In this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Tom Vander Ark, an advocate for innovations in learning. He is the CEO of Getting Smart, a design learning firm that helps education organizations increase their impact with innovations for a better learning experience. Tom is also a prolific writer and speaker who has authored or co-authored eight books, including “The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education” and “Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning,” and he’s working on a new one. He has also been a content contributor for Forbes, LinkedIn, and Getting Smart. In his free time, Tom enjoys cycling and making vegan creations.
 
Some Questions We Ask:

•  What career experiences led you to launch Getting Smart? (00:44)
• What trends and challenges are districts facing now? (01:50)
• What’s your take on the evolution of AI? (03:31)
• Can you tell us more about your new book? (11:27)
• What are your thoughts on developing an entrepreneurial mindset among students? (15:04)
• Looking ahead, what are your hopes in education? (18:04)
• What advice and insights do you have for other organizations hoping to follow the path you’ve taken? (19:51

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• All about Tom Vander Ark and Getting Smart (00:53)
• The top challenges school districts face today (02:06)
• Tom’s perspective about AI (03:48)
• About Tom’s new book (11:46)
• His thoughts regarding entrepreneurial mindset (15:30)
• How to create more opportunities and environments where young people can succeed (18:11)
• His advice for other organizations to follow his path to success (20:22)

Quotes:

“The key to education today is helping students develop a sense of identity and agency, understand their strengths and interests, and then understand how and where they can act on the world, spot opportunities to make a difference, design solutions, and deliver impact to a community.”

“That the rise of the platform economy has created many new on ramps for people to step into employment or create a new business or campaign. It has has enabled a new wave of entrepreneurship.”

“We can create environments where students are experiencing success in what's next. They're actually doing work that matters. That's project-based learning. That's work-based learning. That's enterprise.”

Connect with Tom:
Getting Smart Website
Tom's Twitter
Tom’s LinkedIn
Tom's Instagram
Tom's Epic Veggie Creation Instagram

Resources Mentioned:
Human Work In the Age of Smart Machine by Jamie Merisotis
Tom Vander Ark Books

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook