critical leadership mindset

Dr. Enderle also reinforces a powerful idea: when educators feel supported and connected, students are more likely to thrive academically and emotionally.

Connect with Our Guest

Dr. Paul Enderle
Superintendent, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

Website: https://www.d123.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-enderle-011b0142


Connect with Us

3P Learning Inc

Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning


About Leading Engaged Learning

Leading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Miriam Williams and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.

What is Leading Engaged Learning?

Leading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.