How Leaders Can Create Learning That Lasts with Nate McClennen

As the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Getting Smart, Nate has dedicated his career to helping schools rethink education to better serve students. In this conversation, Nate shares insights on:

• The importance of place-based, project-based, and problem-based learning.

• Why ‘soft skills’ should be reframed as ‘durable skills.’

• How technology and AI can support teachers in creating more meaningful learning experiences.

• The role of leadership in fostering an innovative school culture.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Place-Based Learning

• Connecting learning to the local environment enhances student engagement and fosters a sense of belonging.

• When students understand their communities, they’re more likely to contribute to them as adults.

• Schools should integrate real-world learning opportunities into the curriculum.

2. Durable Skills: A New Way to Think About Learning

• Traditional academic subjects are important, but collaboration, creativity, and leadership are the real drivers of success.

• Calling them “soft skills” minimizes their importance—durable skills persist across industries and careers.

• Schools should find ways to assess and credential these skills beyond traditional transcripts.

3. Moving From Compliance to Agency

• Education systems often prioritize compliance (standardized tests, rigid curriculums) over student agency.

• Empowering students to take ownership of their learning leads to deeper understanding and long-term retention.

• School leaders should also foster agency in teachers by encouraging experimentation and innovation.

4. The Role of AI and Technology in the Future of Learning

• AI can handle time-consuming planning tasks, giving teachers more time for hands-on learning experiences.

• With AI managing lesson planning, educators can focus on field trips, projects, and deeper student interactions.

• While content knowledge is essential, technology makes it easier to access, making durable skills even more critical.

5. Leadership Strategies for Innovation

• Successful school leaders need high emotional intelligence, trust-building skills, and a willingness to adapt.

• Leaders should create “innovation teams” to test new learning models before rolling them out widely.

• Schools should invest in Research & Development (R&D) for education, just like businesses do.

Resources Mentioned

• The Power of Place by Nate McLennan, Emily Leptag, and Tom Vander Ark

• Getting Smart’s work on future-focused education strategies

• Future Learning Council