NTN Unpacked

In this special episode of NTN Unpacked, host Mark returns from a brief hiatus alongside Shannon Doody from NTN’s Growth and District Success team to share a powerful, big-picture conversation about systemic change. We are stepping out of our traditional interview format to bring you an exclusive look into a recent state-wide webinar discussing the ambitious "New York Inspires" initiative and the rollout of their new Portrait of a Graduate.

NTN CEO Jim May and Managing Director of Growth and District Success, Nick Kappelhof facilitate a deep dive with Dr. Jonah Schenker, Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, about what it actually takes to transform education at the regional and district levels. Dr. Schenker challenges us to tackle the "epidemic of average," sharing why true innovation requires unlearning the industrial model of education before waiting for state mandates to drop. Afterward, Shannon rejoins Mark to break down how this consortium is moving forward and how NTN supports schools across the country in making their own Portrait of a Graduate a vibrant, everyday reality.

✨ You’ll hear reflections on:

• Why your master schedule and school budget are your ultimate "statements of values"
• Shifting from penalizing attendance to measuring and supporting authentic student engagement
• The importance of unlearning outdated systems and finding the courage to just stop doing things that don't serve kids
• How to use human-centric design and empathy interviews to anchor your decisions in student and community voice
• Prototyping small, early changes—from standards-based grading to rethinking grade levels—to build a foundation for deeper learning

Whether you are a district leader navigating policy shifts, a principal rethinking school culture, or an educator passionate about system-wide equity, this episode offers a compelling roadmap for moving your vision into action.

📌 Bonus resources: To learn more about the upcoming New York Portrait of a Graduate webinar series mentioned in this episode, visit https://newtechnetwork.org/new-york-inspires/!

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In this episode of NTN Unpacked, we sit down with Rebecca Mapes and Melanie Mason, English facilitators and senior capstone leaders at Eagle Tech Academy. They share how their Senior Capstone (or Senior Impact) course empowers students to design passion-driven projects that connect deeply with their local community. NTN School Development coach Jose Garcia also joins host Mark Stolan for Coaches Corner and learn how he’s supporting a long established NTN school in continued growth and development around the NTN model.

From researching authentic community needs to defending their work before panels of civic leaders, students step into real-world problem solving - and often discover that growth comes through struggle, pivots, and persistence. Along the way, Rebecca and Melanie reflect on how the course has evolved, the challenges of procrastination and “senioritis,” and the ways this work is reshaping school culture across grade levels.

✨ You’ll hear reflections on:

• How capstone projects deepen student ownership and agency
  
  
• Strategies for supporting seniors through procrastination and “messy middles”
  
  
• The role of community partnerships and public presentations in authentic learning
  
  
• Lessons learned from evolving and refining the capstone model over time
  
  
• How capstone work influences schoolwide culture - even beyond senior year

Whether you’re an educator curious about launching a capstone project or simply looking for ideas to deepen student agency, this conversation offers practical insights and powerful reminders of why authentic learning matters.

💡 We’d love your input! As mentioned in this episode, we’re for new projects and stories to join us in season 2! Nominate yourself or a colleague via our guest suggestion form today!

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In this classroom-deep-dive episode of NTN Unpacked, host Mark Stolan reconnects with Jackie Blightman and My Lam, the dynamic math teaching duo from Quimby Oak Middle School’s Lobo School of Innovation (LSI). Together, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to run a high-functioning Problem-Based Learning (PrBL) math program - one that balances rigorous skill mastery with authentic student engagement. LSI’s longtime coach Elena Bell also joins Mark to break down how LSI’s approach is both revolutionary and inspiring for all types of math learners that walk through Jackie and My’s classroom.

From co-teaching collaboration to “funnel” and “non-funnel” problem design, Jackie and My share how they transform abstract math standards into meaningful, real-life problems - complete with messy middles, strategic nudges, and a focus on oral and written communication. You’ll hear stories about how the team has learned to fail forward, why struggle is the best teacher for both educator and student, and how they’ve evolved projects over time to maximize student voice and choice.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• The key differences between PBL and PrBL - and when to use each
  
  
• Strategies for supporting students who “aren’t math people”
  
  
• Designing high-leverage problems that still meet standards
  
  
• How AI can help teachers design richer, more personalized projects
  
  
• The value of failure, iteration, and transparency in the classroom

Whether you’re a math educator curious about PrBL, a PBL teacher looking to adapt your practice, or simply someone who loves hearing how learning comes alive, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and practical takeaways you can use tomorrow.

📌 Bonus resource: Project-Based vs. Problem-Based Learning
📝 Suggest a future guest - We are looking for all types of guests but especially looking for Science Course/Projects to feature right now. Submit yourself or your colleague as a suggestion on our guest suggestion form today!
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In this international episode of NTN Unpacked, we sit down with Brad Scanlon, Director of New Tech Network Australia, to explore what happens when student-centered learning takes root halfway around the world. Recorded live at NTAC 2025 in Oakland, CA, co-host Kris Williams leads us through a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about how NTN’s model has evolved - and been adapted - for schools across Australia.

Brad shares the story of how a single school’s search for better student engagement led to a nationwide movement grounded in project-based learning, leadership development, and systems thinking. From reimagining teacher PD to launching a nationally recognized certification program, Brad’s approach to innovation, sustainability, and school transformation is both deeply practical and future-focused.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• How and why Australian schools began adopting the NTN model
  
  
• The importance of leadership pipelines and middle leader development
  
  
• Coaching as the cornerstone of school transformation
  
  
• Aligning well-being and academics through classroom culture - not just advisory
  
  
• Adapting to AI while preserving essential human skills like collaboration and connection

Whether you’re leading change at scale or just curious about global approaches to PBL, Brad’s insights offer a rich look into how core NTN principles translate across borders - and across time.

📌 Bonus resource: Learn more about NTN Australia and explore their approach to student-centered learning

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In this special live episode of NTN Unpacked, we take you straight to the floor of NTAC 2025 in Oakland, CA! Host Mark Stolan brings together a chorus of voices from across the New Tech Network to share what’s resonating, what’s shifting, and what’s next for educators deeply engaged in project-based learning.

From first-year teachers to veteran leaders - and even a surprise visit from NTN CEO Jim May - you’ll hear reflections on community, curiosity, and courage as attendees explore powerful learning, navigate AI integration, and set goals for the year ahead.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• What it felt like to reconnect in person this year (for some after years apart)
  
  
• Takeaways from sessions on student agency, AI, and feedback strategies
  
  
• How new tools like NTN Blueprint, Powered by Inkwire are supporting NTN practices
  
  
• Real goals educators are setting for themselves, their students, and their schools
  
  
• The joyful energy of being in a room full of change-makers

Whether you were at NTAC and wanting to relive it or wishing you could have been there this year, this episode captures the inspiration, connection, and momentum of a network committed to transformational learning.

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In this powerful episode of NTN Unpacked, we head to Houston, Texas, to hear the story of Mead Middle School’s first year partnering with New Tech Network. Principal Jose Lara, Assistant Principal Danielle Johnson, and Director of Transformation Silvia Schiermann join host Mark Stolan and co-host Vincent Manor to reflect on what it takes to launch project-based learning (PBL) in a large, urban middle school - and why it’s worth it.

Despite a hurricane disrupting their NTAC experience and the challenge of integrating PBL with a district-mandated curriculum, the Mead team leaned into collaboration, vulnerability, and student-centered vision. What followed was a culture shift marked by increased student agency, stronger teacher collaboration, and double-digit academic gains.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• Leading as a first-year principal while launching a major instructional shift
  
  
• Supporting teachers to move from “a project” to true project-based learning
  
  
• Merging HQIM curriculum with NTN’s student-centered PBL approach
  
  
• Creating structures like common planning time and a “Creative Lab” to support success
  
  
• Cultivating student and teacher agency through intentional risk-taking and support
  
  

Whether you’re a school leader planning for PBL implementation or a teacher seeking inspiration to try something new, this episode offers a candid and uplifting look at what’s possible when a school community commits to doing school differently.

📌 Bonus resource: Come meet the Mead team in person at NTAC 2025 in Oakland - they’ll be presenting their story and strategies for sustainable transformation.

🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked to hear more authentic stories from New Tech Network classrooms across the country.

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What does it take to bring deeper learning to scale across an entire district? In this episode of NTN Unpacked, School Development Coaches Missy Saldana and Val Grijalva take us inside a district-wide transformation at Hardin County Schools in Kentucky, where 10 middle and high schools partnered with New Tech Network to reshape teaching and learning.

You’ll hear from district and school leaders—including Brandy New (Director of Innovation), Tim Isaacs (Principal, Central Hardin High), Brittany Nickel (Principal, East Hardin Middle), and John Calhoun (Middle School Social Studies Teacher)—about how this multi-year rollout has impacted student agency, educator collaboration, and school culture. Through moments of tension, feedback, and collective growth, Hardin County Schools shows what’s possible when a district invests in its people and builds a culture of shared leadership and continuous learning

Tune in for key takeaways on:

• Why Hardin County chose PBL and NTN in response to ongoing learning challenges
• Building trust and buy-in among educators and site leaders
• How collaboration in PLCs and embedded coaching accelerated change
• The importance of student agency, culture-building, and real-world relevance
• What district and school leaders need to sustain momentum in large-scale shifts

Whether you’re a district leader exploring innovation or a teacher curious about how transformation takes hold over time, this episode offers honest, practical insights into scaling PBL in a meaningful and sustainable way.

📌 Bonus Resource: Learn more about Central Hardin High School’s journey and why it was named an NTN Spotlight School → Spotlight on Central Hardin High School

🎟️ Headed to NTAC this summer? Stop by the NTN Unpacked booth to share what’s inspiring you and appear in our special NTAC episode! And if you haven’t yet, register for NTAC today to learn and reflect with other NTN educators!

🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked to hear more authentic stories from New Tech Network classrooms across the country.

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In this dynamic episode of NTN Unpacked, host Mark Stolan and School Development Coach Aubrey Thompson sit down with Danae Boyd and Janelle Bence from New Tech High @ Coppell (NTH@C) to explore Slamming for a Cause—a powerful legacy project where 9th grade learners turn research on global human rights issues into original slam poetry, raising awareness and funds for local organizations.

This interdisciplinary project blends English and human geography, inviting students to write, revise, and perform their work while managing all aspects of event planning, from marketing and silent auctions to design and production. Through authentic engagement with community partners and the guidance of professional poets, students experience the impact their voices can have—and the real-world skills they gain along the way.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• Structuring interdisciplinary PBL with meaningful student choice and voice
  
  
• Scaffolding poetry writing with research, rhetorical devices, and revision
  
  
• The community-wide impact of legacy projects like Slamming for a Cause
  
  
• How learners raise thousands for local causes through Giving Tuesday campaigns
  
  
• Sustaining engagement through alumni, local experts, and cross-grade collaboration
  
  

Whether you're planning your first school wide event or looking to deepen student agency and authenticity, Danae and Janelle offer practical wisdom and heart-filled inspiration.

📌 Bonus resource: Download the NTN PBL Lesson Plan Template to support your next interdisciplinary, high-impact project.

🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked to hear more authentic stories from New Tech Network classrooms across the country.

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In this episode of NTN Unpacked, we head to Handy Middle School in Bay City, Michigan, where PBL Instructional Coach Rebekah Deal and 7th grade science teacher Valerie Steele share what it looks like to support and grow a schoolwide project-based learning culture—together.

Hosted by Mark Stolan, this episode dives deep into the evolving role of instructional coaching, the power of teacher–coach relationships, and how teams at Handy are navigating the challenges of collaboration, curriculum design, and classroom culture while implementing PBL across all three grade levels.

You’ll hear insights on:

• The strategic rollout of the NTN model at Handy Middle School and how Rebekah supported each grade team along the way
  
  
• The role of CLCs (Collaborative Learning Communities) in building shared practice and adult learning
  
  
• Navigating tensions between course standards, school and district initiatives and meaningful and authentic learning experiences for students.
  
  
• How Rebekah acts as a bridge between teachers and administrators through her position—and why that trust is essential
  
  
• The challenges and growth that come with classroom management in student-centered learning environments
  
  
• What’s next for Handy as they shift from onboarding new grade levels to sustaining and refining their PBL practices

Plus, in our Coach’s Corner segment, hear from Amelia Little, Handy’s NTN School Development Coach, as she shares her view of the incredible progress happening at the school—and how Rebekah and the team are leading change with heart, strategy, and impact.

📌 BONUS: Want to learn more about how to support teachers as a coach or leader? Check out this article on resources for instructional coaches for practical strategies and inspiration.

🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked for more stories of transformation, community, and authentic learning from across the New Tech Network.

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In this energizing episode of NTN Unpacked, returning co-host and NTN School Development Coach Val Grijalva sits down with veteran educator Laura Pacheco of Young Women’s STEAM Academy in El Paso, Texas, to explore how project-based learning (PBL) can transform physical education into a deeply inclusive, collaborative, and meaningful experience.

With over a decade of teaching experience and seven years of PBL implementation under her belt, Coach Pacheco shares how she’s designed PE projects that go far beyond movement — projects that connect students to real-world issues, cross-curricular learning, and their own creativity.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• How students launched a campaign to bring softball and baseball to their district — and succeeded
  
  
• Annual PBL traditions like National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and how they’ve built community and student pride
  
  
• Strategies for making PE inclusive for all students, including those with physical disabilities or less interest in competitive sports
  
  
• How student-led drills, artifact creation, and cross-curricular design deepen both engagement and understanding
  
  
• The logistics and assessment strategies that make PBL possible — even in 90-minute blocks or 45-minute daily sessions
  
  
• What it takes to launch a successful PBL in PE, and why “starting ugly” is perfectly OK
  
  

Whether you're a PE teacher wondering if PBL is even possible in your gym, or a school leader hoping to inspire new ways to engage every student, this episode is full of practical tips, real stories, and heartfelt wisdom.

📌 BONUS: Curious how to start project-based learning in your own classroom — even if you're brand new to it? Check out NTN’s guide to What is PBL and How to Start Trying it Today.

🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked for more authentic stories of transformation from schools across the New Tech Network.

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