If you're a school or district leader responsible for turning around a low-performing middle school, you're facing more than just academic gaps, absenteeism, and teacher turnover. You're navigating:
- Burned-out teachers stuck in survival mode
- Students quietly thinking, “School’s just not for me”
- Herculean leadership efforts that barely move the needle
Here’s the hard truth: Lasting transformation doesn’t come from more siloed "solutions"—curriculum, tutoring, or SEL programs—because those don’t address the root causes: fractured teacher-student relationships, inconsistent instruction, and low expectations.
Real change begins by restoring hope, belonging, and belief—in both students and teachers.
Join Scott Schneider (Chief of Schools, Duval County), Dr. Tracie Washington (Deputy Superintendent of Leading and Learning, Terrell ISD), and Shannon Buerk (Founder & CEO, engage2learn) for this direct, no-fluff webinar to learn the 5 Levers for Transforming Middle Schools.
These levers have helped schools on the brink of closure become A and B-rated campuses—and more importantly, helped educators and students believe in what’s possible again. We’ll also share success stories from schools that saw +10-15 point gains in student achievement and -15 point drops in chronic absenteeism.
In this 1-hour session, you’ll:
- Uncover what’s driving the “yo-yo effect” of short-term gains and setbacks
- Learn 5 research-backed levers that drive rapid, lasting change
- See how large urban districts are transforming CSI/TSI middle schools in a single year
- Walk away with strategies you can implement immediately to reinvigorate your team
Presenters:
Scott Schneider
Chief of Schools
Duval Public Schools
Scott Schneider is Chief of Schools for Duval County Public Schools, the 18th largest district in the nation, serving over 115,000 students. A 23-year veteran educator, Scott has led districtwide improvements resulting in Duval’s first-ever “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education and the elimination of all “F” schools for the first time in over 20 years. A former principal and regional superintendent, he is a passionate, equity-driven leader committed to ensuring every student is seen, supported, and set up for success..
Tracie Washington, Ed.D.
Deputy Superintendent of Leading and Learning
Terrell ISD
Dr. Tracie Washington is the Deputy Superintendent of Leading and Learning for Terrell ISD. Dr. Washington, with over 18 years of educational leadership, is known for her transformative work in Dallas ISD spearheading the “Achieving in the Middle” initiative that drove remarkable improvement across the district’s middle schools.
Shannon K. Buerk
Founder & CEO
engage2learn
Shannon K. Buerk is a nationally recognized thought leader in organizational culture and performance-based coaching for public schools. With 28 years of experience in K–12 education, she has led transformative work in over 300 districts. As the founder and CEO of engage2learn, Shannon is passionate about building educator capacity, shifting school culture, and driving measurable gains in student achievement and engagement. Her work has helped public school districts implement sustainable systems of support that lead to real results.
