Academic Systems Improvement

Rapid Instructional Systems Enhancement (RISE)

Hand-over-hand support that accelerates school improvement through rapid, high-impact instructional and leadership changes, prioritizing immediate gains in student outcomes. What makes RISE different? A focused, one-year model for urgent turnaround needs.

Comprehensive support: You will receive the core supports aligned to LIFT, plus additional targeted services designed for rapid implementation

Expert partnership: As part of this pilot, participating districts will receive support from Teach Like a Champion (TLAC)©

How We Partner

RISE operates through integrated strands of leadership development, instructional excellence, and embedded coaching to drive rapid change in instructional systems.

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Leadership & Systems Development

RISE supports leaders in quickly establishing the systems and structures that enable effective teaching and learning.

  • Rapid alignment of vision, priorities, and instructional focus
  • Development of clear, executable leadership routines
  • Creation of streamlined data cycles for quick decision-making
  • Implementation of progress monitoring systems
  • Leadership coaching focused on execution and accountability

Instructional Excellence

RISE accelerates improvements in Tier 1 instruction by focusing on a small number of high-leverage practices.

  • Targeted professional development aligned to immediate needs
  • Identification and implementation of high-impact instructional routines (RBIS and TLAC)
  • Co-facilitation of professional learning with campus leaders
  • Calibration of instructional expectations across classrooms
  • Focus on consistency, rigor, and student engagement

Embedded Campus Support

RISE ensures that changes happen in real time through intensive, job-embedded support.

  • Frequent on-site or virtual coaching cycles
  • Modeling of instructional practices and leadership moves
  • Observation and feedback with rapid turnaround
  • Real-time problem-solving and adjustment
  • Ongoing progress monitoring tied to short-cycle goals

Meet Our Experts

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Dr. Natasha Watson

Dr. Natasha Watson brings more than 32 years of distinguished experience in education, marked by a consistent record of transforming underperforming schools into high-achieving learning environments. Her leadership is driven by a clear mission: to ensure that all students, regardless of background or circumstance, have access to high-quality education and opportunities for success.

Dr. Watson’s professional experience spans a range of impactful roles, including Assistant Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, Academic Program Manager, and Teacher. As a principal and district leader, she has not only led campus turnarounds but has also scaled best practices across multiple schools and departments. She has also served as a Leader of Leaders and Principal Supervisor, coaching and mentoring school administrators to effectively lead instructional improvement and manage complex systems. She is known for her ability to develop leadership pipelines, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and align district initiatives with campus-level execution. Her mentorship has empowered numerous leaders to successfully navigate challenges and achieve impactful results within their schools.

In addition to her extensive practical experience, Dr. Watson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development & Human Relations, a Master’s degree in Education Administration, and has pursued further studies in a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She also earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership, equipping her with both the academic foundation and strategic expertise to lead complex educational systems and turnaround initiatives effectively.

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Mariana Maldonado

Mariana brings 21 years of experience in education. She has served as a high school science teacher, campus curriculum and instructional specialist, assistant principal, and regional coordinator, all with a focus on empowering individuals. She is passionate about strengthening Texas school improvement and turnaround efforts by supporting leaders in implementing effective, sustainable instructional practices.

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Tawanna Cheri

Danielle Frei brings over 30 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to supporting schools and leaders in meaningful, sustainable improvement. Throughout her career, she has led successful campus turnaround efforts, strengthened system alignment, and developed leaders through intentional, growth-focused coaching cycles. Danielle is known for building strong partnerships with school and district leaders, working alongside them to ensure that systems, instructions, and culture are aligned to meet the needs of every student. In her role as Regional Coordinator, she approaches her work through a lens of supportive partnership, delivering that most impactful change happens when leaders feel both challenged and supported. She is passionate about continuous improvement and remains committed to helping schools build the capacity needed for long-term success.

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Alexis Denton

Nicole Jenkins is an experienced educational leader with over a decade of experience dedicated to improving student achievement and strengthening school systems. She has served in multiple leadership roles, including Director of Assessment and Accountability, Dean of Instruction, and Assistant Principal, where she developed a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and instructional leadership. In her current role as a Regional Coordinator for School Improvement and Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL), Nicole supports campus and district leaders in implementing high-impact practices aligned to the Effective Schools Framework (ESF) and TIL. She is a data-driven leader with a track record of producing measurable results, focused on building leadership capacity, enhancing instructional systems, and driving sustainable improvements in teaching and learning. Nicole is also a current doctoral student, further deepening her expertise in educational leadership and school improvement.

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Brandi Epps

Brandi Epps is a literacy leader with 18 years of experience rooted in transformation. Having spent her teaching career on campuses in school improvement, she brings firsthand knowledge of the work and what it takes to truly RISE above any and all challenges.

As a former teacher, instructional coach, and district instructional specialist, Brandi has supported PK–5 educators through direct instructional support, coaching and teacher development, targeted professional development, and the effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials.

Grounded in the belief that strong instruction changes trajectories, Brandi balances urgency with passion, rapport, and unwavering commitment—equipping teachers to deliver strong instruction and accelerate student outcomes. She doesn’t just understand the work—she’s done the work, and she knows what it takes to get results.

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Brittany Jennings

Brittany Jennings brings 19 years of comprehensive experience in education, including serving as a middle school math teacher, holding multiple leadership roles within a mathematics department, working as an assistant principal, and supporting campuses as a regional coordinator with a focus on student achievement. Across these roles, she has remained deeply committed to empowering educators and strengthening instructional practices that lead to sustained school improvement. Her belief is that strong relationships and rapport are a necessary part of effective leadership and meaningful change. She is passionate about building the capacity of teachers and leaders through trust, collaboration, and targeted support to improve student outcomes and ensure long-term success.

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Erica Sneed

Erica brings over 14 years of experience in education, having progressed through roles as an elementary teacher, campus RLA instructional specialist, district literacy coach, and Assistant Principal of Curriculum. As a Regional Coordinator, she leverages this background to empower leaders and educators through research-based frameworks and data-driven best practices. She is dedicated to driving student growth across the region by implementing sustainable coaching models and differentiated instruction to ensure every student achieves academic success.