Learning Unboxed

In 2015, Norris School District came to Johnna Noll with a learner-centered educational consultant’s dream request. The tiny school district’s residential population consisted of a treatment center for kids, and it asked Johnna to help it transform into a learner-centered, trauma-invested, constantly evolving program. Of course, she said yes.  Johnna joins the show today to tell us about what the school district has built. It uses a very clear learning design process: Profile, Plan, Pathway, Progress, and Proof. Students create their own unique learning paths based on their hobbies, talents, and interests. Then it’s up to the learning specialists to make sure academic competencies are tied into it.The foundation of the entire learning environment is students and staff deeply learning about each other, building agency and confidence. From there students are connected to resources in the community to learn about what they are specifically interested in. We also talk about how truly empowering students and staff

How do you even begin to create systems change in education? Our guest today is Rob Collins. He manages the Innovative Learning Network in the Kentucky Department of Education. Rob gives us a peek into what systems change looks like right now for the state of Kentucky.  We dive into the teaching initiatives that the Kentucky Department of Education is undertaking in this area. Rob tells us about how the Innovative Learning Network provides institutional support and learning opportunities for school leaders and teachers. For example the network has brought in PBLWorks, a community organization, to successfully train a third of Kentocuky teachers on project-based learning.We also cover efforts to change assessment and accountability. For example, two districts in Kentucky now release accountability dashboards along with state test scores to show there’s more to education achievement than standardized exams. Also, at the state level, there’s now a Kentucky United We Learn Council that includes legislators in exp

It’s time to get free from oppression, both inside the classroom and out: internalized oppression, interpersonal oppression, ideological oppression, institutional oppression. That’s what Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger is here to talk with us about today.Michelle is the Founder of Living for Liberation and is also the Director of Liberation at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Her specialty is liberatory project-based learning. That’s when young people experience a learning environment that’s culturally responsive and centered in knowing and improving the world around them. We talk about how to incorporate equity stances, identity, belonging, place, dialogue, and democratization in teaching practices— even if you have to stick to a standardized curriculum. And there’s absolutely no expectation of being perfect! So please enjoy this episode with Michelle and enjoy liberatory learning.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Michelle’s Notice, Name, Navigate frameworkThe importance of studen

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is the nation's first and the city's largest youth mentoring organization. Chief Program and Innovation Officer Michael Coughlin joins us today to tell us about their newest iteration of mentoring: their workplace mentorship program.Starting sophomore year, students are paired with corporate professionals who act as their career mentors through high school graduation, and sometimes all the way through college. These one-on-one mentorships are closely supported by a program manager from Big Brothers Big Sisters to make sure they have the foundation needed for a successful mentoring relationship.Michael takes us through the research that led them to create this program, and lessons learned along the way. If you’re looking to start or grow a community-based mentorship program, don’t miss this episode!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The need for mentor relationships to be long-term and resource-orientedPaying attention to students’ and families’ p

Steve Heath calls himself a “professional confuser.” In a world where kids are defined by grades, test scores, attendance, and behavior, Steve’s organization asks them what they want to do and then helps them do it.Steve is executive director and co-founder of FabNewport. FabNewport provides underserved youth with the opportunity to learn how to code, sew, design, prototype, run CNC machines, and imagine new possibilities. In the 10 years, he’s served more than 20,000 middle and high school students, maintained long-term relationships with 3 school districts, and trained hundreds of educators to be better engaged.Join us as we discuss how to develop ecosystems of personalized learning by connecting home bases, learning hubs, and field sites.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How to scale up an organization while still providing an individualized approach for each learner.The concept of ecosystems of learning and the role of community in education.The importance of building a lasting mentorship t

Students often face the double burden of experiencing trauma then feeling isolated and powerless. Educators don’t always know when to step in and what tools to offer. Jenna Edwards’ new book, “Aggressive Optimism,” seeks to fix that.“Aggressive Optimism” is a novel based on Jenna’s own experience with a devastating accident and resulting PTSD. The coming-of-age book is written for high school students. Jenna describes it as an “emotional resonance of Girl Interrupted with the empowering essence of Legally Blonde.” The goal is for students to connect with the characters while learning mental health tools embedded in the story.In this episode we cover toxic positivity, resilience, solidarity, and healing. If you or your students have faced PTSD or other mental health issues, you have a friend in this book and in this podcast.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What aggressive optimism is and why it is the opposite of toxic positivityThe concept of proactive resilience and trying different toolsSome

Fred Rogers was an incredible learning scientist before the term even existed. That’s the basis of Ryan Rydzewski’s and Gregg Behr’s new book, “When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.” Today they join the show to share what they learned while writing the book.Fred engineered every aspect of Mr. Rogers' neighborhood to help kids develop tools for learning. He combined familiarity with mystery to create a magical learning environment. He deeply listened to children through their letters to him, reflecting their stories back to them in his episodes. He taught kids to be curious about the world by starting with what they were familiar with in their own lives. Perhaps most importantly, he just kept showing up. Kids and adults knew that they could count on Mr. Rogers.Ryan and Gregg share the research that now backs up Fred Roger’s teaching style. They also spotlight his emphasis on “neighborhood” and inclusion. If you’ve ever watched

Today we’re joined by Quamid Francis, the former Executive Director of City Year New York. His program places and supports Student Success Coaches in 17 New York City public schools. The Student Success Coaches’ number one priority is to build trusting relationships with students. Based on these trusting relationships, student attendance increases, behavioral incidences decrease, and entire families get connected to services they need.Chances are you’ve heard of City Year and the way they help students, families, and schools. After all, they have locations all across the US. But what you may not know is how much they focus on the Student Success Coaches in addition to their students. Through “Life After City Year,” coaches are connected with resources they need for their post-City Year career. Join us as we discuss how City Year supports and engages the entire community, including their coach alum, knowing that a healthy, involved community is essential for student success.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we are thrilled to welcome Ellen Erlanger and Kathy Meyer, co-directors of professional learning at the Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership. They bring a wealth of experience and insights into the transformative power of authentic learning—a pedagogical approach that bridges academic content with real-world applications, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.Ellen and Kathy delve into the essentials of authentic learning, emphasizing its role in making education irresistible and impactful. They share compelling examples from their work, showcasing how projects with real-world significance not only enhance student engagement but also address current challenges in education, such as student mental health. The conversation explores the importance of leadership support and systemic changes to sustain these practices, offering hope and practical advice for educators looking to make a difference.Join us to discover how authentic learning can transfor

The most important thing adults can provide young people in their learning journey is a caring relationship. That is the fundamental belief that drives Jim Bailey in his work as co-founder and executive director at Rock Tree Sky, a self-directed learning community. In this episode, Jim and Annalies discuss adults’ roles in making space for young people to tap their innate curiosity and problem-solving skills.At Rock Tree Sky, adults roll up their sleeves and get inspired along with students. They act as guides, not knowledge holders– after all, most young people hold the world’s knowledge on a phone in their pocket. Rock Tree Sky is a learning space free from constant evaluation and purposefully designed for building relationships.Jim also gets into some of the nuts-and-bolts of running this kind of organization. For example, Rock Tree Sky partnered with its local California school district to create an independent study model: Young people can get public funding to attend Rock Tree Sky twice a week. In retur

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're thrilled to welcome Stephanie Lewis, the Director of Relationships at Remake Learning, a network that's spearheading the transformation of education in the Pittsburgh region. Remake Learning is not just about innovative education; it's about building a community that fosters engaging, relevant, and equitable learning experiences for all. Stephanie shares the journey of Remake Learning since its inception in 2007, highlighting how it has grown into a vibrant network of over 1,200 members who are educators, innovators, and researchers all working towards a common goal.We delve into the core strategies that drive Remake Learning: convening diverse stakeholders, coordinating efforts around emerging educational themes, catalyzing innovation through funding, celebrating the achievements of educators and learners, and communicating successes to inspire others. The discussion also explores the organization's focus on youth voices and the importance of creatin

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the pleasure of hosting Tiffany Nelson, the Director of Programs and Evaluation at Wings of Hope. Wings of Hope, a global humanitarian organization, has been utilizing aviation to impact vulnerable communities since 1962. Our main topic of discussion is their innovative SOAR into STEM program, which integrates aviation and STEM education to redefine educational and career pathways for students.Tiffany shares the intriguing journey of Wings of Hope and the development of the SOAR into STEM program, highlighting its unique approach to addressing the shortage of young talent in aviation. We dive into the program's structure, content, and its focus on providing hands-on, practical learning experiences. The conversation reveals how the program covers various facets of aviation, including aerodynamics, airplane maintenance, and drone education, aimed at making aviation careers more accessible to students.This episode also sheds light on the challenges and adaptations

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the inspiring world of educational innovation with Ian Shimizu, the navigator at Inspire High, a pioneering edtech program based in Japan. Inspire High is revolutionizing the way teenagers connect with the world, offering interactive sessions with creative minds from diverse fields. It's about bringing real-life stories and experiences into the classroom, and Ian is at the forefront of this educational transformation.Ian shares his journey with Inspire High, from its inception to its current state, discussing the challenges and triumphs of connecting students globally. We delve into the program's unique approach, which integrates interactive quizzes, guided conversations, and a platform for cross-school interaction. This episode is not just about what Inspire High does; it's about the broader vision of empowering students to realize their potential and make informed life choices.Join us to hear Ian's insights on the future of education,

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the pleasure of hosting Meagan Naraine, the co-founder of Culturally Relevant Science (CRS). CRS is an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to making STEM education more inclusive and engaging for underrepresented groups. Founded as a YouTube channel during the pandemic, CRS has grown significantly, offering a range of educational resources that combine rigorous learning with elements of pop culture and entertainment.Meagan shares the inspiring story behind CRS, starting from its humble beginnings with simple equipment to creating animated videos featuring Black male teachers and students from diverse backgrounds. The content is crafted to be culturally relevant, resonating with students through familiar dialects, clothing, and current trends. She also discusses the expansion of CRS from individual videos to complete course materials, aiming to support teachers and enhance student engagement throughout the school year.Tune in to learn about the challenges a

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the pleasure of speaking with Abdul Matheen, the visionary CEO of Project You. Abdul's journey from aeronautical engineering to education has led to the creation of an innovative approach to learning, focusing on the real-world application of academic knowledge.Abdul discusses Project You's unique 'Build and Guild' program, designed to bridge the gap between conventional schooling and practical industry experience. The program, impacting over 7000 youth, integrates social-emotional learning with hands-on projects, providing students with a more engaging and relevant educational experience.Join us as we delve into the world of experiential learning with Abdul Matheen. We explore the importance of industry and school partnerships, the role of educators in facilitating transformative experiences, and how Project You's approach is shaping the future of education in countries like the UAE, Australia, Malaysia, and Germany.To learn more, visit: pastfo

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of workforce development in education with Kelly Cassaro, Chief of Learning at Generation. Generation is a remarkable nonprofit that trains adults for careers that were previously out of reach, helping to foster economic mobility on a global scale.Kelly shares the groundbreaking methodologies of Generation, which aligns job readiness training with employer needs, ensuring that graduates are not just educated but truly prepared for the workforce. We delve into their unique approach, which includes comprehensive training programs, strong mentorship, and a focus on both technical and behavioral skills.Join us as we discuss Kelly's insights on bridging the gap between education and employment, her upcoming book 'Shift Teaching Forward,' and the crucial role of social-emotional skills in the classroom. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of work and education.To learn more

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're venturing into the transformative world of education with Mariam Bernard, Deputy Principal of Secondary School at Unity Grammar in Australia. Unity Grammar, a co-educational Islamic school, is on an exciting journey of integrating Islamic values into its curriculum while focusing on future readiness and community integration.Mariam, who has a unique background in science and industry, shares the school's ambitious mission to nurture future leaders with both foundational and emerging skills. We delve into the school's collaborative approach to redefining its mission and vision, emphasizing the importance of Islamic identity in modern education. From innovative STEM facilities to entrepreneurship days, Unity Grammar is reimagining how Islamic teachings can inspire and empower students.Join us as Mariam discusses the post-COVID focus on educator empowerment, the challenges of transformation, and the importance of integrating the school with its surrounding e

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the revolutionary realm of virtual learning and the metaverse with Catherine Fraise, the founder of 100 Roads Design. Catherine brings a fresh perspective to education, aiming to transform it through alternative pathways that cater to diverse learning styles and maximize potential.Throughout our conversation, Catherine shares her journey from a traditional educator to an innovator, driven by the desire to create more personalized and engaging learning experiences. We dive into the world of 100 Roads Design, an organization that offers virtual campuses, learning ecosystems, and educational mentoring. These spaces, particularly in the metaverse, provide unique opportunities for students to connect, engage, and learn in ways traditional classrooms may not offer.Join us as Catherine sheds light on the future of education, the potential of virtual learning environments post-COVID, and how technology can bridge the gap between education and industry. Learn ab

In today's episode of Learning Unboxed, we're honored to have Katey Ahmann and Carolyn Noe join us to discuss the transformative role of youth in shaping their communities through civic engagement. Our guests shed light on a unique program called Teen Science Cafe that hosts 'cafes'—dynamic spaces where young people lead the way in selecting local topics and steering community conversations.Through this exploratory dialogue, Katey and Carolyn illustrate how these cafes operate, the importance of youth-chosen topics, and the program's flexible nature that ensures each cafe is as unique as its participants. This model not only champions education and civic participation but also cultivates an environment where the youth can exercise their voice and agency in real-world contexts.So tune in as we delve into this empowering initiative, understand its profound impact on participants and communities alike, and learn how such platforms can nurture informed, engaged, and active citizens for the fut

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're venturing into the inspiring world of maker spaces with Noelle Conover, co-founder of Matt's Maker Space. Founded in memory of her son, Matt's Maker Space is a beacon for STEAM learning, proving to be a game-changer for students and communities alike.Maker spaces are more than just rooms filled with tools; they are hives of creativity where the process is king. Noelle shares how these spaces have flourished post-pandemic, becoming sanctuaries where students can build, tinker, and learn collaboratively. But it's not all about high-tech gadgets; Noelle reminds us that with a bit of ingenuity, anyone can create a maker space with just cardboard and dreams.Join me as we discuss how maker spaces can redefine education, why letting go of control can lead to discovery, and how we can all contribute to this growing movement. So whether you're an educator, parent, or just someone who loves the smell of sawdust in the morning, tune in to learn how maker spa