Should ALL Teachers Really Be Curriculum Creators? With Dr. Morgan Polikoff

Welcome to the School Leadership Project’s Curriculum Foundations for Independent Schools Series, where we explore the critical tension between independence and coherence in independent school education. This series dives deep into the essential foundations that schools need to create a cohesive curriculum while maintaining the autonomy that defines independent education.
In this episode, Cindy Blackburn sits down with Dr. Morgan Polikoff, professor of education policy at USC and author of Beyond Standards, to tackle a thought-provoking question: Should all teachers be curriculum creators? Together, they unpack why the best schools focus on coherence, not just independence, and explore how pre-designed, high-quality curricula can free up teachers to personalize learning, lean into their school's unique values, and focus on what truly matters-student growth and engagement.
Whether you’re an independent school leader or an educator looking to rethink your approach to curriculum design, this episode is packed with insights to help your school thrive.