Inside Greenwich’s Literacy Success: Strategy, Consistency, and Community Involvement
In this episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. Toni Jones, Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools in Connecticut, for a deep and honest conversation about what it really takes to build successful early literacy programs in schools. Dr. Toni Jones shares her remarkable career journey across different states and countries, and how those diverse experiences shaped her commitment to equity in education.
Together, they dive into the unique challenges of leading a high-performing yet economically diverse district, facing persistent achievement gaps, and pivoting through the disruptive years of COVID-19. Dr. Toni Jones opens up about the strategic decisions that helped level the playing field for all students, including system-wide literacy initiatives, targeted use of federal funds, consistent implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and innovative tutoring and volunteer programs.
Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical insights on leveraging data, building strong principal leadership, fostering collaboration over competition, and making the most of available resources, no matter the budget. Mindy Sjoblom and Dr. Toni Jones also look ahead to the future of education, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence, the need to prepare students for an ever-changing world, and what’s next for Greenwich’s Achieve 2028 strategic plan.
Key Moments
06:21 Improving Literacy Through Phonics
07:45 Balanced Literacy for All Students
10:51 Achieving Literacy Success
14:54 Streamlined Math Resource Adoption
19:14 Greenwich's Strong Volunteer Community
21:10 MTSS Leadership and Power Tutoring
26:29 Strategic Problem-Solving Through Data
29:37 "Resource Allocation for Education Effectiveness"
33:18 Adapting Education for AI Future
36:07 Implementing and Exploring AI in Schools
39:04 AI Translation and Education Tools
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re working to improve early literacy outcomes without losing sight of equity, this episode is packed with practical insight. Dr. Toni Jones shares how to move from inconsistent practices to a clear, districtwide system that delivers results, especially for students who need it most. You’ll hear how consistency, strategic use of resources, and data-driven decision-making can close gaps, strengthen instruction, and support teachers at scale. Plus, the conversation offers a real look at balancing structure with student engagement, and what it takes to lead meaningful change across diverse schools.
Connect with Dr. Toni Jones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtonijones
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/
Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMark
Website: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education
About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.
👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.
Together, they dive into the unique challenges of leading a high-performing yet economically diverse district, facing persistent achievement gaps, and pivoting through the disruptive years of COVID-19. Dr. Toni Jones opens up about the strategic decisions that helped level the playing field for all students, including system-wide literacy initiatives, targeted use of federal funds, consistent implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and innovative tutoring and volunteer programs.
Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical insights on leveraging data, building strong principal leadership, fostering collaboration over competition, and making the most of available resources, no matter the budget. Mindy Sjoblom and Dr. Toni Jones also look ahead to the future of education, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence, the need to prepare students for an ever-changing world, and what’s next for Greenwich’s Achieve 2028 strategic plan.
Key Moments
06:21 Improving Literacy Through Phonics
07:45 Balanced Literacy for All Students
10:51 Achieving Literacy Success
14:54 Streamlined Math Resource Adoption
19:14 Greenwich's Strong Volunteer Community
21:10 MTSS Leadership and Power Tutoring
26:29 Strategic Problem-Solving Through Data
29:37 "Resource Allocation for Education Effectiveness"
33:18 Adapting Education for AI Future
36:07 Implementing and Exploring AI in Schools
39:04 AI Translation and Education Tools
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re working to improve early literacy outcomes without losing sight of equity, this episode is packed with practical insight. Dr. Toni Jones shares how to move from inconsistent practices to a clear, districtwide system that delivers results, especially for students who need it most. You’ll hear how consistency, strategic use of resources, and data-driven decision-making can close gaps, strengthen instruction, and support teachers at scale. Plus, the conversation offers a real look at balancing structure with student engagement, and what it takes to lead meaningful change across diverse schools.
Connect with Dr. Toni Jones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtonijones
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/
Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMark
Website: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education
About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.
👉Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the OnYourMark Podcast for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and lasting change.
