19 Aug 2026
S.5 | Ep. 24: Empowering Every Scholar Through Voice, Resilience, and Opportunity
In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Rhonda Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Uniondale Union Free School District in New York. Drawing on 37 years in education, Rhonda reflects on her journey from middle school teacher to principal, superintendent, and district leader, sharing how relationships and a commitment to being 'in service for children' have shaped every stage of her career.
Rhonda explores Uniondale's strategic promise to ensure every scholar is empowered, responsible, resilient, and prepared for leadership, college, and career. She discusses how the district has strengthened attendance, academic achievement, scholar engagement, and graduation outcomes by creating classrooms where students feel valued and have a meaningful voice. Rhonda also shares how professional development, classroom visits, inquiry teams, PLCs, and collaborative leadership structures are helping educators learn from one another and continuously improve instruction.
The conversation also highlights Uniondale's commitment to expanding opportunity and developing student leaders. From opening AP courses to more scholars and creating AP ambassadors to including student voices in superintendent advisory groups and school board conversations, Rhonda explains why students should be active participants in shaping their educational experience. She also looks ahead to Uniondale's next strategic planning cycle and its continued pursuit of a bold goal: preparing every scholar to graduate on time and succeed in whatever path they choose.
Key Moments
00:48 Rhonda's 37-Year Education Journey
02:32 Falling in Love with Teaching
04:44 Building Relationships with Scholars
07:52 Leading Through Service
10:27 Uniondale's Promise to Every Scholar
13:28 Improving Attendance and Achievement
16:37 Increasing Scholar Voice in Classrooms
18:54 Teachers Learning from Teachers
19:47 Collaboration Through Inquiry Teams
21:30 Developing Collaborative Leaders
23:35 Expanding Access to AP Courses
25:16 Creating Student Leadership Opportunities
27:53 The Goal of 100% Graduation
29:37 Uniondale's Four Strategic Goals
34:00 Educators Who Shaped Rhonda's Leadership
Why You'll Love This Episode
Rhonda offers an inspiring and practical perspective on creating educational systems centered on relationships, scholar voice, and opportunity. From expanding access to rigorous coursework to strengthening collaboration among teachers and leaders, she demonstrates how a clear promise to students can guide decisions and create meaningful, sustainable improvement.
Connect with Rhonda Taylor
Website: https://district.uniondaleschools.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-taylor-42b933234
Email: rtaylor@uniondaleschools.org
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
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About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
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