On Leading Engaged Learning, host Heather Provencher sits down with Jeremy Smalline, Superintendent of Greece Central School District, for a thoughtful conversation on how districts can drive real gains in student engagement and literacy by investing in people, not just programs.
With nearly two decades in the district, Jeremy brings a unique perspective on system-wide change, sharing how Greece is rebuilding professional learning communities (PLCs), strengthening trust, and empowering teachers to use data collaboratively to improve outcomes. From early struggles with PLC implementation to recent double-digit gains in student performance, this episode highlights what it takes to create sustainable, culture-driven change.
Key Moments
06:02 Focusing on professional learning communities
08:05 Relaunching and improving PLC practices
12:09 Listening to community feedback
15:47 Creating support systems for teachers
19:58 Shifting resources for student impact
22:43 Listening, feedback, and next steps
24:58 Future goals and student achievement
30:04 The role of the board
31:12 Importance of long-term planning
Why You’ll Love This Episode
This episode is a powerful reminder that meaningful literacy and engagement gains don’t come from new programs—they come from strengthening the people and systems already in place.
You’ll take away:
- A clear blueprint for relaunching PLCs the right way after past failures
- How to build teacher ownership and buy-in through guiding coalitions
- Why time for collaboration is the most valuable resource a district can provide
- A leadership approach grounded in listening, transparency, and vulnerability
- A critical mindset shift: data as empowerment, not intimidation
- A practical truth: sustainable improvement requires 5-year thinking, not yearly resets
Jeremy’s perspective reinforces a central theme of this podcast: when teachers are supported, trusted, and given time to collaborate, student outcomes follow.
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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 Heather Provencher 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.