On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Jenny Curtin, Director of Education at the Barr Foundation, shares her insights on reimagining high schools to create equitable, future-ready opportunities for all students. Jenny discusses her work leading transformative education initiatives across New England, including designing new high school models, investing in educators, and building public will for systemic change. She emphasizes the importance of listening to students, addressing systemic inequities, and ensuring that every learner has access to meaningful experiences that prepare them for life beyond high school. From the challenges of shifting entrenched mindsets to the opportunities created through collaborative, student-centered design, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about transforming education systems for the better.

Outline

(00:00) Introduction and Background
(05:01) Early Career Experiences and Challenges
(09:24) Barr Foundation's Three Strategic Areas
(14:36) Defining Success and Student Thriving
(19:55) System-Level Change and Internal Coherence
(25:06) Lessons Learned and Future Direction

Links

How is Ohio University Preparing Students for a Tech Driven World? | Paul Benedict