On the Clock

About On the Clock

Education insider and consultant, Todd Dallas Lamb, sits down with education leaders from across the country to discuss the latest industry trends, policies, and challenges. From the schoolhouse to the C-suite, On the Clock is your exclusive window into all things education.

Publisher

Todd Dallas Lamb

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Apr 2021

Latest episode

14 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

57 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Oct 2025

   Overcoming Educational Barriers: Equity, Innovation, and Opportunity in Albuquerque Public Schools

   In this episode of On The Clock, host Todd Dallas Lamb sits down with Dr. Gabriella Duran-Blakey, Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools, to explore how she is transforming one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the nation. Overseeing more than 140 schools and 12,000 employees, Dr. Blakey discusses her ambitious strategic plan aimed at improving outcomes for 68,000 students across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Dr. Blakey outlines four key goals shaping the district’s future: boosting third-grade reading and eighth-grade math proficiency, aligning high school programs with real-world career paths, and teaching essential social-emotional skills like perseverance and self-regulation. She shares how the district is embracing the science of reading, leveraging lessons from Mississippi’s turnaround, and expanding access to music and the arts to support cognitive development. He reflects on the challenges of serving such a vast and varied student population, especially those impacted by poverty and housing insecurity while emphasizing the importance of local leadership, community partnerships, and innovation. From Genius Hour to career academies, she details how APS is reimagining education to meet students where they are and prepare them for wherever they’re going. Timestamps 03:12 Addressing Educational Inequities in Albuquerque 07:20 "Adopting Mississippi's Reading Strategies" 11:29 "Math Enthusiast's Teaching Dilemma" 15:35 Diversifying Student Career Paths 19:18 Creative Skill Building in Schools 21:14 Pride in Community Commitment Connect with Dr. Gabriella Duran-Blakey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgabriellablakey/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgabriellablakey/) Website: https://www.aps.edu/ (https://www.aps.edu/)

2. 

   14 Aug 2025

   Educating the Future Workforce: Inside Fort Worth’s Bold School Strategy

   In this episode of On The Clock, Strategos Partner and host Todd Dallas Lamb sits down with Dr. Karen Molinar, Superintendent of the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), for a dynamic conversation about education’s evolving role in a rapidly changing Texas. With over 27 years of experience in the district, Dr. Molinar brings deep institutional knowledge and a forward-thinking vision to the table. Together, they explore how Fort Worth’s explosive growth—now one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.—is driving demand for a future-ready workforce. Dr. Molinar discusses how FWISD is meeting that challenge head-on by aligning career and technical education (CTE), early college high schools, and industry partnerships with the city's expanding economic sectors, including technology, automotive, HVAC, and even film production, thanks to the local presence of producer Taylor Sheridan. The episode also delves into the power of community collaboration. From FWISD’s work with three city chambers and a mayor’s council, to its groundbreaking partnership with Tarrant County College and the city-backed T3 initiative, Dr. Molinar explains how the district is preparing students, many from underrepresented backgrounds—for high-wage, high-demand careers without the burden of student debt. Dr. Molinar’s personal story, leadership philosophy, and belief in the potential of every student underscore a powerful message: when schools and communities work in unison, education becomes the engine of opportunity. If you're an educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode is a masterclass in how to lead a district with heart, strategy, and purpose. Key Moments 05:51 Tech-Focused CTE Reevaluation Plan 07:16 "Building Community and Career Pathways" 11:20 "Successful College Partnerships Expansion" 13:15 First-Generation Graduation Inspires 18:32 Diversifying Experiences: Sports & Education 21:13 Community Support for Fort Worth Schools 22:44 Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Interview Connect with Dr. Karen Molinar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-molinar-86a753b2 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-molinar-86a753b2) Website: https://www.fwisd.org/ (https://www.fwisd.org/)

3. 

   31 Jul 2025

   From Oxford to Every Classroom: The Truth About Reading Instruction

   In this episode of On The Clock, host Todd Dallas Lamb welcomes Dr. Charles Hulme, professor emeritus at Oxford University and one of the foundational voices behind the modern Science of Reading movement. With wit, humility, and deep scientific insight, Dr. Hulme traces the origins of the now widely adopted phrase “science of reading,” and explores how decades of research into how children learn to read are reshaping classrooms worldwide. Dr. Hulme discusses the cognitive mechanics behind literacy—drawing clear distinctions between reading for decoding and reading for comprehension—and explains why phonics remains a non-negotiable starting point for literacy instruction. He also dives into the emotional and lifelong consequences of reading struggles, particularly how early language deficits can spiral into academic underachievement, social isolation, and mental health issues. The episode goes beyond theory. Hulme describes his work with OxEd, the Oxford University spinout he founded to bring evidence-based reading and language tools into schools. With over two-thirds of English schools using their assessments, OxEd exemplifies how rigorous research can drive practical, scalable solutions in education. Todd and Dr. Hulme also touch on everything from educational funding in the UK to regional accents in America—ending with a heartwarming childhood anecdote about a chance encounter with a shoe repairman who sparked young Charles’s fascination with psychology. Key Moments 04:39 Oxford Experience and Educational Journey 07:03 Rethinking Dyslexia: Language Roots 12:52 Dyslexia Severity Compared to Hypertension 14:15 Oxford Research Spinout Company 19:44 "Advocating Science in Education" 22:50 Early Encounter with Psychology 26:11 Language Development in Babies 28:28 "Honoring Charles' Educational Impact" Connect with Dr. Charles Hulme LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charles-hulme-7a1846165 ============================= Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/ 🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork ============================= PODCASTS 🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast 🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock 🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen 🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance 🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar: https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/ Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD ============================= #educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

Who has been a guest on On the Clock

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr LaTonya Goffney
• Jeff McCoy
• Dr. Sharon Pepukayi

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

18 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

38

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71