ABOUT THIS EPISODE
On Leading Engaged Learning, host Heather Provencher sits down with Dr. Kelly Coffin, Superintendent of Farmington Public Schools, for a powerful conversation on how system-level design, teacher investment, and mindset shifts can unlock meaningful literacy gains across a district.
Drawing on her experience across special education, general education, and district leadership, Dr. Coffin shares how Farmington is rethinking traditional school structures, from team-based staffing models to integrated literacy across subjects, to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and challenged. The conversation highlights how literacy improvement isn’t just about curriculum,it’s about building systems that prioritize collaboration, student voice, and sustained teacher growth.
Key Moments
04:53 "Supporting Teachers, Students Together"
07:23 "Empowered Students, Supportive Community"
12:14 Transforming Education Through Teacher Support
16:30 Middle School Teaming Success
17:40 Integrating Contextual Learning Strategies
23:29 Boosting Success Through Parent Involvement
27:18 Teacher-Centered Curriculum Adoption Process
28:12 Collaborative Resource Evaluation Process
32:07 Balancing Tools for Student Success
35:27 "Sustainable Systemic Classroom Change"
Why You’ll Love This Episode
This episode is a masterclass in system-level leadership for literacy improvement.
You’ll learn:
- How team-based staffing models can transform both teacher experience and student outcomes
- Why literacy gains accelerate when reading and writing are embedded across all subjects
- A practical framework for diagnosing literacy challenges beyond just “curriculum issues”
- How to implement curriculum adoption with teacher buy-in through pilots and proof-of-concept
- Why teacher investment (time, coaching, collaboration) is the most critical lever for change
- A mindset shift that stands out: acceleration over remediation
- A powerful equity move: ensuring all students access grade-level content—no pull-outs from core instruction
Dr. Coffin also reinforces a critical leadership principle: sustainable change lives in classrooms, not central office—and it only happens when teachers are supported, trusted, and empowered.
Connect with Our Guest
Dr. Kelly Coffin
Superintendent, Farmington Public Schools (Michigan)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-coffin-050ab36a
Website: https://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/
Connect with Us
3P Learning Inc
Website: https://www.3plearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3p-learning
About Leading Engaged Learning
Leading Engaged Learning is a podcast series for district leaders and education innovators focused on what it really takes to improve literacy outcomes by strengthening student engagement. Hosted by Heather Provencher and produced by 3P Learning Inc, each episode explores the real-world decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs behind building systems that help students become more confident readers.
