Getting Smart Podcast

Today on the podcast, Tom is speaking with Diane Tavenner and Mira Browne from Summit Public Schools.

With the backing of a group of parents, Diane Tavenner formed Summit Public Schools in 2003. Now, a network of secondary schools in the Bay Area in Washington State, the thirteen cohorts of Summit graduates have all graduated college-ready. As a mother, teacher, and network builder, Diane has learned a lot about getting kids ready for college, for work, and for life.

Since 2011, Mira Browne has served as the Chief External Officer at Summit Public Schools. With the launch of Diane's new book, Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life, Mira is stepping into a new role of leading an initiative called 'Prepared Parents' to share what they've learned about youth development and powerful parenting.

In this episode, Tom and Diane sit down together to talk about her new book, Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life, and some of the key ways they implement the ideas in her book at Summit. Mira also joins the conversation throughout to share more about Prepared Parents.

Key Takeaways:

[:14] About today's episode and guests, Diane Tavenner and Mira Browne.

[1:12] Tom welcomes Diane to the podcast!

[1:22] Diane gives a quick origin story of Summit Public Schools.

[2:15] Diane describes the Summit learning model.

[4:02] The kinds of learning you'll see if you walk into a Summit Public School!

[4:55] Diane shares about the incredibly unique opportunity Summit offers for students: two-week expeditions four times a year!

[7:00] Mira joins the podcast and talks about why and when she first joined Summit.

[8:30] What's Mira's favorite thing to show people at Summit when they first come to visit?

[9:50] Why did Diane write her book, Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life?

[12:06] Tom outlines the three sections of Diane's book as well as the first two chapters. Diane explains what the second chapter titled, 'Because it's a solvable problem,' means to her.

[14:57] Diane explains why she thinks the third chapter of her book, on real-world and project-based learning, is important.

[16:42] Tom highlights more of what is covered in Chapter three of Diane's book, and Diane speaks about why projects can be easy to take on but hard to do well.

[18:17] Tom and Diane speak about Summit's incredible teacher-to-teacher collaboration, why it is so successful, and how it makes a difference at Summit.

[19:21] Why is Chapter four's topic on self-direction important in education?

[20:52] Diane speaks about chapter five's topic on reflection and the role mentors play at Summit.

[22:04] Chapter six is on collaboration — what does collaboration look like at Summit?

[23:20] Chapter seven is on success habits — why are they important? And how do they help develop them at Summit?

[26:26] Chapter eight is on curiosity — how do they provoke curiosity with their learning model at Summit?

[28:22] In chapter nine, Diane talks about a set of universal skills and identifies a set of cognitive skills that are key in learning. How do teachers assess each of these cognitive skills?

[30:42] In Prepared, the epilogue provides a blueprint for parents. How has this become so important for Mira and what is her new journey going to be about?

[32:57] What will the Prepared Parents initiative look like at Summit?

[34:55] Mira speaks about the self-directed cycle in the epilogue of the book and how a parent can make that a part of their child's day.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Summit Public Schools

Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life, by Diane Tavenner

Mira Browne (LinkedIn)

Diane Tavenner (LinkedIn)

Turnaround for Children

Dr. Pamela Cantor

Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 217 with Dr. Pamela Cantor

PreparedforSuccess.org (The Prepared Parents initiative)

For More on the Building Blocks of Success, Listen to:

Episode 217 with Dr. Pamela Cantor!

Get Involved:

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Pavel Luksha is a leading education futurist. He's a Professor of Practice at Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, the Director and founder of Global Education Futures, and serves on the advisory board for Whittle School and Studios.

What drives Pavel forward is creating a world that works for everyone. He's a global thinker and change catalyst focused on creating the discipline of social ecosystem gardening.

Recently, Pavel and Tom met in Europe and talked about trends driving the future of learning, their work together advising the new Whittle School and Studios network, and an exciting new (potential) project Pavel is working on. They also discussed his knowledge about learning ecosystems, global trends in education that are providing more meaningful learning experiences, and the sorts of learning experiences that are helping young people discover and cultivate a sense of purpose. Tune into this episode to hear the entire conversation!

Key Takeaways:

[:18] About this week's episode with guest, Pavel Luksha.

[:45] Tom welcomes Pavel to the Getting Smart Podcast.

[1:30] Pavel describes how he came to be a global education futurist.

[5:00] Pavel expands on his earlier statement that we need to do more to ask our civic leaders why we're spending so much on preparing to kill each other rather than raising our children.

[6:15] Pavel highlights some global trends in education that are providing more meaningful learning experiences.

[12:51] Pavel gives his thoughts on the opportunity for a global network like Whittle School and Studios.

[16:05] Pavel shares his knowledge about learning ecosystems.

[23:00] The different levels of learning ecosystems and how they interact.

[27:59] What kinds of learning experiences help young people discover and cultivate a sense of purpose?

[31:48] What's next for Pavel? What is he beginning to think about with his work?

[33:50] Pavel shares some information about a potential upcoming project he is incredibly excited about.

[37:07] Tom thanks Pavel for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Pavel Luksha (LinkedIn)

Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO

Global Education Futures

Whittle School and Studios

Kauffman Foundation

The Grable Foundation

Remake Learning

The Commit Partnership

If You Want to Learn More on Trends in Learning, Check Out:

Episode 183: "Let's Make Sure America Succeeds in the Age of Agility"

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This week, Tom is speaking with Ron Berger, the Chief Academic Officer at EL Education. Ron has been with EL Education since 2003 and is responsible for leading EL Education's vision of teaching and learning. Bringing with him 40 years of experience as a teacher and professional development designer, with 28 of those years teaching public school, Ron is highly regarded in the education space.

Going back to the beginning of Ron's journey, he began teaching in a little town in Western Massachusetts. Just about everyone under the age of 50 in Shutesbury, MA, was one of Ron Berger's students. The fact that his nurse, plumber, and accountant had all been in his class helped him understand the bigger picture. It made him ask himself, 'Do they understand high-quality work? Do they have courage? Do they have quality values? And do they use critical thinking? Would I trust my life to that person?' These became Ron's principles in what he hopes for his students to achieve. When he went on to develop the Expeditionary Learning School model — a project-based community-connected approach focused on doing authentic, quality work — these principles remained at the forefront. Now, EL Education is helping more than 50,000 students become great scholars and active, ethical citizens with the capacity to build a better world.

Listen in to Tom's and Ron's conversation about the incredible impact EL Education is having on students, teachers, and schools; Ron's journey in education and how it has impacted his life personally and professionally; about his upcoming book, a sequel to his 2014 release, Leaders of Their Own Learning; and some incredible examples of how students are building quality character through the framework Ron has helped build through EL Education.

Key Takeaways:

[:14] About this week's episode.

[1:19] Tom welcomes Ron Berger to the podcast!

[1:33] Why and how did Ron become a teacher in Shutesbury, Massachusetts?

[5:04] How did Ron build his own house in Shutesbury, MA?

[6:16] Ron expresses his appreciation of craftsmanship and why it is so important in education.

[9:04] Along with his passion for craftsmanship, is it true that Ron also has a passion for disco?

[10:48] Is it true that Ron also remains a student of popular culture?

[11:38] When did Ron discover Expeditionary Learning (EL Education)?

[13:28] Ron speaks about his contribution to some of the early design principles at EL Education.

[15:15] Would Ron agree that around 2010 EL Education shifted to focus more on curriculum than developing a school network?

[18:55] Around 2011, Ron started a project with Harvard called 'Models of Excellence.' Ron explains the thought process behind it and what it means to him.

[21:22] Under what conditions do students do world-class work?

[25:02] Why does Ron's character framework put the idea of contributing to a better world at the center?

[28:40] How Ron defines 'character.'

[29:15] Ron gives an incredible example of students with character and breaking out of the standard curriculum.

[31:06] In 2014, Ron authored Leaders of Their Own Learning along with several other authors. He explains the impetus of that book and what it means to him.

[32:50] Why has Ron decide to write a sequel to Leaders of Their Own Learning? What does he hope to accomplish with it and how is it going to help teachers?

[34:37] Ron shares some of the ways he hopes to see people use his book.

[36:43] Where to find Ron online and learn more about EL Education.

[37:30] Tom thanks Ron for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ron Berger (LinkedIn) EL Education

Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment,

by Ron Berger, Leah Rugen, Libby Woodfin, and EL Education

Revisionist History Podcast, by Malcolm Gladwell

Project Zero

Outward Bound Gates Foundation

EL Education's Models of Excellence

For More on Provoking Deeper Learning, Listen to:

Episode 203: "Jal Mehta on Provoking Deeper Learning in High School"

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Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an interview with Benno Schmidt. Benno served as President of Yale University, the Dean of Columbia University Law School, and the CEO and Chairman of Edison Schools (now EdisonLearning). Currently, Benno serves as the Co-Chair of the Global Advisory Board at Whittle School and Studios. He also currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York, the largest urban public university in the world.

30 years ago, Chris Whittle convinced Benno to join him in, and together they built Edison Schools — a pioneer in the charter school movement. Three years ago, they founded Whittle School and Studios. And this month, they've opened schools in Washington, DC, and Shenzhen, China.

Join today's conversation to learn more about Benno's 40 years in education leadership!

Key Takeaways:

[:14] About today's episode with Benno Schmidt.

[:50] Tom welcomes Benno to the podcast!

[:55] Benno speaks about his education background and how it affected his career path.

[8:12] Benno speaks about his time spent at Yale University and all that he accomplished there.

[10:40] Benno elaborates on his time spent at the City University of New York.

[15:58] About Benno's fateful meeting with Chris Whittle.

[18:25] What Benno thinks about the opportunity of being the Co-Chair of the Global Advisory Board at Whittle School and Studios. He also speaks about what they're working to accomplish, going forward.

[26:48] Benno speaks about what makes Whittle so special.

[28:40] Tom thanks Benno for his 40 years of education leadership and for joining the podcast this week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Benno Schmidt

Whittle School and Studios

Chris Whittle

Yale University

EdisonLearning (Edison Schools)

City University of New York

Warren Court

For More on Place-Based Learning, Listen to:Episode 168 for a discussion with Nate McClennen from Teton Science Schools

Get Involved:

Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com.

Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.

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Today the team is talking with Abby Falik, the founder and CEO of Global Citizen Year.

Abby grew up with parents committed to traveling the world — and never the usual tourist traps. After high school, she wanted to get close to the issues that she really cared about but couldn't get into the Peace Corps without a college degree. Abby quickly realized there just wasn't a good option for high school graduates to learn and serve abroad, and soon, it became her life's mission to fix that. Ten years ago, Abby started Global Citizen Year to expand access to life-changing global immersion experiences between high school and college. She knew these experiences were uniquely well suited to unlock courage, shape identity, and develop leadership. Every year, Global Citizen Year places about 150 learners in an international internship. They live with a local family and are a part of a regional cohort. The results are transformational and lifelong.

We live in a world where there's an urgent need for kids of all backgrounds to connect with themselves, their peers, and the context around the world to shape values, identity, and build the courage to change the world — and Global Citizen Year strives to assist in that goal. Listen in as Abby describes her journey, the program that has transformed a thousand lives, and all of the incredible opportunities that Global Citizen Year provides.

Key Takeaways:

[:14] About today's episode with Abby Falik!

[1:14] Tom welcomes Abby to the podcast.

[1:20] Abby speaks about her education.

[7:18] Abby tells the story of Global Citizen Year.

[9:47] The mission of Global Citizen Year.

[11:35] How Global Citizen Year works and how to get involved!

[14:21] How Global Citizen Year impacts learners' language acquisition.

[15:28] How much choice do the students have in choosing the place they would like to travel to and the type of learning experience they would like to have?

[16:20] Do the fellows get the opportunity to travel freely in their host country?

[17:33] Are fellows ever placed together? Or do they all get placed individually?

[18:05] Abby highlights some of the important qualities fellows gain from this experience.

[19:40] Abby speaks about the ever-increasing importance of the outcomes that Global Citizen Year provides for young people.

[22:03] Abby's thoughts on how to begin blending informal learning experiences (such as those that Global Citizen Year offers) with formal classroom learning.

[26:55] How can colleges incorporate Global Citizen Year or programs like it?

[29:44] Is Global Citizen Year seeking financial partners for the program?

[30:44] How many students are there in Global Citizen Year's upcoming cohort?

[30:55] Where to learn more about Abby and Global Citizen Year online!

[32:02] Tom thanks Abby for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Peace Corps

Global Citizen Year

Rosetta Stone

Duolingo

Get Involved:

Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com.

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Today the Getting Smart team is bringing you an episode with none other than Susan Patrick, the President and CEO of iNACOL. For the past 14 years, Susan has led the international advocacy organization known as iNACOL. At iNACOL, they seak the transformation of education systems and advocate for breakthrough policies and practices that ensure high-quality learning for all. Their fall symposium is one of Getting Smart's favorite conferences of the year, with well-curated sessions on whole child personalization, competency-based progressions, and systems leadership.

In today's interview with Tom, Susan reviews five global learning trends and previews the 2019 symposium, which is happening October 28th-31st in Palm Springs, California.

Key Takeaways:

[:14] About today's episode with Susan Patrick!

[1:03] Tom welcomes Susan to the podcast.

[1:10] Susan tells the story of how she got to the office of Ed Tech at the Department of Education.

[2:14] Susan tells the origin story of iNACOL.

[3:17] Susan speaks about the shift of iNACOL's focus to blended and personalized learning.

[6:05] Susan speaks about the partnership between iNACOL and Next Generation Learning Challenges.

[6:52] Susan speaks about the fellowship she did in New Zealand and Australia in 2016 and summarizes what she learned there.

[10:04] Susan summarizes the mission of iNACOL today.

[10:42] Susan and Tom look at some of the top trends that are driving education globally today, starting with the idea of being 'fit for purpose.'

[13:00] Is the work of districts reconsidering their graduate profile and updating their learning outcomes encouraging to Susan?

[15:03] Susan highlights some of the trends she sees with regard to modernizing the workforce in educator development and professional learning.

[17:45] Susan gives her thoughts on micro-credentials.

[19:04] Susan speaks about what she's seeing globally in terms of innovating for equity and prioritizing diversity in education.

[23:43] As learning environments are innovating, how does Susan suggest we create aligned pathways from early childhood to college?

[28:03] How Susan sees schools being redesigned based on learning science.

[30:18] Susan highlights some of the key lessons she has learned from the last 5–10 iNACOL Symposiums.

[34:58] What to look forward to at the 2019 iNACOL Symposium!

[36:27] Tom thanks Susan for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!

Mentioned in This Episode:

iNACOL

iNACOL Symposium 2019

U.S. Department of Education

Next Generation Learning Challenges

Innovation Lab Network | CCSSO

The League for Innovation in the Community College

Digital Promise

"Quality Principles for Competency-Based Education," by Chris Sturgis and Katherine Casey (Published by iNACOL and CompetencyWorks)

Want to Learn More? Check Out These Getting Smart Episodes!

Season 2, Episode 12: "Kettle Moraine's Pat DeKlotz on Building a Culture of Innovation" and Episode 181: "How the Micro-Credential Revolution is Transforming Professional Learning"

Get Involved:

Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com.

Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.

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Today's guest is Michael Hinojosa, the Superintendent of Schools in Dallas, Texas. Dallas, Texas is also where Michael grew up and went to school, the same town his own children went to school in, and also where he has taught and coached for many years. DISD is a rapidly growing school district with 150,000 students in 230 schools. Hinojosa has a thoughtful Board, a strong team, and is in his 10th year as Superintendent — all reasons education in Dallas keeps on getting better!

Tune in to learn more about what's going right for education in Dallas in Michael Hinojosa's own words! Michael speaks about why they've made early learning a priority; their incredible initiatives that are greatly helping underserved and underrepresented students; the partnerships they have that also aid students in receiving better, more accessible education; and how they work with teachers to improve their practice.

Key Takeaways:

[:14] About today's episode!

[:52] Tom welcomes Michael Hinojosa to the podcast.

[:57] Michael speaks about growing up in Dallas and becoming Superintendent in his hometown.

[1:44] Michael talks about the huge population that makes up DISD.

[3:13] As Michael thinks about leading this huge district, what are his main priorities? How does he think about the work in general?

[4:49] Why has Michael made early learning a priority? What are some of the things they have accomplished within it?

[6:03] Why Michael supports public school options.

[7:03] What is a P-Tech program?

[8:38] How many P-Techs DISD currently has and how they're planning on expanding.

[9:47] Michael speaks about the incredible partnership DISD has with the Dallas County Promise and what it means for students.

[11:22] Michael's view on teacher preparation and development.

[13:03] How does DISD work with teachers to try and improve their practice?

[14:20] Michael speaks about his pros and cons for the state test and the accountability system in Dallas.

[16:39] Michael elaborates on one of DISD's new strategic initiatives: their race equity agenda.

[17:48] Michael expresses his enthusiasm for his position as Superintendent and his love for the community in Dallas.

[18:42] What Michael has learned about the importance of learning environments and what he has done to update the physical school plans.

[20:04] How does Michael keep learning about this work? What is he doing to stay informed about the work that he does?

[21:20] Tom thanks Michael Hinojosa for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dallas Independent School District (DISD)

More About DISD's P-Tech Programs

Dallas County Promise

Teach for America

Urban Teachers

Austin ISD

Tulsa Public Schools

Council of the Great City Schools

Texas Urban Council of Superintendents

For More on Good Governance and Innovation in Texas Schools, Listen to:

Season 2, Episode 72: ""

Get Involved:

Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com.

Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.

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In today's episode, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Pamela Cantor, M.D., a leading expert on childhood development. Dr. Cantor has practiced child psychiatry for nearly two decades and originally studied the impact of trauma on childhood development at Cornell. After 9/11, New York City asked her to counsel children struggling in the aftermath. That effort became Turnaround for Children, a non-profit provider of tools and services supporting children that had experienced trauma, of which Dr. Cantor is the founder and Sr. Science Advisor. Additionally, Dr. Cantor has over seven million views on her videos about childhood development, which were developed with colleague Linda Darling-Hammond.

Listen in as Dr. Cantor talks to Tom about the impact of stress on children, childhood development, productive practices that unlock brain chemistry that can counter the toxic effects of stress, and how educators can help positively impact a child's cognitive development. Dr. Cantor also speaks about Turnaround for Children and the impact they have on children; Building Blocks for Learning, Turnaround for Children's framework; and her thoughts on a variety of topics from modeling regulation, maker space, and movement breaks to mindfulness, malleability, and mindset.

Key Takeaways: [:14] About today's episode! [1:02] Tom welcomes Dr. Pamela Cantor to the podcast. [1:15] Why did Dr. Cantor decide to go to Cornell to study trauma and childhood development? [4:22] Dr. Cantor highlights some important things for educators to know about childhood development, toxic stress, and the developmental impact that education has on children. [10:36] What drives a child's cognitive development and how educators can help positively impact it. [13:45] Dr. Cantor gives the origin story of Turnaround for Children. [18:22] Dr. Cantor describes Turnaround for Children's framework (in collaboration with K. Brooke Stafford-Brizard): Building Blocks for Learning. [22:25] Dr. Cantor gives her take on what sorts of experiences and environments help produce agency in students. [27:36] Lightning round! Dr. Cantor gives her thoughts and opinions on these subjects: malleability, mindset, modeling regulation, mindfulness, movement breaks, and maker space. [36:48] If you visited Cantor Elementary School, what would you see? [38:54] If Dr. Cantor visited Cantor High, what would she hope to see? [40:48] What is Dr. Cantor excited about now? What is next for her at Turnaround for Children? [43:17] Tom thanks Dr. Cantor for joining the Getting Smart podcast!

Mentioned in This Episode: Cornell University Medical College Turnaround for Children Dr. Pamela Cantor Linda Darling-Hammond Gates Foundation Building Blocks for Learning (Turnaround for Children in collaboration with K. Brooke Stafford-Brizard) The Science of Learning and Development Initiative Teach for All

To Learn More About Schools Incorporating Cantor's Lessons, Check-Out: Episode 179: "What 100 School Visits Taught Us This Year"

Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.

Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include 'Podcast' in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today's episode, the team will be speaking with Don Wettrick, the founder and President of STARTedUP Foundation!

Don's father was a teacher, and after attempting career #1, he decided to go back and follow in his father's footsteps and become a teacher too. Don found that he enjoyed growing things and becoming entrepreneurial. After watching Dan Pink's 2009 TED Talk entitled, 'The Puzzle of Motivation,' he knew similar principles could be utilized in the classroom and decided to apply them to his own teaching methods.

Don doesn't believe that every student should become an entrepreneur, but he does believe that they should all think like one. They should be able to think critically, reframe problems, and collaborate — and that's what led Don to start STARTedUP Foundation. STARTedUP Foundation has the incredible mission to empower students by immersing them into an entrepreneurial way of being, inspiring them to start something new, and mentoring them through new ventures. Their goal is to prepare students to be enterprising contributors in this changing world!

Tune in to hear Don as he talks to Tom about what students should be learning and future plans for the foundation!

Key Takeaways:

[:14] About today's episode!

[1:01] Tom welcomes Don to the podcast.

[1:05] Why did Don originally decide to become a teacher?

[1:50] About Don's secondary education.

[2:01] When did Don's fascination with innovation occur?

[3:11] Don talks about the innovation program that he's run for the last 6 years at Noblesville Schools.

[4:35] Don speaks about the length of his career and what he's looking forward to after leaving classroom teaching.

[5:09] About the STARTedUP Foundation!

[8:17] Is Don contemplating an incubator?

[9:15] Does Don anticipate that they'll be expanding and working through multiple partner organizations nationally?

[10:59] Are they contemplating raising a venture fund?

[12:05] Don highlights the important skills young people need these days to be successful.

[15:43] Don highlights some more important characteristics for students and educators to have.

[19:43] About Don's teaching of what the entrepreneurial mindset is and the basics of entrepreneurship.

[21:18] What are Don's long-term goals for STARTedUP?

[24:42] STARTedUP Foundation's mantra!

[27:10] Don describes how basic skills fit into their program.

[28:14] Don's view of human development.

[29:14] How soon Don sees that this way of looking at human development will become the new norm for education.

[32:14] Where to find out more about what Don Wettrick is doing!

Mentioned in This Episode:

STARTedUP Foundation

Don Wettrick (LinkedIn)

Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level, by Don Wettrick

'The Puzzle of Motivation,' TED Talk by Dan Pink

Noblesville Schools

Innovate WithIN

Seth Godin

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, by Seth Godin

Akimbo (Seth Godin's Podcast)

Sarah Hernholm — Whatever It Takes (WIT)

Richard Miller (Olin College's President)

Gary Vaynerchuk

StartEdUp Podcast

Get Involved:

Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com.

Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.

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Today's episode features a fascinating interview with Connie Yowell and Paul LeBlanc.

In the most interesting deal of 2018, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the leading online university, and LRNG, the leading out-of-school learning platform, merged. Connie Yowell, CEO of LRNG and EVP of SNHU, saw the merger as an opportunity to establish meaningful pathways to the middle class for youth that needs them most. And as the SNHU President, Paul LeBlanc saw LRNG as an opportunity to extend access to underserved youth in new ways.

Since the merger 10 months ago, SNHU and LRNG have launched pilot programs in Chicago and Bermingham and they've mapped over 30 LRNG badges that count for SNHU credit. SNHU is also actively serving refugees in five countries. And recently, Paul and Connie have returned from a trip to Africa to review programs and consider additional service opportunities.

Listen in as Tom talks to Connie and Paul about how they came into their leadership roles, how and why the merger happened, and where they'll go from here!

Key Takeaways:

[:15] About today's episode!

[1:34] Tom welcomes Connie Yowell and Paul LeBlanc to the podcast!

[1:42] Connie speaks about how she originally became interested in the public policy of youth development.

[2:43] What gave Connie hope that philanthropy was a path to better policy and better systems for youth development?

[3:28] Paul speaks about his past formal education.

[5:24] Early on in his career, how did Paul get from his graduate studies to leading a liberal arts school?

[8:07] Paul speaks about when he took over SNHU in 2003 and their growing online presence.

[9:17] Did Paul have a sense 16 years ago that SNHU could be a real innovator and leader in the online space?

[11:10] Connie speaks about some of her early insights into digital credentials and out-of-school learning experiences.

[14:28] Connie explains how and why LRNG came to be.

[16:12] When did Paul start to get the sense that some learning could be organized differently than traditional courses and that we could begin to use badges and micro-credentials for shorter bursts of learning?

[19:43] Connie and Paul speak about the merging of their two organizations (SNHU and LRNG) 6 months ago, and how they've figured out how they fit together organizationally and conceptually.

[22:38] How does LRNG fit in with SNHU? What does the roadmap look like for rolling out new badges for SNHU?

[23:38] Connie gives some examples of what these badges look like and what kinds of experiences make them up.

[24:50] Paul speaks about the benefits of badges and the implementing of badges at SNHU.

[29:06] Connie speaks about how they're trying to support the work of the Museum of Contemporary Art's Youth Design Workshops.

[32:32] Peter explains how SNHU is serving refugees and speaks about their global education initiative.

[37:03] What did Connie learn during her experience traveling to Africa with the team?

[39:07] Peter gives his closing thoughts on what the merging of SNHU and LRNG will be like several years in the future.

[41:09] Tom thanks Peter and Connie for joining him this podcast!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Connie Yowell (LinkedIn)

Paul LeBlanc (LinkedIn)

LRNG

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

SNHU + LRNG

One Summer Chicago

Youth Design Workshops by MCA Chicago

To Learn More About Southern New Hampshire, Listen to:

Podcast 122 that was recorded back in 2017, when Tom first talked to Paul LeBlanc!

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