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

30 min

307. Make Learning Meaningful Through Student Agency with Garrett Smiley

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Garrett Smiley, founder and CEO of Sora Schools, to explore how education can move beyond delivering content and give students meaningful reasons to learn. Garrett shares how Sora combines online learning with strong relationships, interdisciplinary projects, and opportunities for students to connect academic concepts to real-world interests and challenges. We also discuss what traditional public schools can learn from Sora’s model, including offering families multiple learning pathways, replacing high-stakes testing with mastery-based assessment, and giving students greater control over their schedules and projects. Garrett explains how meaningful, useful work helps young people develop the independence and confidence they need for college, careers, and life. Join us to explore how student agency and project-based learning can make education more relevant. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why access to more educational content has not automatically improved student engagement How Sora Schools combines online learning with community and meaningful relationships Using interdisciplinary projects to connect academic standards with real-world challenges Replacing high-stakes testing with mastery- and competency-based assessment How public schools can offer flexible pathways without losing their community role Helping students build agency, independence, and college readiness Resources: Sora Schools Connect with Garrett Smiley on Linkedin Produced by NOVA

30 min

306. Build Stronger School Leadership Support with Mike Caldwell

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Mike Caldwell, founder and CEO of LinkedLeaders, a platform designed to help K-12 school leaders find meaningful support when they feel isolated, overwhelmed, or stretched thin. Mike shares how a simple Facebook post offering support to struggling principals quickly revealed a much bigger need for accessible, personalized mentorship. Together, we explore how school leaders can move beyond one-size-fits-all support and tap into a “human library” of mentors, coaches, and experts who understand different contexts and challenges. Mike also shares how LinkedLeaders is helping organizations build stronger communities of support through mentorship, fireside chats, and challenge-based journeys. Tune in to learn how connection, choice, and community can help keep great leaders leading. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why so many school leaders feel isolated, overwhelmed, and stretched thin How LinkedLeaders grew from one Facebook post into a national support platform The value of a “human library” approach to mentorship and coaching Why school leaders need support beyond their immediate peer circles How organizations can build stronger communities for their members Using challenge-based journeys to help leaders find the right support Resources: LinkedLeaders Produced by NOVA

32 min

305. Teach Students to Question Data with Dr. Manfred Stapff

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Manfred Stapff, physician, researcher, author of Real-World Evidence Unveiled, and host of The Real-World Evidence Perspective. Together, we explore how educators can help students navigate a world overflowing with information, misinformation, statistics, and AI-generated answers. Dr. Stapff shares practical ways to teach learners how to evaluate data, trace information back to its source, and ask better questions before accepting something as true. From clinical trials and real-world evidence to ChatGPT, journalism, and old-school library research, this conversation is a thoughtful reminder that information literacy is now an essential life skill. Join us to explore how we can help students become more discerning, curious, and responsible users of information. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why reliable information matters for decision-making in education, medicine, politics, and everyday life How students can learn to question data, statistics, and sources before accepting them as true The difference between controlled scientific studies and messy real-world evidence How AI can help gather information while still requiring human judgment and critical thinking Why educators should teach learners to trace information back to original sources The growing responsibility of the receiver in evaluating misinformation and bias Resources: Real-World Evidence Unveiled: Navigating the Maze of Modern Misinformation by Dr. Manfred Stapff The Real-World Evidence Perspective on Spotify Dr. Manfred Stapff’s LinkedIn Candid Advisory Produced by NOVA

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.org We unbox: Why schools need learning ecosystems rooted in connection, relevance, and student agency How Salem, Massachusetts scaled a middle school pilot into a broader community-connected model The role of learning immersions, design studios, and local partnerships in student engagement Why engagement is a foundation for achievement, especially in the middle grades How families, educators, and civic partners can help protect and grow innovative learning models Resources: Learn more about WPS Institute Explore NuVu’s project-based design studio model Visit MIT Morningside Academy for Design Produced 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.org We unbox: How the Society of Child Entrepreneurs helps children build business, money, and leadership skills Why adults should guide children with questions instead of managing their ideas What children learn through business fairs, product design, customer interaction, and failure How entrepreneurship builds confidence, resilience, and real-world problem-solving Ways educators and families can start small with market days, problem spotting, and “how” questions Resources: Society of Child Entrepreneurs Society of Child Entrepreneurs on Facebook Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & Zeke Acton Children’s Business Fair Kansas Leadership Center Search Institute’s Developmental Assets Produced 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.org We unbox: How Embarc began as a teacher-led effort at Harper High School in Chicago Why experiential learning helps students build agency, identity, and belonging How reflection turns real-world experiences into deeper learning What schools can measure beyond traditional achievement data How community and business partners can co-create meaningful student experiences Practical ways educators can start with student interests, assets, and needs Resources: Embarc Chicago Embarc’s LinkedIn Embarc’s Instagram Embarc Impact Report This American Life: Harper High School, Part One UChicago Consortium on School Research: Student Attendance Education Reimagined Learner-Centered Ecosystem Lab Produced 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.org We unbox: How teachers can step out of the spotlight and create more student-centered learning Why agency, real-world context, and authentic audience increase engagement How hexagonal thinking helps students make connections across texts, ideas, and lived experience Why silent discussion creates space for every learner to participate and build confidence How contemporary, multimodal approaches can make ELA more relevant and creative Resources: The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast Toolkit for getting started with hexagonal thinking The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast Instagram Produced 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.org We unbox: How student voice and choice shape deeper engagement and confidence Why real-world, transdisciplinary challenges make learning more meaningful How authentic audiences help students grow as communicators and creators Why failure, revision, and redesign are essential parts of learning What educators can do to bring informal learning practices into formal classrooms Resources: Student Experiences at PAST Foundation Produced 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.org We unbox: How visual dyslexia impacts reading and learning The science and design behind positional reading arcs Using technology to reduce visual clutter and increase comprehension The importance of equitable literacy tools in classrooms Reimagining education through creativity and learner-centered design Resources: Summerbell Literacy Tools: (Explore the reading and writing tools designed for visual dyslexic learners) Summerbell Chrome Extension Summerbell Research Page Johns 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.org We unbox: Why districts are turning to microschools to reimagine public education and create new options for families How student-centered learning, project-based experiences, and the “guide” model shift the role of teachers and empower learners What it takes for a school district to remove bureaucratic barriers and experiment with new models that better prepare students for a changing world Resources: ECPPS Microschool – Learn more about the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools microschool initiative Ascent Microschool – The innovative school model in Austin, Texas that inspired the ECPPS team’s design work North Carolina School Boards Association – Learn more about the organization that hosts the annual conference where ECPPS students presented their work Rock by Rock – Explore the project-based science learning program used by the microschool Produced by NOVA