332. Reigniting Learning with Competency-Based Education: Featuring Richard DeLorenzo, Roxy Mourant & Jessica Enderson
What if the traditional education system isn’t broken—but outdated? In this compelling episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Richard DeLorenzo, founder of the Re-Inventing Schools Coalition, Roxy Mourant, CEO of CBE Ignited, and Jessica Enderson, COO of CBE Ignited, to explore the transformative power of Competency-Based Education (CBE).
Together, we unpack the foundational principles from their book, Competency-Based Education Ignited, and examine how CBE differs from past reform efforts. We discuss why this student-centered, mastery-driven approach holds real promise for sustainability and equity in education. The team shares what mindset shifts are needed for teachers, how leaders can guide schools through the transition, and what it truly looks like when students take ownership of their learning.
From redefining success to scaling system-wide change, this episode is filled with bold ideas, proven strategies, and the passion to reshape the future of learning.
About Richard DeLorenzo:
A dynamic leader who is part of the team leading the largest education reform ever from a traditional time-based model to a digital personal proficiency system that will impact over 72,000 schools in Russia. Over 20 years ago, he led the first district to win the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award in education by moving from a time-based system to a digital personal mastery, thereby setting a revolution in school change in motion. He founded the Re-Inventing Schools Coalition (RISC) to impact 1,000,000 children by scaling this system worldwide. Marzano Research purchased the foundation, which is now called Reinventing Schools https://rs.marzanoresearch.com.
About Jessica Enderson:
Jessica Enderson is a nationally recognized leader in learner-centered transformation with over two decades of experience in education. She has held leadership roles at various levels, guiding schools and districts through transforming from traditional systems to competency-based, personalized learning. As the Chief Operations Officer of CBE Ignited and founder of Learner Centered Leadership, Jessica brings a practical, inspiring approach to change—empowering leaders and educators to design learning environments where all students thrive.
Follow Richard, Roxy, and Jessica:
Website: https://cbeignited.org/
Twitter (X): Richard: https://x.com/CBEIgnitedCEO
Twitter (X): Jessica: https://x.com/J_EndersonSD
Twitter (X): Roxy https://x.com/CBEIgnitedCEO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxannemourant/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087944445826
Linkedin: Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-delorenzo-7165684/
Linkedin: Roxy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-mourant-71248a165/
Linkedin: Jessica: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-enderson-020104252
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CBEIgnitedInc
Additional Links/ Resources:
Medary Elementary MCL4YL (Mass Customized Learning for Young Learners)
https://youtu.be/GLZ6CPFsin4?si=5DYHtfjcERNWQ1BH
A Day in the LIfe of a Lindsay Learner
https://youtu.be/QRKnTbkouXA?si=l6xb4dzLNPJiWuOB
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Thriving Educator Free Webinar
I want to invite you to a free webinar on Student Mental Health + Behavior! On April 29, I’ll be co-hosting this event with Thriving Educator to share practical tools and strategies for supporting student well-being in schools.
👉 Free Registration: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/thrivingeducatorwe
👉 Special guests: Julie Schmidt Hasson, Mike Sipple Jr., Herb Monroe
👉 For: Administrators, District Leaders, School Counselors, Teacher Leaders, School Social Workers
If you’re looking for ways to transform mental health support in your school or district, this is for you!
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#1 New Release, “The Language of Behavior” is NOW Available!
The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate.
Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it’s a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders
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Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?
Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.
Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:
Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper
Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast
Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2
Aspire to Lead Won the FireBird Award!
I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio!
It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support!
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Review the Podcast
I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show.
This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
About the author, Joshua
Joshua Stamper is the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team and manages the Teach Better Podcast Network. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach.
In addition to being on the Teach Better Team, Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, podcaster, leadership coach, and education presenter.