In this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by edtech pioneer Michael Horn. Michael is the co-founder of and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to Disruptive Innovation, and an adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Michael has won numerous awards for his insightful work, serves on a range of advisory boards, and is the author of books such as “From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)creating School for Every Child,” ”Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns,” “Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools,” “Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life,” and “Goodnight Box.”

Some Questions We Ask:

• Describe your journey in education. (00:47)
• What do you think about this current moment in education? (02:07)
• What is your opinion on incorporating AI in education? (05:15)
• Please tell us about your book “From Reopen to Reinvent” (08:05)
• We're seeing a shift in what students are doing post high school. New pathways are developing. What are your thoughts on that? (16:12)
• What are you most hopeful about in the direction education is headed? (19:28)
• What insights can you share for listeners who are looking to build their own profiles? (24:31)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Michael’s journey in education (00:58)
• His thoughts on AI in education (03:11)
• How  schooling can best coexist with technology (06:37)
• The key message of his book “From Reopen to Reinvent” (08:20)
• The importance of choosing the right pathways that are accessible and that suit the student (16:36)
• Michael’s thoughts on building your leadership profile (24:31)

Quotes:

“Know your expertise. Lean into that expertise. And make insights out of that expertise. That’s number 1. Second, be humble. You have a lot to learn from everyone you connect with. Third, be authentic. If a theory on which you’re drawing doesn’t have a perspective on something, say that. Know your limits.”

“I think the biggest regret in that book is that we named it “Choosing College” as opposed to something a little catchy and more encompassing—but lesson learned, right? The idea was like, ‘Hey, step back and think about what progress you're trying to make. What's the outcome you're really seeking?’ And if you can understand that, then all of a sudden, you realize college isn't the only pathway anymore to get from A to B. ”

“We're seeing more pathways open up that empower students. It's really positive. It's putting kids at the center. It's giving families more options. I think AI tools are going to create more pathways, and I think we're going to see more districts create their own pathways and portfolios of different school types that power students to learn whatever they want and to chase their dreams in exciting ways.”

Connect with Michael:
LinkedIn
Website
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