We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete. So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.

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Humans think in story. Story is not just a way to connect with others, it’s how we connect to ourselves and how we navigate our world. At Just Bloom School, adults and children learn how to tap into their innate story-telling abilities to develop creativity and resilience. Head educator Sarah Lagrotteria joins us today to tell us more.Sarah has trained Special Ops members, business leaders, and third graders in how to think in story to come up with creative problem-solving solutions. She gives us an example of how she has kids come up with a kind of “Pokemon card” for someone who thinks differently than them, and then asks the kids to solve problems thinking like that person.Sarah explains that the ongoing practice of story-based creativity leads to significant results in individuals’ self-efficacy and resilience. Individuals feel confident that they can come up with several different solutions to fix a problem rather than giving up after one.We discuss how this kind of creativity education can be integrated in schools, afterschool programs, and summer camps.   To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>Story as a mode of thinking</li><li>Developing creativity from story-based thinking</li><li>How creativity increases resilience </li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Sign up for the <a href="https://www.justbloomschool.com/about" rel="nofollow">Bloom &amp; Grow Newsletter</a></li><li>Contact <a href="https://www.justbloomschool.com/contact" rel="nofollow">Sarah at Just Bloom </a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

237. Story-Based Creativity with Sarah Lagrotteria

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The traditional educational ecosystem is not built to reflect kids’ lived experiences and development. It has almost arbitrary divisions: School, after school, and summer; school districts and nonprofits; test scores and behavior. Byron Sanders and Big Thought want to change that ecosystem.Big Thought is a Dallas-based organization that creates youth programming, convenes other educational organizations, and consults on best practices. Through experiential learning, they provide kids from marginalized communities the opportunities they need to identify and pursue their passions, build 21st skills, and exercise their agency.Byron explains everything in terms of an ecosystem: How direct youth feedback of programs eventually impacts systems change, how creating more opportunities for youth changes the way they interact with the current system, etc. How he talks about our field might just change the way you look at everything. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>How youth’s program feedback should inform advocacy for systems change</li><li>Why skills should supplement grades</li><li>Understanding the education as an ecosystem </li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://www.bigthought.org/" rel="nofollow">BigThought.org</a></li><li>Read “<a href="https://thebigidea.education-reimagined.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ecosystems-for-the-Future-of-Learning-FINAL-Report.pdf" rel="nofollow">Ecosystems for the Future of Learning</a>” report commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching</li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

236. Changing the Education Ecosystem with Byron Sanders

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Lesley Slaughter’s job as Senior Vice President of Soliant is to examine how to close the gap between the number of healthcare professionals and the increasing number of patients requiring care. Recently she has been focusing on school settings as the location of care and health professionals like speech pathologists, sign language interpreters, special ed teachers, etc.According to a survey conducted by Soliant, 50% of these school-based professionals were considering leaving their field altogether. At the same time, 90% of schools believe that the number of students with IEPs will continue to increase, and 26% of students will need some kind of mental or behavioral health counseling by 2028.So how do we retain these professionals in the education setting? Lesley’s research has led her to some suggestions. One is to allow professionals to remote work when appropriate. Another is to allow more professionals to be contract-based instead of district employees, allowing them more autonomy and flexibility.We dive into these solutions and discuss how we can better think about and act on this topic. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>Causes of burnout in school-based health professionals</li><li>Ongoing impacts of COVID on students</li><li>The importance of agility and autonomy for professionals</li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

235. Retaining School Health Professionals with Lesley Slaughter

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Getting to see a live wild animal up close beats staring at a screen for just about anybody, big or small. Our guests today have witnessed that firsthand and are building out their family education program based on it. We are joined today by Seth Oglesby and Susan Zelinski from Arc of Appalachia’s Nature is Neat program. They are in the early growing stages of the South-Central Ohio program, bringing on more volunteer naturalists and a full-time education coordinator. Their passion is palpable.We dive into all the segments they include in their once-a-month programming: An activity, interactive learning, themed hikes, meeting a live animal, and a craft kids can take home to continue their learning. They emphasize that the program is for the whole family, creating meaningful moments of nature immersion and learning that will have a long term impact on everyone. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>How nature lends itself to immersive learning</li><li>The power of volunteer naturalists in education</li><li>Creating a program that is great for kids and parents alike</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.arcofappalachia.org/nature-is-neat" rel="nofollow">Nature is Neat</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

234. Immersive Nature Learning with Seth Oglesby and Susan Zelinski

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Play is powerful. Not only is it critical to the individual development of children, but it can create schoolwide cultures of inclusion, celebration, and healthy conflict resolution. No one knows this better than our guest on the show today, Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks. For almost 30 years, Playworks has worked to give kids a safe, healthy, inclusive recess experience. They partner with schools, starting with a Great Recess Framework evaluation. Then they place Playworks staff at the schools for recess, implementing the basics: Rock, paper, scissors as a conflict resolution tool; high fives; and positive language coming from adults. Plus, they train near-peer mentors as Junior Coaches, allowing kids to shine as leaders at their school.Beyond discussing the importance of play, both for kids and adults, we also dive into Playworks’ approach to sharing its practices with other organizations. Often nonprofits hesitate to share their “secret sauce” with other nonprofits, not wanting to risk their piece of the funding pie. Elizabeth explains how, for the sake of helping as many kids as possible, Playworks moved past this.In fact, you can check out Playworks’ free YouTube resources after you listen to the show! To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>How recess can set the tone for the whole day</li><li>The basics norms Playworks establishes for recesses </li><li>Why Playworks now makes its practices available to other organizations</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Watch hundreds of instructional game videos on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/playworksorg" rel="nofollow">Playworks YouTube channel</a></li><li>Take the Recess Checkup at <a href="https://www.recesslab.org/" rel="nofollow">RecessLab.org</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

233. Playworks and the Power of Recess with Elizabeth Cushing

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Almost ten years ago, Tom Thorpe wanted to create a learning environment that was embedded in the community and shaped around individual students. Today, REDI Lab, a “school within a school,” is physically located in a Denver Housing Authority neighborhood and sees over 100 students create their own learning path every year.As our guest today, Tom tells us the origin story and evolution of the Research Entrepreneurship, Design, &amp; Inquiry Lab at Colorado Academy. He walks us through the trimester-long program: Teaching self-empathy and self-discovery, letting students dwell in problem-solving stages, and putting process over product.We also talk about the importance of developing teacher agency alongside student agency, including what that may look like in terms of experimentation and assessment.Tom does an excellent job weaving together his real world experience and pedagogical theory. Enjoy! To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>Teaching students self-empathy and self-discovery</li><li>REDI Lab’s emphasis on process over product</li><li>Why teacher agency must grow alongside student agency</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://www.coloradoacademy.org/redi-lab-at-ca" rel="nofollow">ColoradoAcademy.org/REDI-lab-at-ca</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

232. The Research, Entrepreneurship, Design, & Inquiry Lab with Tom Thorpe

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If a student misses even a single building block in their math education, they will struggle in future lessons. In math, every concept builds on itself. That’s why developing an excellent math curriculum is so critical… and so difficult.Today our guests are Tammy and Marc Goldberg, education innovators with Mathnasium. They’ve helped the company revamp its curriculum to help both instructors and students. Every concept is broken down into sequential pieces. Instructors assess where the student needs to (re)start, and each student gets all the time and individualized attention they need until they master that building block. But that kind of individualization can be hard to come by in traditional education systems. We discuss the challenges of creating math curriculums in schools. But Tammy and Marc do have some suggestions for a path forward: Get rid of timed number fact tests. Treat math like we treat reading in the early grades. Use precise language when teaching concepts. Tune in for this tough, but important conversation. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>How math concepts build on themselves</li><li>The emotional and social stigmas attached to struggling in math</li><li>Key changes that could make a big difference in math curriculums</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://www.mathnasium.com/mathnasium-method" rel="nofollow">Mathnasium.com/Mathnasium-Method</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

231. Improving Math Curriculums with Tammy and Marc Goldberg

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Christian Martinez knows firsthand what it’s like to be a young immigrant in America: The language barrier, financial stress, feeling alone and hopeless. That’s why he does what he does today. Christian is the founder and community innovator for The Camino Program and he’s our guest on the show today.Christian tells us  about the Camino program, not just what it does, but how it makes its participants feel. The program offers support in professional development, mental health, peer support, and career navigation for teens transitioning into adulthood. While it’s only four months long, it’s just the jumpstart of creating a lifelong network.The most important impact of the program is one that’s hard to measure, but is foundational to success: Hope. The Camino is literally “a path forward” for youth who have finally found a place where they can connect. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>How immigrant youth experience disconnection</li><li>The critical importance of hope</li><li>Meeting youth where they are at– especially when they’re not at school</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://www.caminoprogram.com/" rel="nofollow">CaminoProgram.org</a></li><li>Follow the Camino Program on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caminoprogram/" rel="nofollow">@CaminoProgram</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

230. The Path to Hope with Christian Martinez

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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 goes hand-in-hand with scaling up. Authentic success stories for students and communities, plus a healthy workplace for educators, is necessary to sustain the growth rate needed to one day benefit all students across the state, country, and world. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>Building student and staff profiles </li><li>Tying academic competencies in with community-based learning</li><li>Changing job descriptions and workplace policies to support learner-centered education</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://www.norrisacademywi.org/" rel="nofollow">NorrisAcademyWI.org</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

229. Building Students and Staff Agency with Johnna Noll

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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 exploratory discussions.Changing systems happens across different levels and through different dynamics. Rob’s stories are excellent examples we can all learn from as we try to change the education system around us. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>What diverse stakeholders want out of the education system</li><li>Providing organizational structure while encouraging free-form growth among leaders in education innovation </li><li>The importance of connecting innovative educators so they don’t feel like they are on an island</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://www.education.ky.gov/school/innov/Pages/Innovation-Lab-Network.aspx" rel="nofollow">Kentucky’s Innovative Learning Network</a> </li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

228. Systems Change in Kentucky with Rob Collins

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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: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>Michelle’s Notice, Name, Navigate framework</li><li>The importance of student agency and action in liberatory learning</li><li>How liberatory learning leads to deeper learning</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://livingforliberation.com/" rel="nofollow">LivingForLiberation.com</a></li><li>Read: <a href="https://livingforliberation.com/shop/ols/products/the-human-experience-gps" rel="nofollow">Three Steps to Success with The Human Experience GPS</a></li><li>Read <a href="https://livingforliberation.com/shop/ols/products/liberate-pocket-sized-paradigms-for-liberatory-learning" rel="nofollow">LIBERATE! Pocket-Sized Paradigms for Liberatory Learning</a></li><li>Podcast: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetic-uninterrupted-with-dr-michelle-sadrena/id1718822815" rel="nofollow">Unapologetic &amp; Uninterrupted with Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger</a> (Available on all platforms)</li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

227. Liberatory Learning with Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is the nation&#39;s first and the city&#39;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: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>The need for mentor relationships to be long-term and resource-oriented</li><li>Paying attention to students’ and families’ perceptions about a program</li><li>How to convince corporations to join a mentorship program</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.bigsnyc.org/" rel="nofollow">Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City</a></li><li>Follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City on Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/bbbsnyc" rel="nofollow">@BBBSNYC</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

226. Building a Workplace Mentorship Program with Michael Coughlin

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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: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>How to scale up an organization while still providing an individualized approach for each learner.</li><li>The concept of ecosystems of learning and the role of community in education.</li><li>The importance of building a lasting mentorship team around each kid.</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more about <a href="http://fabnewport.org" rel="nofollow">FabNewport</a>.</li><li>Follow FabNewport on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fabnewport/" rel="nofollow">@fabnewport</a>.</li><li>Watch Education Reimagined’s <a href="https://thebigidea.education-reimagined.org/" rel="nofollow">Big Idea video</a>. </li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

225. Supporting Individual Interests and Strengths with Steve Heath

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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: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>What aggressive optimism is and why it is the opposite of toxic positivity</li><li>The concept of proactive resilience and trying different tools</li><li>Some common misconceptions about PTSD</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Read the book: <a href="https://www.jennaedwards.com/books" rel="nofollow">Aggressive Optimism </a></li><li>Reach out to Jenna to brainstorm how to get this book in your school: <a href="mailto:Hello@JennaEdwards.com" rel="nofollow">Hello@JennaEdwards.com</a> </li><li>Follow Jenna on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennaedwardsofficial/" rel="nofollow">@jennaedwardsofficial</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

224. Aggressive Optimism with Jenna Edwards

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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&#39;re Learning: Mister Rogers&#39; 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&#39; 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 Mr. Rogers put on his sweater and tie his shoes, you’re going to love this episode. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>Research on curiosity and learning </li><li>The role community plays in education</li><li>How Mr. Rogers’ took on big topics like race and disability</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Read Ryan and Gregg’s book: <a href="http://whenyouwonder.org/index.html" rel="nofollow">“When You Wonder, You&#39;re Learning: Mister Rogers&#39; Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids”</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

223. The Learning Science of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood with Ryan Rydzewski and Gregg Behr

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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: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>How social, emotional, and academic skill development are inextricably linked.</li><li>The concept of “Whole School, Whole Child” as well as “Community Schools.”</li><li>City Year New York’s effort to help Student Success Coaches with their post-City Year career.</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.cityyear.org/new-york" rel="nofollow">City Year New York</a>. </li><li>To learn more about City Year in general go to <a href="https://www.cityyear.org/" rel="nofollow">CityYear.org</a>.</li><li>Read City Year New York’s “<a href="https://www.cityyear.org/national/stories/our-impact/the-power-of-student-success-coaches-in-schools/" rel="nofollow">The Power of Student Success Coaches in Schools</a>” playbook, developed with support from the Lego Foundation.</li><li>Follow City Year on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cityyear/" rel="nofollow">@CityYear</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

222. City Year’s Whole School, Whole Child Model with Quamid Francis

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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 transform educational experiences, fostering a generation of learners equipped to tackle real-world problems with creativity and resilience. Ellen and Kathy&#39;s stories and strategies inspire a reimagined approach to teaching and learning, highlighting the crucial steps toward a more engaging, relevant, and fulfilling education for all students. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>The concept and importance of authentic learning in today&#39;s educational landscape.</li><li>Practical examples of authentic learning in action and its positive impacts on students.</li><li>Strategies for overcoming challenges and implementing authentic learning, including the role of leadership and systemic change.</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://www.partnershipsforall.org/" rel="nofollow">partnershipsforall.org</a></li><li>Follow Partnerships for Authentic Learning &amp; Leadership on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@partnershipsforall" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

221. Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Learning with Ellen Erlanger and Kathy Meyer

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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 return, the school district gets more enrollees and more per-pupil funding. Tune in to learn more about this model and what Jim is working on for the future. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>The role of adults in young people’s learning journey.</li><li>Rock Tree Sky’s learning facilities and philosophy.</li><li>Partnership with school systems and inspiring conventional teachers.</li><li>Thinking about assessment, especially in order to get public funding.</li><li>Making these spaces financially accessible for all families.</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li><a href="https://www.rocktreesky.org/" rel="nofollow">Rock Tree Sky: A Self-Directed Learning Community</a></li><li>Follow Rock Tree Sky on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rocktreesky/" rel="nofollow">@rocktreesky</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

220. Relationship as the Basis of Education with Jim Bailey of Rocky Tree Sky

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In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we&#39;re thrilled to welcome Stephanie Lewis, the Director of Relationships at Remake Learning, a network that&#39;s spearheading the transformation of education in the Pittsburgh region. Remake Learning is not just about innovative education; it&#39;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&#39;s focus on youth voices and the importance of creating learning ecosystems that support students across various contexts and environments.Join us as Stephanie provides insights into some of the most transformative projects supported by Remake Learning, such as the Moonshot Grant Program and the annual Remake Learning Days festival. These initiatives not only showcase the potential for innovation in education but also emphasize the power of community and collaboration in reimagining how learning happens. Tune in to discover how Remake Learning is making a difference and how you can be part of this educational revolution. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>The mission and impact of Remake Learning in transforming education.</li><li>The five core strategies driving Remake Learning&#39;s success.</li><li>Examples of innovative educational projects and the importance of community engagement.</li><li>The role of learning ecosystems in creating comprehensive educational experiences.</li><li>The significance of youth voice in shaping learning environments.</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://remakelearning.org/" rel="nofollow">remakelearning.org</a></li><li><a href="https://playbook.remakelearning.org/" rel="nofollow">Remake Learning Playbook</a></li><li>Follow Remake Learning on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/remakelearning" rel="nofollow">@remakelearning</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

219. From Classroom to Community: The Evolution of Education with Remake Learning

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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&#39;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 the program faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it continues to evolve to meet students&#39; needs. Tiffany&#39;s insights provide valuable advice for educators on integrating real-world applications into STEM education and the importance of community partnerships in enhancing learning experiences. Join us to discover how Wings of Hope is shaping the future of aviation through education and what educators can learn from their model. To learn more, visit: <a href="http://pastfoundation.org" rel="nofollow">pastfoundation.org</a> We unbox:<ul><li>The history and mission of Wings of Hope in global humanitarian efforts</li><li>The development and structure of the SOAR into STEM program</li><li>The significance of integrating aviation with STEM education</li><li>Overcoming challenges in the program, especially during the pandemic</li><li>Strategies for educators to implement real-world STEM applications</li><li>The role of partnerships and community in enhancing STEM education</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li>Learn more at <a href="https://wingsofhope.ngo/" rel="nofollow">wingsofhope.ngo</a></li><li>Check out <a href="https://wingsofhope.ngo/education-outreach/soar-into-stem/" rel="nofollow">SOAR into STEM</a></li><li>Follow Wings of Hope on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wingsofhope.ngo/" rel="nofollow">@wingsofhope.ngo</a></li></ul> Produced by <a href="https://novamedia.fm/" rel="nofollow">NOVA Media</a>

218. Soaring Beyond Boundaries: How Aviation Is Transforming STEM Learning with Tiffany Nelson

A Conversation About Teaching, Learning, & the Future of Work

We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete.

So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.