Learning Unboxed

Hosted by Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media

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About the show

We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete. So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.

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60 recent

31 min

304. Build Community-Connected Learning Ecosystems with Laura Tavares

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Laura Tavares, Executive Director of the WPS Institute, to explore how learning ecosystems can help schools become more connected, relevant, and student-centered. Laura shares how WPS works alongside public schools, districts, and community partners to create real-world learning experiences that build agency, belonging, and purpose.We look at the work happening in Salem, Massachusetts, where a small middle school pilot grew into a broader model centered on student voice, learning immersions, design studios, and community partnerships. Laura also shares what it takes to scale this kind of work, from flexible scheduling and local partners to family advocacy and a clear shared vision. Join us to hear how communities can reimagine where, how, and with whom learning happens.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why schools need learning ecosystems rooted in connection, relevance, and student agencyHow Salem, Massachusetts scaled a middle school pilot into a broader community-connected modelThe role of learning immersions, design studios, and local partnerships in student engagementWhy engagement is a foundation for achievement, especially in the middle gradesHow families, educators, and civic partners can help protect and grow innovative learning modelsResources:Learn more about WPS InstituteExplore NuVu’s project-based design studio modelVisit MIT Morningside Academy for DesignProduced by NOVA

30 min

303. Let Children Lead Through Entrepreneurship with Leah Ellis

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, a nonprofit helping children ages six to 17 build real business, financial, and leadership skills through hands-on experience. Leah shares how watching her own daughter start a business at four years old sparked a bigger vision for helping children lead, create, and solve problems right now.We explore what happens when adults step back, ask better questions, and let young people make real decisions. Leah walks us through children’s business fairs, mastermind groups, problem spotting, financial literacy, and the power of letting kids learn from failure in safe, meaningful ways. Tune in to hear how entrepreneurship can help children build confidence, agency, and practical skills for life.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How the Society of Child Entrepreneurs helps children build business, money, and leadership skillsWhy adults should guide children with questions instead of managing their ideasWhat children learn through business fairs, product design, customer interaction, and failureHow entrepreneurship builds confidence, resilience, and real-world problem-solvingWays educators and families can start small with market days, problem spotting, and “how” questionsResources:Society of Child EntrepreneursSociety of Child Entrepreneurs on FacebookSparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & ZekeActon Children’s Business FairKansas Leadership CenterSearch Institute’s Developmental AssetsProduced by NOVA

30 min

302. Centering Student Agency Through Experiential Learning with Amy Besida

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Amy Besida, Chief Program Officer at Embarc, a Chicago-based organization helping schools bring learning beyond the classroom through real-world experiences, reflection, and community connection.Amy shares how Embarc grew from two teachers taking students outside their neighborhood into a full school-day model rooted in belonging, agency, and purpose. We talk about what it means to design experiences that help students understand who they are, what they value, and how they want to show up in the world.From corporate partner experiences to student reflection practices, Amy offers a thoughtful look at how schools can move beyond achievement culture and create learning that supports whole-human development. Join us to explore how experiential learning can help students feel seen, connected, and ready for what’s next.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Embarc began as a teacher-led effort at Harper High School in ChicagoWhy experiential learning helps students build agency, identity, and belongingHow reflection turns real-world experiences into deeper learningWhat schools can measure beyond traditional achievement dataHow community and business partners can co-create meaningful student experiencesPractical ways educators can start with student interests, assets, and needsResources:Embarc ChicagoEmbarc’s LinkedInEmbarc’s InstagramEmbarc Impact ReportThis American Life: Harper High School, Part OneUChicago Consortium on School Research: Student AttendanceEducation Reimagined Learner-Centered Ecosystem LabProduced by NOVA

30 min

301. Build Student Voice Through Creativity with Betsy Potash

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Betsy Potash, former English teacher, curriculum creator, and host of the Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. We explore how teachers can move away from teacher-centered instruction and create classrooms where students have more voice, choice, and ownership over their learning.Betsy shares practical strategies that help make that shift feel possible, including project-based learning, podcasting, silent discussion, and hexagonal thinking. We also talk about why creative structures matter, how they build confidence and engagement, and what it looks like to design learning that feels relevant beyond school. Join us to explore fresh ways to spark agency, discussion, and deeper thinking in the classroom.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How teachers can step out of the spotlight and create more student-centered learningWhy agency, real-world context, and authentic audience increase engagementHow hexagonal thinking helps students make connections across texts, ideas, and lived experienceWhy silent discussion creates space for every learner to participate and build confidenceHow contemporary, multimodal approaches can make ELA more relevant and creative Resources:The Spark Creativity Teacher PodcastToolkit for getting started with hexagonal thinkingThe Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast InstagramProduced by NOVA

36 min

300. Design Learning That Sparks Confidence with Ashley Price

In this milestone 300th episode of Learning Unboxed, we celebrate with Ashley Price, Director of Student Experiences and All Things Summer and Out-of-School Programming at the PAST Foundation. Together, we explore how immersive, student-centered learning helps young people build confidence, discover new interests, and connect classroom skills to real-world challenges in meaningful ways.We also dig into what makes these experiences work: student voice and choice, transdisciplinary design, authentic audiences, and the freedom to fail forward. Ashley shares how small shifts in practice can help educators create learning spaces that feel more engaging, relevant, and joyful for students. Join us to explore how we can make school feel a little more like summer camp and a lot more like real learning.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How student voice and choice shape deeper engagement and confidenceWhy real-world, transdisciplinary challenges make learning more meaningfulHow authentic audiences help students grow as communicators and creatorsWhy failure, revision, and redesign are essential parts of learningWhat educators can do to bring informal learning practices into formal classroomsResources:Student Experiences at PAST FoundationProduced by NOVA

30 min

299. Reimagining Reading Through Visual Design with Hillary Summerbell

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Hillary Summerbell, founder and CEO of Summerbell, a literacy technology company transforming how visual dyslexic learners experience reading. Drawing from her own struggles, Hillary shares how rethinking text layout through her positional reading arc can reduce overwhelm, improve comprehension, and build confidence.We explore how a simple shift in formatting can unlock access for millions of learners and why dyslexia is often misunderstood as a comprehension issue rather than a visual one. Hillary also walks us through the development of her technology and its potential as both a classroom tool and diagnostic support. Join us as we rethink what reading can look like and how design can make learning more equitable for all.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How visual dyslexia impacts reading and learningThe science and design behind positional reading arcsUsing technology to reduce visual clutter and increase comprehensionThe importance of equitable literacy tools in classroomsReimagining education through creativity and learner-centered designResources:Summerbell Literacy Tools: (Explore the reading and writing tools designed for visual dyslexic learners)Summerbell Chrome ExtensionSummerbell Research PageJohns Hopkins School of Education Produced by NOVA

40 min

298. Reimagining Public Education Through Microschools with ECPPS Microschool

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Keith Parker, Colina Bartlett, Tiffany Dudley, and Kelly Cowell from the ECPPS Microschool in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Together, they share the story behind launching an innovative public microschool designed to reimagine what learning can look like for today’s students. With small cohorts, flexible learning environments, and a strong emphasis on relationships and real-world experiences, the team is building a student-centered model rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and community.We explore how the district moved from listening to community needs to rapidly designing and launching a new learning environment in less than a year. The conversation highlights the role of educators as guides, the power of project-based learning, and the importance of removing bureaucratic barriers to innovation. At its heart, this microschool is about creating meaningful choices for families and ensuring public education continues to evolve for the future. Join us to explore what’s possible when a community decides to do school differently.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why districts are turning to microschools to reimagine public education and create new options for familiesHow student-centered learning, project-based experiences, and the “guide” model shift the role of teachers and empower learnersWhat it takes for a school district to remove bureaucratic barriers and experiment with new models that better prepare students for a changing worldResources:ECPPS Microschool – Learn more about the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools microschool initiativeAscent Microschool – The innovative school model in Austin, Texas that inspired the ECPPS team’s design workNorth Carolina School Boards Association – Learn more about the organization that hosts the annual conference where ECPPS students presented their workRock by Rock – Explore the project-based science learning program used by the microschoolProduced by NOVA

29 min

297. Build Grit Through Youth Entrepreneurship with Krystal Popov

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Krystal Popov, founder of Futurepreneur, a program designed to help kids ages 6–16 turn creativity and tech skills into real-world ventures. Drawing on her own journey as a serial entrepreneur and parent, Krystal shares why entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses, but about building problem-solvers who can thrive in a rapidly changing world.We explore the core skills at the heart of her work: seeing problems as opportunities, developing grit, and learning to communicate with confidence. Krystall walks us through how her “business-in-a-box” kits guide kids through branding, budgeting, marketing, and sales while engaging families and communities along the way. From lemonade stands to neighborhood helper services, these experiences help young people set goals, stick with challenges, and discover where they shine. Join us to explore how entrepreneurship can reshape learning for the next generation.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why entrepreneurship builds problem-solving, resilience, and leadership skills Engaging families and communities in authentic learning experiences Barriers to entrepreneurship in traditional school settings and how to navigate them Resources:Follow Krystal Popov on Facebook and Instagram Futurepreneur – Explore youth entrepreneurship kits and programsFree Futurepreneur™ Starter Kit: Teach Your Kid to DreamFree Kid Biz (Lemonade Stand Freebie) – Download a starter business planLehman Academy of Excellence – Learn more about the charter model mentioned Produced by NOVA

32 min

296. Building Citywide Learning Ecosystems with Belén Quellet

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Belén Quellet, Executive Director of The Learning Quest, to explore what it really looks like to turn an entire city into a learning environment. Belén shares how Falls Church, Virginia is becoming an open-walled learning ecosystem where curiosity, repair, and real-world problem solving guide learning far beyond the classroom.Together, we dig into learner voice, community partnerships, and why experiences like repair clinics, education passports, and local internships matter just as much as traditional academic pathways. Belén also reflects on shifting definitions of success, the future of work, and the importance of helping parents reimagine what learning can look like for their children. This conversation is a thoughtful look at how communities can stitch together existing resources to support agency, exploration, and lifelong learning. Join us to explore what’s possible when learning truly belongs to everyone.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What a citywide learning ecosystem looks like in practiceHow repair and sustainability spark curiosity and problem solvingElevating learner voice through real community rolesRethinking credit, credentials, and success beyond classroomsBuilding trust with parents around nontraditional learning pathsResources:The Learning QuestEducation Reimagined: Learn more about learner-centered education and ecosystem labs nationwideRepair Café: Discover how community repair events support sustainability and hands-on learningActon Academy: Learn more about learner-driven education models influencing Learning Quest’s work Produced by NOVA

23 min

295. Building Resilient Minds in Education with Ishan Shivanand

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ishan Shivanand, founder of Yoga of Immortals and author of the international bestseller The Practice of Immortality. Together, we explore why resilience training and inner work are becoming essential supports for students and educators navigating rising levels of stress, burnout, and disconnection. Ishan shares how his research-backed, non-pharmaceutical approach blends breathwork, meditation, and cognitive awareness to improve mental health and overall well-being.Our conversation digs into what resilience training actually looks like in practice and why even small, consistent moments of awareness can make a measurable difference in learning environments. We also discuss how schools can integrate these tools in culturally respectful, non-theological ways that support both students and teachers. Join us to explore how building resilient minds can reshape the future of learning.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The growing mental health challenges facing students and educators Research-backed resilience training and its impact on learning Burnout, anxiety, and sleep issues in high-performing students Practical ways to integrate mindfulness into classrooms Why inner work is a lifelong skill, not an add-on Resources:The Practice of Immortality by Ishan ShivanandYoga of Immortals – Learn more about the research-backed mental health program and its applications in education Peer-reviewed research in Frontiers in PsychiatryProduced by NOVA