In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Betsy Potash, former English teacher, curriculum creator, and host of the Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. We explore how teachers can move away from teacher-centered instruction and create classrooms where students have more voice, choice, and ownership over their learning.

Betsy shares practical strategies that help make that shift feel possible, including project-based learning, podcasting, silent discussion, and hexagonal thinking. We also talk about why creative structures matter, how they build confidence and engagement, and what it looks like to design learning that feels relevant beyond school. Join us to explore fresh ways to spark agency, discussion, and deeper thinking in the classroom.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How teachers can step out of the spotlight and create more student-centered learning
• Why agency, real-world context, and authentic audience increase engagement
• How hexagonal thinking helps students make connections across texts, ideas, and lived experience
• Why silent discussion creates space for every learner to participate and build confidence
• How contemporary, multimodal approaches can make ELA more relevant and creative 

Resources:

• The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast
• Toolkit for getting started with hexagonal thinking
• The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast Instagram

Produced by NOVA