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: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How to scale up an organization while still providing an individualized approach for each learner.
• The concept of ecosystems of learning and the role of community in education.
• The importance of building a lasting mentorship team around each kid.

Resources:

• Learn more about FabNewport.
• Follow FabNewport on Instagram: @fabnewport.
• Watch Education Reimagined’s Big Idea video. 

Produced by NOVA Media

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: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• What aggressive optimism is and why it is the opposite of toxic positivity
• The concept of proactive resilience and trying different tools
• Some common misconceptions about PTSD

Resources:

• Read the book: Aggressive Optimism 
• Reach out to Jenna to brainstorm how to get this book in your school: [email protected] 
• Follow Jenna on Instagram: @jennaedwardsofficial

Produced by NOVA Media

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're Learning: Mister Rogers' 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' 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: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Research on curiosity and learning 
• The role community plays in education
• How Mr. Rogers’ took on big topics like race and disability

Resources:

• Read Ryan and Gregg’s book: “When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids”

Produced by NOVA Media

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: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How social, emotional, and academic skill development are inextricably linked.
• The concept of “Whole School, Whole Child” as well as “Community Schools.”
• City Year New York’s effort to help Student Success Coaches with their post-City Year career.

Resources:

• Learn more about City Year New York. 
• To learn more about City Year in general go to CityYear.org.
• Read City Year New York’s “The Power of Student Success Coaches in Schools” playbook, developed with support from the Lego Foundation.
• Follow City Year on Instagram: @CityYear

Produced by NOVA Media

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'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: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The concept and importance of authentic learning in today's educational landscape.
• Practical examples of authentic learning in action and its positive impacts on students.
• Strategies for overcoming challenges and implementing authentic learning, including the role of leadership and systemic change.

Resources:

• Learn more at partnershipsforall.org
• Follow Partnerships for Authentic Learning & Leadership on YouTube

Produced by NOVA Media

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: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The role of adults in young people’s learning journey.
• Rock Tree Sky’s learning facilities and philosophy.
• Partnership with school systems and inspiring conventional teachers.
• Thinking about assessment, especially in order to get public funding.
• Making these spaces financially accessible for all families.

Resources:

• Rock Tree Sky: A Self-Directed Learning Community
• Follow Rock Tree Sky on Instagram: @rocktreesky

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're thrilled to welcome Stephanie Lewis, the Director of Relationships at Remake Learning, a network that's spearheading the transformation of education in the Pittsburgh region. Remake Learning is not just about innovative education; it'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'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: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The mission and impact of Remake Learning in transforming education.
• The five core strategies driving Remake Learning's success.
• Examples of innovative educational projects and the importance of community engagement.
• The role of learning ecosystems in creating comprehensive educational experiences.
• The significance of youth voice in shaping learning environments.

Resources:

• Learn more at remakelearning.org
• Remake Learning Playbook
• Follow Remake Learning on Instagram: @remakelearning

Produced by NOVA Media

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'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' needs. Tiffany'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: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The history and mission of Wings of Hope in global humanitarian efforts
• The development and structure of the SOAR into STEM program
• The significance of integrating aviation with STEM education
• Overcoming challenges in the program, especially during the pandemic
• Strategies for educators to implement real-world STEM applications
• The role of partnerships and community in enhancing STEM education

Resources:

• Learn more at wingsofhope.ngo
• Check out SOAR into STEM
• Follow Wings of Hope on Instagram: @wingsofhope.ngo

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the inspiring world of educational innovation with Ian Shimizu, the navigator at Inspire High, a pioneering edtech program based in Japan. Inspire High is revolutionizing the way teenagers connect with the world, offering interactive sessions with creative minds from diverse fields. It's about bringing real-life stories and experiences into the classroom, and Ian is at the forefront of this educational transformation.

Ian shares his journey with Inspire High, from its inception to its current state, discussing the challenges and triumphs of connecting students globally. We delve into the program's unique approach, which integrates interactive quizzes, guided conversations, and a platform for cross-school interaction. This episode is not just about what Inspire High does; it's about the broader vision of empowering students to realize their potential and make informed life choices.

Join us to hear Ian's insights on the future of education, the importance of real-world connections in learning, and the impact of programs like Inspire High on students and teachers alike. It's an enlightening conversation for anyone passionate about the future of education and the role technology plays in shaping it.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The groundbreaking approach of Inspire High in connecting teenagers with global innovators for real-world learning experiences.
• Ian Shimizu's journey and the evolution of Inspire High, reflecting his educational insights and aspirations.
• The unique interactive learning methods and global connectivity fostered by Inspire High through its engaging educational platform.
• The challenges and adaptive strategies in the evolving landscape of educational technology as experienced by Inspire High.
• Strategies for empowering students and educators, highlighting the importance of student autonomy and adaptive learning environments.

Resources:

• Check out Inspire High: inspirehigh.com
• Connect with Ian Shimizu on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the pleasure of hosting Meagan Naraine, the co-founder of Culturally Relevant Science (CRS). CRS is an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to making STEM education more inclusive and engaging for underrepresented groups. Founded as a YouTube channel during the pandemic, CRS has grown significantly, offering a range of educational resources that combine rigorous learning with elements of pop culture and entertainment.

Meagan shares the inspiring story behind CRS, starting from its humble beginnings with simple equipment to creating animated videos featuring Black male teachers and students from diverse backgrounds. The content is crafted to be culturally relevant, resonating with students through familiar dialects, clothing, and current trends. She also discusses the expansion of CRS from individual videos to complete course materials, aiming to support teachers and enhance student engagement throughout the school year.

Tune in to learn about the challenges and successes of Culturally Relevant Science, and how Meagan and her team are revolutionizing STEM education by emphasizing relatability and inclusivity. Discover the impact of CRS’s approach on students' understanding and confidence in science, and how they're making a difference in classrooms around the world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The inception and evolution of Culturally Relevant Science (CRS) as an innovative educational resource
• The significance of culturally relevant content in engaging underrepresented students in STEM
• The impact of CRS's approach on student engagement and understanding in science
• Challenges and learning experiences in developing and implementing CRS in educational settings
• Future goals and aspirations of CRS in promoting equity in STEM education

Resources:

• Learn more at crsci.org
• Connect with Meagan on LinkedIn
• Watch Culturally Relevant Science on YouTube

Produced by NOVA Media