M-TIP

In this episode, our host, Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with the inspiring Dr. Deanna Townsend Smith, an influential leader with over two decades of experience in public education, equity, and strategic leadership. From her beginnings as a recreational therapist to her transformative work turning around struggling schools and her current role as Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Edu...

In this episode, host Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with Dr. Anthony Lewis, superintendent of Durham Public Schools and a nationally recognized advocate for equity and innovation in education. Hailing from Talladega, Alabama, Dr. Lewis draws upon his remarkable journey, from special education teacher to influential district leader to share candid insights on legacy leadership, servant leadership,...

In this insightful episode, Amy Miller, District Director of Integrated Academic and Behavior Systems (IABS) and board-certified psychologist, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to implement MTSS with fidelity in a large, diverse district. From scaling supports across 56 schools with a three-person core team to tackling chronic absenteeism and behavior reform through restorative practices, Am...

In this episode, Dr. Flood opens up about his remarkable journey, from navigating entrenched resistance to integration to his ongoing commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging in every school community. He challenges us to move beyond compliance toward genuine inclusion, urging leaders to model compassion and courage, even when making tough or unpopular decisions. Whether you’re new to educatio...

In this episode of M-TIP, Dr. Tamara L. Thomas sits down with Principal Kelly Holland of Glendale-Kenly Elementary to unpack a truly remarkable turnaround story. Once a school labeled as "not meeting growth" for years, Glendale-Kenly not only rebounded post-COVID but soared—achieving exceptional student growth, especially among English Language Learners and students with disabilities. With bold le...

In this episode, host Dr. Tamara Thomas has an in-depth conversation with Dr. Cynthia Simons, the principal credited with ushering in remarkable change at Warren County High School. After ten years of academic stagnation and persistent challenges, Dr. Simons stepped into the principal role in 2023, bringing her over twenty-five years of experience and a passion for educational excellence. In just...

In this episode of the M-TIP Podcast, Dr. Tamara Thomas sits down with Principal of Selma Middle School, Stephen Baker to unpack one of the most inspiring school turnaround stories in North Carolina. Once ranked the 10th lowest performing school in the state and designated a Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) school, Selma Middle has not only defied the odds—it’s redefined them. Stephen s...