Season 7 kicks off with a powerful conversation between co-founders and co-CEOs Katie Martin and Devin Vodicka.
Together, they reflect on their unique co-leadership model, current trends in education, and the future of school redesign. From rebuilding trust in public education to the promise and perils of AI, this episode explores what it takes to reimagine schools, re-center learners, and evolve the role of the educator.

With real-world examples of micro schools, innovative districts, and shifting roles for teachers, this episode sets the stage for what’s possible in education today. Tune in for honest insights, system-level thinking, and tangible hope for the future.

What happens when students lead their own learning about AI and ethics?

In episode 44 of the Learner-Centered Podcast, Dr. Katie Martin speaks with Lexi and Reese, high school seniors from Avonworth High School in Pittsburgh, PA, about their experience in a student-driven English class on AI, ethics, and human flourishing. Given the freedom to explore topics they cared about, from early childhood education to public policy, they learned to use AI not as a shortcut, but as a tool to think critically, organize research, and build understanding.

Lexi and Reese share how personalized learning, strong teacher relationships, and real-world applications have shaped their high school experience. They also reflect on balancing academic stress, fostering human connection in a tech-saturated world, and what schools must rethink to prepare students for life.

A thoughtful, first-hand look at what happens when students are trusted to take the lead—and why it matters.

Katie Martin sits down with Dr. Katie Novak, bestselling author, UDL expert, and powerhouse educator. They unpack what Universal Design for Learning (UDL) really means, how systems need to evolve to support educators, and why learner agency and inclusive design are non-negotiable. With relatable metaphors (hello, buffet dinners and iPhones), heartfelt moments, and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for educators who want to do things differently and better.

In this episode, host Katie Martin shares the audio from a recent webinar. Four members of the Learner-Centered Collaborative team discuss the importance of leadership in driving effective, learner-centered transformation. With 75+ years of education experience from the classroom to district administration, this all-star group explores strategies that enable leaders to create environments where students and educators thrive.Questions explored include:

• -What are the key traits of an effective learner-centered leader, and why does leadership matter in this transformation?
• How can school and district leaders foster a culture that prioritizes student agency, authentic learning, and community involvement?
• What practical strategies have panelists used to overcome challenges in shifting to a learner-centered model?
• How do leadership decisions impact teacher collaboration, student engagement, and overall school culture?

Watch now to gain insights into being an effective learner-centered leader who creates lasting impact in your learning community.

Allie Wong's journey is a testament to the power of student voice, ownership, and meaningful learning experiences. From her transformation at High Tech High to her work as a teacher, school leader, and now consultant, she has dedicated her career to creating learner-centered environments.

In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin and Allie discuss the impact of project-based learning, the role of student agency in math instruction, and strategies for leading schoolwide change. Allie shares how she co-designed projects with students, built a collaborative staff culture, and empowered both educators and learners to take ownership of their growth.

Katie and Allie share practical takeaways for teachers, leaders, and anyone looking to create more engaging and effective learning experiences. Listen for insights on shifting mindsets, fostering teacher autonomy, and ensuring all learners graduate knowing who they are, ready to thrive in their community and engage in the world as their best selves.

What if school was a place where every student woke up excited to go each morning? In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin sits down with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana, to explore how joy, connection, growth, and success are transforming the student experience.George shares how his personal struggles in school shaped his leadership and why he believes in rethinking education from the ground up. He dives into the innovative ways his district engages students and the community, from one-on-one meetings with every junior and senior to hands-on career experiences that make learning relevant. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating schools that truly serve students.

Innovating Public Education: A Conversation with Dr. Justin TerryIn this episode of the Learner Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Katie Martin speaks with Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD and a noteworthy leader in education.

Dr. Terry shares key experiences and insights from his more than two decades in education, emphasizing the importance of innovative approaches and consistent leadership in fast-growing school districts. They discuss the transformative 'Opportunity Central' project in Forney ISD, a multi-purpose facility that integrates career, college, and community resources.

Dr. Terry also touches on change management, the importance of culture, and the future of public education, advocating for public schools as the best option for all students. Join us to explore visionary strategies for making a lasting impact in education.

Dr. Katie Martin takes a reflective journey to close out the season and 2024. Revisiting her insights from a 2020 blog post, Katie explores how 10 key themes about change in education hold up five years later.

From the role of educators and AI to the power of learners' voices and celebrating bright spots, Katie offers a thoughtful analysis of what’s changed, what remains the same, and what it means for the future of education. Join us for this insightful solo episode!

In this episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Katie Martin dives deep with Dr. Cesar Morales, an inspiring leader in learner-centered education. Dr. Morales shares his personal journey from overcoming a 1.87 high school GPA to earning his Ed.D., opening a pioneering high school, and working with schools nationwide to transform education. Together, they discuss strategies for fostering collective efficacy, designing learner-centered systems, and empowering communities to create meaningful change.

In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin sits down with Ruby and Everest, two inspiring students from Clark Street Community School, live at the Aurora Institute Symposium 2024 in New Orleans. Ruby and Everest were excited to share how learner-centered education has fueled their growth, allowing them to pursue passions through self-directed projects, community engagement, and real-world experiences. From restoration projects inspired by local history to an adventurous road trip studying Great Lakes fishing culture, these students illustrate the impact of Clark Street’s mastery-based approach. This uplifting conversation showcases what’s possible when schools prioritize learner agency, offering fresh insight for educators and leaders dedicated to transformative, student-centered education.