Learning Unboxed
by Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media
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.
Episodes
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313. Spark Lifelong Curiosity Through Creepy Crawlies with Antonio Gustin
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Antonio Gustin, founder of Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo, to explore how insects, reptiles, and immersive technology can spark lasting scientific curiosity. Antonio shares how his decades of hands-on educational programs evolved into Creepy Crawly…
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312. Build Learning Communities Around Every Child with Jess Alfreds
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Jess Alfreds, founder of Carolina Kids Co-op, a growing network of outdoor, community-centered homeschool programs. What began as Jess’s search for an academically rigorous, in-person learning option for her own daughter has grown into a model...
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311. Putting Students in the Driver’s Seat with Michael Finnegan
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we talk with Michael Finnegan, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Courses, about what science education can look like when students become active investigators instead of passive recipients of information. Drawing from his experience as a public school teacher,...
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310. Build Fluent Readers Before Third Grade with Jessica Reid Sliwerski
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Jessica Reid Sliwerski, co-founder and CEO of Ignite Reading, to explore why waiting until third grade to address reading gaps is often too late. Jessica shares the case for a “first grade promise,” where schools commit to helping children…
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309. Designing Schools for Agency, Not Compliance with Jason Blair
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome back Jason Blair, arts educator and founder of the Agents of Change, to explore what happens when schools are designed around student agency instead of compliance. Jason shares how the festival brings students from across Central Ohio together to...
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308. Build Workforce Readiness Through Community with Chaz Van De Motter
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Chaz Van De Motter, Vice President of Operations at New Reach, to explore how community-based learning can help young people move more quickly from education to meaningful income. Chaz explains how New Reach combines education, live events,...
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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,...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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,...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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294. Building an Industry-Driven Tech High School with Nathan Gorsch
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re reconnecting with returning guest and “serial school starter” Nathan Gorsch, executive director and principal of the Colorado Springs School of Technology. Nathan shares how his experience launching Village High School shaped the vision for this new,...
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293. Rebuilding Teen Motivation and Daily Habits with Sean Geraghty
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Sean Geraghty, founder of Reset Coaching and co-founder of the Center for Teen Flourishing, to explore what today’s teens truly need to thrive. Sean walks us through the research behind how young people spend their time from 3 PM to 3 AM,...
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292. Advancing Early College IT Pathways Through Microschool Innovation with Lisa Huffman
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-standing Early IT program and the powerful new Microschool...
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291. Building Learner-Centered Ecosystems Through Community Partnerships with Coi Marie Morefield
What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community? In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis, a PK–8 learner-centered environment blending Waldorf,...
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290. Building Math Confidence Through Strategy and Sensemaking with Mike Kenny
What if we taught math facts through understanding instead of memorization? In this episode, we welcome Mike Kenny—Vermont fifth-grade math teacher and creator of MathFactLab—who shares how strategy-based practice grounded in number sense transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont...
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289. Opening College Doors for Free with Jefferson Pestronk
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing…
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288. Ruckus Leadership with Danny Bauer
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast and a champion for reimagining education through leadership. Danny shares how his journey from assistant principal to leading a global community of “ruckus makers” has been fueled…
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287. Psychological Safety in Classrooms with Craig Randall
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching thrives when educators feel psychologically safe. We look at why traditional evaluation systems—rubrics, ratings, and high-stakes observations—stifle innovation, and...
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286. Accelerating Reading Fluency with Tim Waldron
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into reading skills development with Tim Waldron, CEO of Readable English. We explore why so many students—especially in upper elementary, middle, and high school—are still reading below grade level and what it takes to close that gap quickly. The…
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285. Instructional Audio for Equitable Classrooms with David Solomon
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed Technologies, to unpack “instructional audio”—low-volume, high-clarity sound that makes the teacher’s voice equally intelligible in every seat. We explore why clarity beats volume for attention, language development,...
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284. Restorative Schools, Real Accountability with Nicholas Bradford
When it comes to student behavior, punishment often gets mistaken for progress. In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice, to explore a better path: restorative practices that build relationships, invite...
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283. The Early Childhood Promise with Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum & Dr. Crystal Corle Loose
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Corle Loose, co-authors of The Early Childhood Promise. With a wealth of experience in pediatrics, occupational therapy, early education, and community outreach, they guide us through the transformative power of...
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282. Place-Based Nature Learning with Christie McKelvie
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Christie McKelvie, co-founder and director of Rooted & Free Nature School, to talk about the transformative potential of place-based education. Christie shares her journey from classroom teacher to nature school founder, explaining how…
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281. Generational Learning Shifts with Jeff Utecht
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jeff Utecht, co-host of the Shifting Schools podcast and a consultant focused on generational change and AI in education. We explore how different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha—bring unique values and...
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BONUS. Changing the Education Ecosystem with Byron Sanders
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations. The traditional educational ecosystem is not built to...
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BONUS. Building Students and Staff Agency with Johnna Noll
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations. In 2015, Norris School District came to Johnna Noll...
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BONUS. Relationship as the Basis of Education with Jim Bailey of Rocky Tree Sky
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations. The most important thing adults can provide young...
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BONUS. Supporting Individual Interests and Strengths with Steve Heath
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations. Steve Heath calls himself a “professional confuser.”…
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280. Internships & Student Agency with Aya Belouadah
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of internships with Aya Belouadah, a college student at The Ohio State University and PAST Foundation Intern. Aya shares her journey from early high school internships to her current college experiences, highlighting how...
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279. Science Storytelling for Kids with Marshall Escamilla
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Marshall Escamilla, co-host and music creator for the Tumble Podcast, a show that brings the wonders of science directly to kids and families. Marshall shares how Tumble was born out of a desire to make science accessible, fun, and genuinely...
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278. Digital Citizenship & Leadership with Dr. Lisa Strohman
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Strohman, founder of Digital Citizen Academy and author of Unplugged: Raising Kids in a Technology Addicted World and Digital Distress: Growing Up Online. Dr. Strohman brings a wealth of expertise as a clinical psychologist, sharing…
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277. Student-Centered High School Transformation with Steven Sell
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Steven Sell, Assistant Director at MAP Academy, an alternative charter high school in Plymouth, Massachusetts. MAP Academy’s mission is to serve students who haven’t found success in traditional schools by offering a personalized,...
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276. Transforming Lives Through Education with David Harris
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by David Harris, President and CEO of Christel House International, a global nonprofit breaking the cycle of poverty through an 18-year, full-circle education model. Christel House operates nine tuition-free schools across five countries and...
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BONUS. Learner-Centered Schools in Every State with Sonn Sam
Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students. Join us in moving to a system that deeply values the...
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BONUS. Institute for Self Directed Learning with Tyler Thigpen
Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students. Join us in moving to a system that deeply values the...
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275. Playful Learning with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor
We’re diving into the joy and purpose of play in this episode of Learning Unboxed with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, director of Dr. Diane’s Adventures of Learning. Diane brings a powerful message about the deep connections between literacy, creativity, and hands-on exploration—reminding us that...
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274. Innovative Urban Learning with Kalimah Fergus Ayele
What if your city was your classroom? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we meet Kalimah Fergus Ayele, Head of the New York City campus of The Winchendon School, a high school program that reimagines education through experiential learning and citywide engagement. Kalimah shares the origins of...
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273. Summer Learning Through Outdoor Joy with Lisa Gitelson
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the powerful intersection of summer camp and education with Lisa Gitelson, CEO of the Fresh Air Fund. With over 148 years of impact, the Fresh Air Fund offers low-income youth from New York City transformative summer experiences—think swimming,...
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272. Reimagining EdTech and Data with Chris Hull
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of data in education with Chris Hull, former educator and co-founder of Otus. Otus is a K-12 assessment and data insights platform designed to centralize the many fragmented tools educators use and provide actionable data…
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271. Transforming Education Through Teaming with Nick Salmon, Mar Cano Mesa, and Erin O’Reilly
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're joined by Nick Salmon, Mar Cano Mesa, and Erin O’Reilly, co-authors of TeamEd, a transformative guide to collaboration in education. Together, they share the story behind their international partnership and their deeply rooted belief that teaming—at…
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270. Revolutionizing Math Education with Dr. Aditya Nagrath
Math anxiety holds many students back, but what if we could change the way they experience mathematics? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore how his innovative approach helps students master years of...
About this 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.
Hosted by
Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media
Categories