S4 E3 Innovation That Opens Doors

Guest: Michelle Trojan, Principal, Intrinsic Schools (Chicago, IL) Hosts: Vashaunta Harris & Jim Goenner Guest Host: Don Cooper Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute | Sponsored by The Founders Library What does innovation in education really mean? In Episode 3, the conversation challenges a common assumption: innovation isn’t always about inventing something entirely new — it’s often about trying, improving, and adapting what works. Vashaunta Harris, Jim Goenner, and guest host Don Cooper explore key ideas from this week’s readings, including the tension between uniformity and pluralism and the role of innovation happening closest to students — in classrooms, not policy. Then, they turn to practice. Joined by Michelle Trojan of Intrinsic Schools in Chicago, the episode highlights a school where innovation is not a program — it’s a mindset. From its Montessori-inspired design to its team-teaching “pod” model and flexible use of time, Intrinsic continuously evolves to meet student needs. Students take ownership of their learning through structures like C Day, where they choose academic support, enrichment, and leadership opportunities based on real-time data and personal goals. The school also expands what success looks like — connecting students to careers, trades, college pathways, and real-world experiences. Michelle’s story brings it full circle: leading a school in the same neighborhood where her own family once struggled to find the right educational fit — now creating access and opportunity for the next generation. As Don reflects, Intrinsic embodies a core truth: innovation happens closest to the problem — and closest to students. Show Notes • Theme: Innovation as Iteration — Trying, Improving, Adapting • Readings: Kolderie: Innovation is Schools and Teachers Trying New Things Berner: Uniformity vs. Pluralism • Guest host: Don Cooper • Featured school: Intrinsic Schools (Chicago, IL) Key Model Elements: • Team-teaching “pod” structure (gen ed + special ed collaboration) • Montessori-inspired design adapted for secondary students • Flexible learning spaces and real-time data use • Weekly “C Day” for student choice, support, and enrichment Student Experience: • Ownership of learning through goal-setting and choice • Exposure to careers, trades, and postsecondary pathways • Networking nights, career shadowing, and partnerships • $1.5M annual scholarship support + alumni coaching Big Ideas: • Innovation is continuous improvement, not one-time change • Pluralism allows schools to reflect different student needs and communities • Structure — not just choice — shapes what’s possible in education • Schools should prepare students to be confident, capable contributors to society #BoldByChoice