In this episode of Education by Design, we explore how innovative assessment can transform learning engagement and outcomes. Join me as I chat with my friend Andy Scahill, a professor at the University of Colorado, Denver, as he shares his radical approach to assessment that moves beyond traditional tests and term papers. In an effort to disrupt behaviors cultivated by compliance, Andy empowers students to demonstrate their creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge through immersive projects. The result? Students going further than expected with the agency to bring their own meaning and purpose to their final projects.

With the support of his institution, Andy’s approach challenges the rigid systems often found in higher education, affirming the innovative values of the University of Colorado. As he shares how he conducts community centered scholarship as the founder and Artistic Director of Rainbow Cult, we dive into how his assessments can be a tool for growth, modelling for students the ways they can engage deeply and apply their learning in authentic contexts.

This conversation is a must-listen for educators in both K-12 and higher education. Discover how shifting what we measure can inspire students to take ownership of their education, activate their agency, and prepare for the complexities of the modern world. This is what learning and teaching informed by assessment, looks like.

Tune in to rethink what we measure, how we measure it, and why it matters.

Catch Andy's play at the Denver Fringe Festival (2025), info here

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What does it mean to build a classroom where students learn with AI instead of just from it? In this bonus episode, Dr. John Spencer presents ideas to explore how human-centered teaching strategies can help students reflect more deeply, think more critically, and engage more creatively—even as AI tools become part of everyday learning. We talk about project-based learning, prompt engineering, and what happens when we treat AI as a creative companion, not a shortcut.

This is a practical, reflective listen for anyone thinking about how to keep learning meaningful in an age of machine-generated answers.

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What if the best learning isn’t the most polished—but the most meaningful?

In this inspiring episode, Dr. John Spencer—educator, author, and host of The Creative Classroom—sat down with Phil to explore how project-based learning, design thinking, and creative risk-taking help students master academic content and build the core competencies they need for life. From the messy middle of learning to the power of student voice, John shares practical insights and stories that challenge the myth of perfection and reframe what success really looks like in school.

John and Phil talk about what makes learning stick, why unfinished work still matters, and how teachers can give students—and themselves—permission to be messy, curious, and adventurous in an age of AI.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or parent, this episode will leave you rethinking how creativity, reflection, and deep learning come together to shape empowered learners.

And, be sure to check out John's books including; Launch, Vintage Innovation, and, The A.i. Roadmap, and explore his sketch videos on YouTube.

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In this episode of Education by Design, Trevor MacKenzie explores the transformative power of curiosity in the classroom. Learn how inquiry-based learning fosters self-directed students who take ownership of their education. Discover practical strategies for nurturing curiosity, developing question competence, and creating environments where students are not just taught, but encouraged to think critically and independently. Tune in for insights on how we can prepare the next generation of lifelong learners to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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In this episode of Education by Design, host Phil Evans speaks with Dr. John Falino, principal of Dobbs Ferry High School, about the transformative power of systems thinking in schools. 

Designed for education leaders seeking practical strategies to empower teachers, this episode explores how shared vision, teacher agency, and systematic design can raise expectations and engagement for all students. Learn how to build a culture of equity, align professional development with real outcomes, and create inclusive pathways that allow every learner to thrive. 

If you're a principal, district leader, or school change agent ready to lead with purpose, this is your blueprint.

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Discover how to transform school culture, boost student agency, and advance equity in this episode of the Education by Design Podcast featuring researcher Dr. Heather Michael. Phil Evans explores Michael’s groundbreaking use of spatial theory to reveal why many learners view school as irrelevant—and how educators, principals, and district leaders can disrupt limiting narratives, redesign course‑selection processes, and create inclusive, student‑centered learning spaces. Packed with actionable strategies for advanced coursework, and whole‑school reform, this conversation highlights practical steps to help every student construct and own an authentic academic story. Tune in to gain research‑backed insights, real‑world examples, and fresh inspiration to cultivate belonging, relevance, and equitable access to rigorous learning in your school community.

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"Igniting Joy in Learning” dives deep into the strategies education leaders crave: practical ways to spark teacher inspiration, student engagement, and inquiry‑based learning that lasts. In this episode, veteran IB educator and professional‑development facilitator Richard Hood reveals how shifting from content delivery to joy‑centered, student‑agency‑driven classrooms transforms outcomes—especially in today’s media‑saturated world. Listeners will discover actionable tips for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, building supportive teacher communities, and weaving social‑justice and media‑literacy skills into everyday lessons. Whether you’re a principal, instructional coach, or classroom innovator, this conversation offers high‑impact insights on professional learning, rigorous yet joyful pedagogy, and sustainable teacher motivation. Tune in to “Igniting Joy in Learning” and equip yourself with research‑backed approaches that empower teachers to inspire students—and fuel a culture of lifelong learning.

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FIRST THREE EPISODES MAY 5, 2025

Education by Design is a podcast for educators, school leaders, and changemakers who believe that learning should be more than compliant—it should be empowering. Hosted by educator and storyteller Phil Evans, this series explores how schools can be redesigned from the inside out, featuring conversations and reflections that challenge outdated systems and celebrate bold ideas. Each episode highlights real stories, research-informed practices, and actionable insights to help listeners connect purpose to practice, rethink assessment, spark student curiosity, and build inclusive environments where all learners thrive.

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The first three full episodes - Monday May 5, 2025

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