Summer Special 2026 - Part 2: Jenny Gillett on "Designing for the Future: Systems Transformation"

Earlier this year I listened to two episodes of Phil Evans' Education by Design podcast. One explored the Iovine and Young Center, founded on the vision of Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, where challenge-based learning, design thinking, and entrepreneurship are redefining what public education can become. The other episode featured the International Baccalaureate's ambitious Systems Transformation pilot, where students tackle complex global challenges through systems thinking, interdisciplinary inquiry, and authentic assessment.

Although the two initiatives emerged from very different places, I was struck by how much they had in common. Both reject the idea that learning should revolve around subjects, standardized tests, and the transfer of information. Instead, they invite young people to grapple with messy, consequential problems, work collaboratively across disciplines, and develop the habits of mind needed to lead meaningful change in an increasingly complex world.

Today I'm reposting those two episodes here on the What School Could Be Podcast. It's my way of expressing my gratitude to Phil Evans—for his friendship, his collaboration, and for creating conversations that continue to move forward the education reimagined movement. I hope you'll receive these episodes in the same spirit in which they're offered: as gifts to be shared. If you are a podcaster, maybe you will consider sharing someone else’s awesome episode on your platform. As always, if you have thoughts or questions, I'd love to hear from you. You can reach me at [email protected]. My thanks to my editor, Evan Kurohara and creative consultant, Mel Ching. And now, please enjoy these two episodes from Education by Design.