One of the most common mistakes schools make is confusing a resource with a curriculum.A textbook gets adopted. A program is purchased. A shiny new initiative is rolled out.And suddenly everyone says, “Great… we have a curriculum.”But that’s not curriculum.In this episode, Darrin sits down with Emily Makelky from the Curriculum Leadership Institute (CLI) to unpack what curriculum actually means and why empowering teachers to lead curriculum development can transform how schools serve students.Drawing on years of classroom experience and consulting with districts across the country, Emily shares how leaders can move beyond resource adoption and build sustainable curriculum systems that reflect their community, their teachers, and their students.The conversation also explores how leadership teams can prioritize curriculum work, avoid overwhelming teachers, and create structures that support long-term improvement.If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like “What should we really be teaching?” or “How do we align instruction across classrooms?” this episode offers practical insight for school and district leaders.In This EpisodeWhy a textbook is not a curriculumThe difference between resources and true curriculum alignmentHow schools can build local curriculum that reflects their communityWhy teacher voice and teacher leadership are essential in curriculum developmentHow leaders can create systems and routines that support curriculum workWhy going slow to go fast matters when implementing curriculum changesHow districts can create a long-range plan for curriculum developmentAbout Emily MakelkyJust like when she was in the classroom, Emily loves it when the “lightbulb” comes on for teachers.Combining her teaching experience with a foundation in business management, Emily now works as a consultant with the Curriculum Leadership Institute, helping schools and districts take a systematic approach to curriculum development and alignment.Emily’s work focuses on helping educators clarify what should be taught, align instruction and assessment, and empower teachers to lead meaningful curriculum work within their schools.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeCurriculum Leadership Institutehttps://www.cliweb.orgFree tools and resources (including the Long Range Plan template)https://www.cliweb.org/toolsandinspirationFree Long Range Planning Sessionhttps://calendly.com/d/3sk-z55-pg2/develop-your-long-range-planConnect with DarrinIf this episode resonated with you and you're looking for support in developing stronger leadership teams, clearer systems, and healthier school cultures, connect with Darrin.Website: https://darrinpeppard.com/Thank you to our Amazing SponsorsThis episode is sponored by DigiCoach, helping leaders capture real-time instructional data, provide meaningful feedback, and build clarity through strong systems. Go to digicoach.com and tell them you heard about them here on the Leaning into Leadership podcast for special partner pricing.This episode is also brought to you by HeyTutor, delivering high-impact, research-based tutoring that supports students while reducing leadership overwhelm. Connect with them at HeyTutor.com