[00:00:02] **Announcer:**
It’s time to get in the loop with LPS, the official podcast of Liberty Public Schools…

[00:00:24] **Announcer:**
Let’s get started and send you to your host, longtime Director of Communications, Dallas Ackerman.

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## **INTRODUCTION**

[00:00:36] **Dallas Ackerman:**
Welcome back to *In the Loop with LPS*! This week we’re excited to welcome a wonderful guest — **Dr. Julie Moore**, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Learning. Julie, thank you for finally joining us.

[00:00:59] **Dr. Julie Moore:**
Thanks for *finally* having me!

[00:01:01] **Dallas:**
It’s become a running joke — every time Dr. Tucker plugs the podcast, you stare at me from across the room like, *Really, Dallas?* So here we are — making it happen!

[00:01:23] **Dr. Moore:**
Thank you. I appreciate it. I *needed* to be here.

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## **HOW THE SCHOOL YEAR IS GOING**

[00:01:41] **Dallas:**
How’s the year going? We’re flying toward graduation.

[00:01:41] **Dr. Moore:**
Time is flying. It’s been a great year — lots of new leaders, lots of new faces. Watching them thrive in their buildings has been exciting. But yes… graduation planning is already underway!

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## **ABOUT THE INNOVATION & LEARNING TEAM**

[00:02:27] **Dallas:**
Let’s talk about your team — Innovation and Learning. Who’s doing what?

[00:02:48] **Dr. Moore:**
We have an incredible team:

* **Dr. VanBatavia** – Executive Director of Secondary Education (middle + high schools). Formerly NKC, Avid background, excellent support for new leaders.
* **Dr. Wilson** – Executive Director of Elementary. Former Kellybrook principal, knows this district deeply; strong relationships with elementary leaders.
* **Dr. Schmitz** – Oversees curriculum, assessment, fine arts, library media, college & career. Formerly Epic principal. She’s streamlined curriculum and keeps our vision aligned across schools.

It’s a great mix of fresh perspectives + Liberty-grown leadership.

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## **KEY INITIATIVES (“BIG ROCKS”)**

### **1. Real World Learning (RWL)**

[00:05:55] **Dr. Moore:**
Our biggest initiative is **Real World Learning** — ensuring students graduate with a **Market Value Asset (MVA)** such as an internship, client-connected project, industry credential, or entrepreneurial experience.

The KC metro goal is 2030.
**Liberty’s goal? 2025.**
Meaning **this year’s juniors**.

We want every student to try meaningful real-world work *before* graduating. That might confirm their plan… or save them from a costly path that isn’t right for them.

Our new **Collegiate Nursing Academy** with William Jewell + Liberty Hospital is a great example:
21 students this year, nearly double applicants for next year — and they *love* it.

### **2. Graduate Profile – Learner Progressions**

[00:09:07]
We’ve created **learner progressions** for each skill in our Graduate Profile:

* *What does empathy look like in kindergarten?*
* *In middle school?*
* *In high school?*

Students need academic skills *and* human skills: collaboration, problem solving, empathy. These must be intentionally taught and practiced.

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## **STRATEGIC PLAN REFRESH**

[00:10:18] **Dallas:**
Let’s talk about strategic planning — surveys, focus groups, community sessions. What’s happening?

[00:10:41] **Dr. Moore:**
We visited 9–10 schools. At elementary, Scott Fuller observed classrooms and met with staff. At middle/high schools, he held **student focus groups** — honest, open conversation without administrators in the room.

Next:

* Community partner sessions
* Business partner sessions
* Parent meetings

These will guide the next evolution of our strategic plan.

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## **DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY**

[00:12:03] **Dallas:**
Last Friday was a big PD day. Tell our listeners what happens behind the scenes.

[00:12:32] **Dr. Moore:**
It was fantastic.

* **88 sessions** offered
* Led by district teachers, paraprofessionals, and our department
* Student-led opening session
* Topics chosen *by staff* through survey: RWL, anxiety, SEL, assessment, instructional strategies, and more

Feedback so far:
Teachers want **even more** of this. Such a great day of connection and learning.

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## **EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAYS — WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS**

[00:14:02] **Dallas:**
Parents often ask: “What *really* happens on Early Release Wednesdays?”

[00:14:19] **Dr. Moore:**
We alternate:

### **Building Time**

* Review Panorama student survey results
* Discuss belonging, culture, school improvement
* Plan building-wide initiatives

### **Team Time**

* Dig into student data (pre-assessments, monitoring, proficiency checks)
* Ask: *What do students know? Where are the gaps? What do we try next?*
* Share practice: “Your results were stronger — what did you do?”

It’s structured, focused, essential collaboration time.

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## **JULIE MOORE’S CAREER JOURNEY**

[00:16:23] **Dallas:**
Now let’s shift — tell us about *you*. How long have you been in LPS?

[00:16:23] **Dr. Moore:**
20+ years! I’m a four-time Mizzou grad. Started teaching English in Columbia Public Schools, including At-Risk programs.

Came to Liberty in 2002–03:

* Teacher, Liberty Junior High (Scott Carr was my principal)
* Assistant principal, then principal, South Valley
* Executive Director of Secondary
* Asst. Superintendent for Leadership & Learning
* Now Asst. Superintendent of Innovation & Learning

It’s been a great journey.

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## **ON LEADING MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS**

[00:18:44] **Dallas:**
You were a longtime middle school leader. What’s that like?

[00:18:59] **Dr. Moore:**
Most people say, “I could *never* do middle school.” I say, “I could never do anything *but* middle school.”

They’re figuring out who they are — awkward, funny, emotional, resilient. And yes… principals are still cool to them. For a little while.

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## **WORKING AT CENTRAL OFFICE VS. IN SCHOOLS**

[00:20:20] **Dallas:**
How hard was the transition from principal to central office?

[00:20:20] **Dr. Moore:**
I missed the kids *terribly*. The energy, the cafeteria, the chaos… all of it.

I still go to buildings often because if you lose touch with the experience of teachers or principals, you can’t lead well. Kids keep us grounded.

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## **ABOUT HER FAMILY**

[00:21:56] **Dallas:**
Tell us about your family.

[00:21:56] **Dr. Moore:**
My husband, Lance, teaches at Liberty North and coaches football. Busy year-round!

Our son, Tristan, is in 4th grade at Shoal Creek — loves sports (whichever season he’s in), and adores his teacher, Mrs. Banner.

And yes… I’m bracing for the middle school years.

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## **LEADERSHIP STYLE**

[00:24:02] **Dallas:**
How would you describe your leadership style?

[00:24:02] **Dr. Moore:**
**Shepherd leadership.**

If you’re ready to fly — I let you fly. Innovate, explore, lead.

If you need support — I’m behind you, guiding, teaching, encouraging.

I hope people see me as someone who empowers, dreams, and helps ideas come to life.

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# **THREE RANDOM QUESTIONS**

## **1️⃣ Last song you searched on your device?**

[00:25:27] **Dr. Moore:**
Probably **“Yeah!” by Usher**, because of the Super Bowl — my son wanted to hear his music.

But if we’re being honest… my car is usually blasting **Luke Combs** or **Morgan Wallen**. (And yes, I leave the volume up too high in the district vehicle.)

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## **2️⃣ All-expense-paid trip anywhere in the world — where are you going?**

[00:27:37] **Dr. Moore:**
**Aruba.**

I love the beach — but also, I’ve followed the Natalee Holloway case for years, and would be fascinated to see the place I’ve read so much about.

Either that or Bora Bora in an overwater hut. Dream trip.

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## **3️⃣ Favorite elementary teacher — and why?**

[00:29:29] **Dr. Moore:**
Mrs. Stackelberg, in Omaha.

She once brought in a guest speaker I completely failed to appreciate at the time… **George Brett**.

As a 4th-grade girl, I didn’t understand the magnitude! But years later it hit me: *George Brett was in my classroom.*

Beyond that, she handled tough moments — including the loss of a student — with grace. An unforgettable teacher.

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## **CLOSING**

[00:31:15] **Dallas:**
No edits needed — this was fantastic. Thank you, Julie, for everything you and your team do, and for joining us on *In the Loop with LPS*.

[00:32:41] **Announcer:**
Thanks for listening… visit lps53.org for more information.