Welcome back to SmartSchool! In this episode of The Learning Equation, host Danelle sits down with Samantha Skubal, Director of Innovation and Accountability at J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 in Cicero, Illinois. With a district that serves over 8,000 students, most of whom come from underserved backgrounds, Samantha shares how her team is reimagining what’s possible in public education.

In this inspiring conversation, Samantha unpacks how Morton blends forward-thinking innovation with rigorous accountability systems. From launching in-house tech support programs powered by students to building inclusive, teacher-led PD models like Festival Ignite and classroom expeditions, Samantha shows what it takes to make change stick. She dives into the district’s transition to skills-based instruction, their thoughtful use of data for reflection, not punishment, and how Morton is addressing chronic absenteeism with flexible learning models, such as Subjects.

We also gain insight into how the district remains nimble in the face of challenges, from being the lowest-funded high school district in Illinois to supporting a student body that’s over 85% current or former English language learners. If you're passionate about student equity, teacher leadership, and designing systems that work for real kids in real communities, this episode is a must-listen.

Timestamps:
00:00 Blending Innovation with Accountability

02:11 Building Shared Ownership and Cultural Buy-In

04:38 Festival Ignite & Teacher-Led PD

07:32 Designing Instructional Expeditions

12:17 Supporting New Teachers with Bootcamps & Mentorship

18:18 Using Walkthrough & Performance Data Meaningfully

23:33 Building a Culture of Feedback & Trust

29:44 Providing Tech Equity for Underserved Students

32:19 The TSI Class: Student-Powered Tech Support

34:38 Why Morton Chose Microsoft Over Google

38:04 Authentic Assessment Through Formative

40:34 Shared Leadership in Piloting Initiatives

43:33 Supporting Students in Algebra & Math Equity

47:16 Skills-Based Instruction to Address Absenteeism

50:56 Geographically Fluid Learning with Subjects

52:20 Centering Tier 1 Instruction & Inclusive Practice

54:55 Why Students and Staff Make Morton Unforgettable

Connect with Samantha Skubal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-skubal-0657486a

District Website: https://www.morton201.org

Connect with Host Danelle Almaraz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz

Website: joinsmartschool.com

Like what you heard? The Learning Equation brings you real stories of transformation in education—one innovative system, one courageous leader, one classroom at a time.