In today's episode, Emily sits down with Jemar Lee, a former student from the Iowa BIG School in Cedar Rapids. Iowa BIG is a place-based school in Cedar Rapids that is very learner-centered. It is a Next-Generation Learning Challenge and XQ Super School winner.

The power of hearing student stories of transformation is just incredible. If you don't believe students can, meeting young men like Jemar can change that. Learner-centered education at Iowa BIG helped Jemar craft his own path and provided him incredible opportunities that have propelled him to where he is today (just wait until you listen, he is doing amazing things in his work and school life.

Tune in to this week's episode to hear Jemar's thoughts on why this type of learning has had an impact on him and what he is up to now!

Key Takeaways:

[:16] Jemar's experiences in school prior to Iowa BIG.

[5:48] About Jemar's transition from a regular public school to Iowa BIG.

[7:17] Jemar's first community-based project.

[8:55] When Jemar first started out, could he see the parallels in learning through the community and addressing content standards?

[11:13] How it felt for Jemar to be doing work that he knew was actually going to have a purpose. And how was it working with people in the community? Did Iowa BIG fully prepare him for this experience?

[13:31] Other key elements that made Jemar's experience so impactful at Iowa BIG.

[14:50] The effect agency has on students and what Jemar is up to now.

[19:42] Jemar describes the power of learning experiences outside of the four walls of a school.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Iowa BIG

Iowa State University Community Design Lab

Education Reimagined

Alliant Energy

Jemar Lee (LinkedIn)

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