How Great Leaders Build Literacy at Scale | Dr. David Cintron on Policy, AI & Student-Centered Leadership

What does it really take to improve literacy across a large, diverse school district?

In this episode of Amira’s Champion Every Voice Podcast, host Jaclyn Wright sits down with Dr. David Cintron, Superintendent of District 14 in Brooklyn, New York, for a powerful conversation about literacy leadership, instructional coherence, family engagement, and the human-centered role of AI in education.

With 25 years in public education and experience across every level of school leadership, Dr. Cintron shares how District 14 is approaching literacy not as a one-time initiative, but as a pursuit—one grounded in shared decision-making, transparent communication, and unwavering focus on students.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why “getting it right” in literacy is a pursuit, not a destination
• How District 14 builds coherence across curriculum, instruction, assessment, and community engagement
• What it looks like when policy truly connects to classroom practice
• How AI can amplify the work of teachers and leaders without replacing the human connection
• Why family engagement must be aligned to district goals—not treated as a standalone effort
• The leadership habit Dr. Cintron uses to stay grounded in students every single day

One of the most memorable moments in the episode is Dr. Cintron’s reminder that “the story of one student is more powerful and palpable than any ream of data.”

This episode is for superintendents, principals, district leaders, literacy advocates, instructional coaches, and anyone committed to building systems that help every child become a reader.