Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by school leaders Ryan Cordia and Roxane Thomas to talk about how they support teachers who are implementing Modern Classrooms and create a safe space to innovate.

As part of their school's leadership team, Principal Ryan Cordia and Administrator Roxane Thomas, have prioritized a student-centered approach, emphasizing mastery and personalized learning.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• Leadership's Role: Strong leadership is crucial for successful implementation. By providing clear expectations, supporting teachers, and fostering a culture of innovation, leaders can create a positive learning environment. Ryan shared, "We're trying our best to make a plan that people ca replicate around the country."

• Student-Centered Approach: Prioritizing student needs and agency is essential. By offering flexible pacing, personalized support, and opportunities for student voice, schools can empower learners to take ownership of their education.

• Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with parents and the community is vital. By communicating effectively, involving families in the learning process, and showcasing student success, schools can gain valuable support and create a sense of belonging.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can we effectively balance teacher-led instruction with student-paced learning to ensure that all students are supported and engaged?

• What are the key challenges and opportunities in implementing a mastery-based model in a traditional school setting?

• How can we leverage technology to enhance student learning and engagement in a blended learning environment?

Our Host

Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.

Our Guests

Ryan Cordia

Ryan is the inaugural principal at Northeast Career and Technical Academy in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The school is the first in the Clark County School District to pilot in-person, self-paced, mastery blended learning in core classes. Students complete one of ten CTE pathways and graduate on time with career AND college readiness. Students learn at different rates, and the flexible instruction model allows all students to access the support needed while shortening the timeline from freshman orientation to revenue generation. He has worked in education for 17 years across the country. He believes in the power of career programs to set students on a path to success, providing access to high-skill work, affordable college, and military careers. Ryan loves working with students and creating exceptional schools that unlock every stakeholder's potential. In the spring of 2022, Northeast Career and Technical Academy won “Top Magnet School in America” by MSA, Nevada ACTE Administrator of the Year, and the Clark County School District Principal of the Year.

Roxane Thomas

Roxane is the assistant Principal at Northeast CTA. Supports English, Math, Social Studies and Science in implementing schoolwide Mastery Learning. She is a self-proclaimed Instructional Nerd - She loves a good jigsaw, four-corners, or fishbowl discussion. She is also a big supporter of teacher autonomy and creativity to make learning fun for students of all ages.

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