M-TIP

Dr. Tamara Thomas

The M-TIP Podcast with Dr. Tamara amplifies voices in education, equipping districts and leaders with data-driven strategies to transform struggling schools into thriving communities. The podcast explores root cause analysis, leadership sustainability, and turning negative trends into positive outcomes.

Last refreshed: August 23rd, 2025 at 5:37 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Planting Seeds for the Future: Legacy and Leadership with Dr. Anthony Lewis

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, and navigating uncertainty in public education. Together, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Lewis explore how lead...

Aug 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 6

Systems That Serve: Amy Miller on Scaling MTSS with Purpose and Precision

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, Amy offers more than theories; she shares tested solutions and lived realities. Backed by over 25 year...

Jul 09, 2025•57 min•Ep. 5

The Power of Purpose: Dr. Dudley Flood’s Blueprint for Educational Transformation

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 education or a seasoned changemaker, you’ll be inspired by Dr. Flood’s stories, practical advice, and unwave...

Jun 10, 2025•52 min•Ep. 4

Building Teacher Leadership for Lasting School Improvement at Glendale Kenly

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 leadership moves, strategic delegation, and a laser focus on inclusion and teacher empowerment, Princi...

May 20, 2025•41 min•Ep. 3

The Principal’s Playbook: Dr Cynthia Simons on Making Student Growth Possible

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 one year, Dr. Simons led the school to break free from its long-standing struggles, achieving overal...

Apr 22, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2

From Crisis to Triumph: Selma Middle School's Remarkable Turnaround

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 shares his decision to step into the role at Selma in 2019, just before the pandemic struck, and how ...

Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 1

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