First 100 Days Plan

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First 100 Days Plan

Matt Natale

Literacy and Curriculum Leadership

Vision for Literacy & Instructional Leadership

Curriculum is not just a framework for what we teach. It’s a commitment to who we reach and how we support them. As a literacy and curriculum leader, I center my work on the belief that every student deserves instruction that is inclusive, high-quality, and grounded in how learning actually happens.

My vision is rooted in collaboration, coherence, and sustainability. I strive to build strong partnerships with educators, leaders, and system-level stakeholders to ensure that all learners—regardless of background or identity—are met with rigorous, affirming instruction. Whether supporting foundational reading development, integrating HQIM into instructional prep, or aligning clinical and coursework experiences, I aim to strengthen systems that are aligned, actionable, and anchored in student growth.

Having contributed to the NJDOE Working Group on Student Literacy, I understand the importance of developmentally appropriate screeners, inclusive instructional materials, and evidence-based practices. I bring that same lens, of clarity, practicality, and equity, to every leadership role I step into.

My Primary Goals

• Build trust and a shared vision with educators, program leaders, and partners across schools and systems

• Promote coherence between curriculum, instruction, and clinical practice through learning science and structured literacy

• Evaluate and align instructional materials to support diverse learners and reflect HQIM principles

• Strengthen candidate and teacher support systems using data-informed tools and responsive interventions

• Create capacity-building structures for ongoing professional learning and sustainable program improvement

First 100 Days Breakdown

Days 1-30: Listening, Learning & Landscape Analysis

Laying the foundation for sustainable, collaborative change

• Conduct empathy interviews and listening sessions with educators, faculty, and leaders to understand lived experiences, assets, and challenges

• Review instructional materials, program artifacts, and support tools for alignment to learning science, equity, and structured literacy

• Observe instructional practice (K–12 or teacher candidate-led) to evaluate coherence between pedagogy and design

• Evaluate assessment tools and practices for developmental appropriateness, equity of access, and instructional usability

• Identify initial areas of opportunity related to professional learning, collaboration structures, and resource refinement

Days 31-60: Strengthening Program Design and Literacy Alignment

Moving from insight to implementation

• Facilitate collaborative work sessions to refine pacing, curriculum supports, and feedback structures

• Support redesign of instructional modules and tools to reflect learning science, literacy best practices, and inclusive design

• Coordinate cross-role collaboration to strengthen alignment between standards, materials, and instruction

• Launch early cycles of professional learning aligned to emerging needs and educator feedback

• Identify and spotlight exemplar practices to build shared ownership and inspire peer learning

• Conduct a midpoint check-in with leadership teams to reflect, assess momentum, and refine next steps

Midpoint Check-In

Reflecting in partnership and adjusting with purpose

• Review instructional trends and feedback to evaluate implementation progress and system coherence

• Adjust supports and collaborative structures based on lived educator experience

• Revisit priorities and timelines with leaders to maintain clarity and responsiveness

• Highlight early wins and momentum to foster continued engagement and investment

Days 61-100: Deepening Impact & Building for Sustainability

Lifting instructional leadership across educator-prep systems

• Finalize refined curriculum and instructional supports in partnership with educators and leaders

• Support peer observation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and vertical alignment to strengthen coherence

• Facilitate integration of inclusive, real-world content that centers student voice and expands relevance

• Refine assessment and data systems to better align with instructional goals and learner growth

• Design sustainable systems for professional learning, coaching, and curriculum development

• Begin long-term planning for continued cycles of design, implementation, and reflection

End-of-100-Day Reflection

Celebrating progress and preparing for what’s next

• Assess growth and progress in implementation, coherence, and educator capacity

• Gather reflection and feedback from stakeholders to guide future cycles of work

• Adjust tools, structures, and learning plans based on lived experiences and results

• Celebrate educator leadership and spotlight practices that model the vision in action

• Establish shared goals and momentum heading into the next phase of growth