Learning Unboxed

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 hands-on opportunities have shaped her approach to learning and professional growth.We dive into the importance of authentic, work-based learning and how it builds not just technical skills but also confidence, communication, and agency. Aya reflects on the differences between high school and collegiate environments, emphasizing why building community, embracing critique, and advocating for yourself are essential for both personal and professional development.Together, we discuss strategies educators can use to create meaningful internship experiences and foster collaborative, well-rounded teams. Aya’s insights are a compelling reminder of why early, real-world experiences matter—and how students can harness them to char

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 engaging—not just for future scientists, but for every curious young mind, even those who might think science isn’t “for them.”We dive into how Tumble crafts episodes that spark curiosity by focusing on the stories behind real scientific discoveries. Marshall explains their process of sourcing wild and wonderful questions from kids—everything from “Why is underwear funny?” to “Can robots think like humans?”—and connecting those questions with active researchers to show that scientists are, at their core, just people trying to figure things out. He also highlights their efforts to support inclusive science education, including tools and curriculum to help students create their own podcasts and build scientific literacy in cre

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 her journey from hands-on clinical practice to building research-based programs that empower students to navigate technology with confidence.We dive into the real-world impacts of technology overuse in classrooms and at home, exploring why conversations around digital citizenship have never been more urgent. Dr. Strohman walks us through the creation and success of Digital Citizen Academy, highlighting how intentional, scaffolded programs can reduce technology-related infractions and help students become leaders and decision-makers in their digital lives.Together, we discuss the physiological and social effects of constant connectivity, the importance of critical thinking in the age of AI, and what it looks like to equi

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, student-centered approach with strong academic, social, and emotional support.Steve shares how MAP’s interdisciplinary, mixed-age learning studios break away from grade levels and allow students to progress at their own pace. Teachers work collaboratively, and both students and staff have the freedom to shape their experience, making learning more meaningful and connected to real life.We also explore MAP’s career-focused opportunities and wraparound support, including paid career exploration and ongoing guidance even after graduation. It’s a flexible, holistic model that helps students discover their strengths and build real pathways to future success.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The origin and mission behind

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 supports students from early childhood through age 23. With a mission to create better life outcomes—not just academic success—Christel House boasts a remarkable track record, with 97% of its graduates employed or pursuing further education.David walks us through the origins of Christel House, rooted in founder Christel DeHaan’s belief that every child deserves “a seat at the table of life.” We dive into what makes this model unique: the long-term commitment to students, the comprehensive wraparound services provided at no cost to families, and the ripple effects of lifting communities through sustained investment in education. David also shares insights into their expansion efforts, including partnerships with other schoo

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 individual. Tune in to get inspired and walk away with tools ready to champion student-centered environments in your own community.There’s a good chance your state’s policies actually allow for more innovative and student-centered learning than you think. Sonn Sam is the National Director of Partnerships at Big Picture Learning and he’s our guest on the show today. He explains how they have been able to create more space for innovative student-centered learning over the last 30 years.Big Picture Learning’s mission is to activate the potential of schools, systems, and education through student-driven, real-world learning with a vision that all students live lives of their own design, nurtured by supportive mentors, meaningf

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 individual. Tune in to get inspired and walk away with tools ready to champion student-centered environments in your own community.Dr. Tyler Thigpen co-founded The Forest School in Fayetteville, GA, and from there he also co-founded the Institute for Self Directed Learning. Tyler is our guest on the show today and shares with us key practices he has researched and used to nurture student-led environments.We talk about the concept of mastery and how to measure it with single-point rubrics, with an emphasis on longitudinal growth. We discuss the role exhibitions and practicals play in developing student responsibility. We also get into how to create space for students to forge their character and learn how to manage conflict

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 learning through play isn’t just for preschoolers, it’s a critical tool for all ages.Diane shares vibrant, story-driven examples—like using “The Three Little Pigs” to explore everything from character sequencing to air pressure experiments—that show how play naturally builds literacy, science, and collaboration skills. She explains how thematic invitations to play create space for students to explore curiosity, make mistakes, and lead their own learning journeys. And it’s not just for little learners—she shares how even middle and high school students benefit from playful problem-solving that builds real-world skills and deeper engagement.Together, we explore how educators can start small, collaborate with colleagues, an

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 this innovative school model and the intentional design behind its iLab and CoLab programs. These programs push students beyond the walls of the classroom and into the streets, museums, pantries, and research centers of New York City. It’s all about cultivating agency, belonging, and real-world problem-solving—equipping students not just with knowledge, but with purpose.From the power of design thinking to the importance of mindset shifts and community healing, Kalimah reflects on her global teaching experiences and how they shaped her leadership. As she guides students toward a future where uncertainty is the norm, she’s helping them discover their voice, creativity, and capacity to lead right now—not someday.To learn

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, hiking, stargazing, and leadership training—all designed to develop independence, confidence, and community connection.Lisa shares how the Fresh Air Fund continuously evolves its programming through strategic planning, curriculum themes tied to outdoor learning, and feedback from youth, alumni, and families. We discuss the barriers many families face in accessing outdoor experiences and how the organization builds trust through transparency, outreach, and storytelling—like youth-produced podcasts.We also talk about how these immersive, joyful experiences shape not just campers but future leaders. Lisa highlights the ripple effects of camp, from mentoring and year-round programming to encouraging curiosity and questions in

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 to drive student success. Chris brings a deep understanding of the classroom and a passion for leveraging technology to empower teachers, students, and families.We talk about the overwhelming nature of data in schools today and how Otus helps educators move from being "data rich but information poor" to truly data-informed. Chris explains how the platform supports intentional instruction, fosters collaboration across stakeholders, and simplifies the daily workflow through AI-powered insights. Instead of adding more to teachers' plates, Otus is designed to save time and enhance student outcomes.From the value of asking better questions to the magic of those “aha” moments in the classroom, this conversation

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 every level of the education ecosystem—is essential to building a more learner-centered, sustainable, and joyful system.We dig into what makes a true team (not just a group), how ecosystem thinking influences team development, and how teacher preparation programs can intentionally plant the seeds of collaboration. Erin shares how she integrates team-based principles into her work training future educators, while Mar explores how visiting schools like Green School Bali and High Tech High shaped her approach. Nick reminds us that education needs diverse voices—especially non-traditional ones—and that the power of team teaching can unlock possibilities we never imagined.Tune in to hear how this trio models the very work

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 math in just a few months—using only 10 minutes a day, three days a week.Dr. Nagrath shares the science behind teaching math as a language, explaining why early exposure to mathematical thinking strengthens all forms of literacy. He also dives into the root causes of math anxiety, how belief systems shape student confidence, and why meeting children at their level of understanding is critical for success. His research-backed methodology focuses on experiential learning, ensuring students grasp math concepts rather than just memorizing formulas.With a mission to transform math education, Elephant Learning is now expanding into public schools, making these powerful tools accessible to more students. Join us as we discu

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education with Jose Moreno, founder and CEO of Neulight. Jose's company is at the forefront of using AI to empower educators through their innovative product, IntelliTier, which helps schools implement personalized student support systems with data-driven intervention strategies.Jose shares his journey from working at Netflix to founding Neulight, highlighting the parallels between AI adoption today and past technological shifts like the internet and mobile apps. We discuss how AI can streamline data collection, enhance the implementation of frameworks like MTSS, and provide educators with actionable insights to better support students. Jose also tackles concerns around AI ethics, data security, and bias in educational tools, ensuring that AI is implemented responsibly and equitably.Join us as we unpack how AI is shaping the future of learning, the opportunities it presents for educators, and why embracing this

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of jazz in education with Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. Stephanie has pioneered Jazz Lab, an innovative pilot program that integrates jazz with STEM education to foster creativity, collaboration, and emotional wellness in students. Backed by the Battelle Central Ohio STEM Grant, Jazz Lab provides an interactive, interdisciplinary learning experience where kids build 3D-printed instruments, explore the physics of sound, and even engage in virtual reality music-making.Stephanie shares how jazz, with its improvisational nature, can be a powerful tool for problem-solving, innovation, and community building. By merging music with science and technology, Jazz Lab helps students develop essential 21st-century skills, from resilience to collaboration. More than just a music program, Jazz Lab is about expanding possibilities—whether through hands-on exploration of sound, engaging with professional musicians, or disco

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ned Johnson, co-author of “The Self-Driven Child” and “What Do You Say?”. Ned’s unique blend of experience as a successful academic tutor and a dedicated advocate for student autonomy helps us explore how control and agency shape a child’s mental health and intrinsic motivation.We discuss why a student’s sense of control matters more than we might initially think. Through real-life examples and solid research, Ned shows us how an overemphasis on grades can sometimes mask underlying issues such as anxiety, ADHD, or dyslexia. We dig into what it means for young people to make their own choices and why this fosters both resilience and engagement.Ned also shares stories of schools and programs that are breaking away from a rigid, test-focused mindset, encouraging students to find what truly excites them. From “Flex Fridays” to helping kids think about a “Plan B,” we learn how shifting some control to students can yield powerful outcomes. Together, we uncover t

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore how Ferris, a facility dog at Upper Arlington High School, is transforming inclusion and leadership for students with disabilities. Kim Wilson, an Intervention Specialist, shares how Ferris fosters connections, encourages student leadership, and enhances the school community in ways beyond traditional support models.What started as an experiment in disability inclusion became a powerful tool for engagement, bridging gaps between students and creating unexpected learning opportunities. From leading activities in elementary schools to bringing families together through his Instagram, Ferris’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.We also discuss the challenges of introducing a facility dog in schools, including managing logistics, addressing allergies, and ensuring meaningful inclusion. Whether you’re an educator or simply love an inspiring story, this episode highlights how unconventional approaches can reshape education.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of the Portrait of a Graduate with Shannon King, Chief Learning Officer at Battelle for Kids. This initiative is reshaping how schools define student success, moving beyond grades and test scores to include durable skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that are essential for thriving in the modern workforce.Shannon shares insights into the Portrait to Practice and Portrait to Impact frameworks, which help educators bring these skills into the classroom and measure real-world success. We explore the critical role of community engagement in redefining education and discuss the growing recognition that traditional schooling no longer meets the needs of students or employers. With research showing that 85% of job success comes from skills schools often overlook, this work is more urgent than ever.Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities in transforming education, from rethinking assessments an

What if education worked for every child, no matter where they lived or how they learned?In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Carmela Fleury, the creator of the Global Education Meetup Retreat and host of the Global Nomad Parent Podcast. Carmela is on a mission to reimagine education on a global scale with the launch of the Common Global School Diploma, an ambitious initiative that brings together progressive educators and alternative learning institutions from around the world.We explore the shifting landscape of education, how digital nomad families and neurodiverse students are challenging the traditional model, and why now is the time to create a globally recognized alternative to standardized schooling. With a focus on self-directed learning, mastery-based assessments, and e-portfolios, Carmela shares her vision for a future where education meets students where they are. Tune in as we discuss the potential impact of this global initiative and how it could reshape the way we think about learnin

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dave Hersh, the CEO of InTandem, a groundbreaking organization connecting youth voices with industries to improve products, programs, and services. Dave’s work centers on reducing the barriers that prevent young people from participating in the design of the very systems and tools that impact their lives. By removing logistical, regulatory, and cultural obstacles, InTandem ensures youth are not just heard but actively co-designing the future.Dave shares his insights into the friction industries face when engaging with young people and explains how InTandem bridges this gap. We dive into the transformative potential of youth-driven design, from education technology to app development, and how organizations gain actionable insights by involving young people at every stage of the R&D process. Dave also explores the profound impact this engagement has on youth, fostering agency, belonging, and real-world skills.Tune in to hear how InTandem is redefining col