Learning Unboxed

Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger, the Founder of Living for Liberation and Director of Liberation at High Tech High, dives deep into liberatory project-based learning. She discusses breaking free from various forms of oppression in educational settings and emphasizes the importance of equity, identity, and belonging in teaching. Michelle presents her Notice, Name, Navigate framework and shares how student agency enhances learning. With a focus on self-awareness and cultural responsiveness, she inspires educators to embrace transformative practices for inclusivity.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is the nation's first and the city's largest youth mentoring organization. Chief Program and Innovation Officer Michael Coughlin joins us today to tell us about their newest iteration of mentoring: their workplace mentorship program.Starting sophomore year, students are paired with corporate professionals who act as their career mentors through high school graduation, and sometimes all the way through college. These one-on-one mentorships are closely supported by a program manager from Big Brothers Big Sisters to make sure they have the foundation needed for a successful mentoring relationship.Michael takes us through the research that led them to create this program, and lessons learned along the way. If you’re looking to start or grow a community-based mentorship program, don’t miss this episode!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The need for mentor relationships to be long-term and resource-orientedPaying attention to students’ and families’ perceptions about a programHow to convince corporations to join a mentorship programResources:Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York CityFollow Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City on Instagram @BBBSNYCProduced by NOVA Media

Join Steve Heath, the executive director and co-founder of FabNewport, a non-profit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through hands-on learning. He discusses innovative educational models that prioritize individual interests over traditional metrics. Learn about the importance of mentorship and community engagement in creating supportive learning ecosystems. Steve shares insights on blending immersive learning environments with school frameworks, emphasizing the transformative power of experiential activities to uncover children's passions.

Jenna Edwards, author of 'Aggressive Optimism,' shares her journey of overcoming PTSD and trauma. She discusses the crucial difference between aggressive optimism and toxic positivity, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in emotional healing. Jenna highlights how her novel serves as a resource for high school students, offering relatable characters and mental health tools. Educators play a pivotal role in fostering resilience, and Jenna suggests proactive strategies to support students facing challenges. Her insights aim to create a supportive environment for adolescents.

Fred Rogers was an incredible learning scientist before the term even existed. That’s the basis of Ryan Rydzewski’s and Gregg Behr’s new book, “When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.” Today they join the show to share what they learned while writing the book.Fred engineered every aspect of Mr. Rogers' neighborhood to help kids develop tools for learning. He combined familiarity with mystery to create a magical learning environment. He deeply listened to children through their letters to him, reflecting their stories back to them in his episodes. He taught kids to be curious about the world by starting with what they were familiar with in their own lives. Perhaps most importantly, he just kept showing up. Kids and adults knew that they could count on Mr. Rogers.Ryan and Gregg share the research that now backs up Fred Roger’s teaching style. They also spotlight his emphasis on “neighborhood” and inclusion. If you’ve ever watched Mr. Rogers put on his sweater and tie his shoes, you’re going to love this episode.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Research on curiosity and learning The role community plays in educationHow Mr. Rogers’ took on big topics like race and disabilityResources:Read Ryan and Gregg’s book: “When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids”Produced by NOVA Media

Today we’re joined by Quamid Francis, the former Executive Director of City Year New York. His program places and supports Student Success Coaches in 17 New York City public schools. The Student Success Coaches’ number one priority is to build trusting relationships with students. Based on these trusting relationships, student attendance increases, behavioral incidences decrease, and entire families get connected to services they need.Chances are you’ve heard of City Year and the way they help students, families, and schools. After all, they have locations all across the US. But what you may not know is how much they focus on the Student Success Coaches in addition to their students. Through “Life After City Year,” coaches are connected with resources they need for their post-City Year career. Join us as we discuss how City Year supports and engages the entire community, including their coach alum, knowing that a healthy, involved community is essential for student success.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How social, emotional, and academic skill development are inextricably linked.The concept of “Whole School, Whole Child” as well as “Community Schools.”City Year New York’s effort to help Student Success Coaches with their post-City Year career.Resources:Learn more about City Year New York. To learn more about City Year in general go to CityYear.org.Read City Year New York’s “The Power of Student Success Coaches in Schools” playbook, developed with support from the Lego Foundation.Follow City Year on Instagram: @CityYearProduced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we are thrilled to welcome Ellen Erlanger and Kathy Meyer, co-directors of professional learning at the Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership. They bring a wealth of experience and insights into the transformative power of authentic learning—a pedagogical approach that bridges academic content with real-world applications, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.Ellen and Kathy delve into the essentials of authentic learning, emphasizing its role in making education irresistible and impactful. They share compelling examples from their work, showcasing how projects with real-world significance not only enhance student engagement but also address current challenges in education, such as student mental health. The conversation explores the importance of leadership support and systemic changes to sustain these practices, offering hope and practical advice for educators looking to make a difference.Join us to discover how authentic learning can transform educational experiences, fostering a generation of learners equipped to tackle real-world problems with creativity and resilience. Ellen and Kathy's stories and strategies inspire a reimagined approach to teaching and learning, highlighting the crucial steps toward a more engaging, relevant, and fulfilling education for all students.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The concept and importance of authentic learning in today's educational landscape.Practical examples of authentic learning in action and its positive impacts on students.Strategies for overcoming challenges and implementing authentic learning, including the role of leadership and systemic change.Resources:Learn more at partnershipsforall.orgFollow Partnerships for Authentic Learning & Leadership on YouTubeProduced by NOVA Media

Jim Bailey, co-founder and executive director at Rock Tree Sky, champions the power of caring relationships in education. He discusses how adults can inspire young learners by stepping back from traditional teaching roles. The conversation covers Rock Tree Sky's unique self-directed learning model and innovative partnerships with local school districts. Bailey highlights the importance of hands-on projects and community engagement, advocating for a educational shift that prioritizes real-world experiences and personalized learning pathways.

Stephanie Lewis, Director of Relationships at Remake Learning, shares insights on transforming education in Pittsburgh. The network, launched in 2007, unites over 1,200 educators and innovators to create community-focused learning experiences. Lewis discusses the importance of youth voices and highlights initiatives like the Moonshot Grant Program and Remake Learning Days festival. The conversation emphasizes collaboration and the need for educational ecosystems that adapt to modern demands, showcasing how collective imagination can drive meaningful change in learning.

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the pleasure of hosting Tiffany Nelson, the Director of Programs and Evaluation at Wings of Hope. Wings of Hope, a global humanitarian organization, has been utilizing aviation to impact vulnerable communities since 1962. Our main topic of discussion is their innovative SOAR into STEM program, which integrates aviation and STEM education to redefine educational and career pathways for students.Tiffany shares the intriguing journey of Wings of Hope and the development of the SOAR into STEM program, highlighting its unique approach to addressing the shortage of young talent in aviation. We dive into the program's structure, content, and its focus on providing hands-on, practical learning experiences. The conversation reveals how the program covers various facets of aviation, including aerodynamics, airplane maintenance, and drone education, aimed at making aviation careers more accessible to students.This episode also sheds light on the challenges and adaptations the program faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it continues to evolve to meet students' needs. Tiffany's insights provide valuable advice for educators on integrating real-world applications into STEM education and the importance of community partnerships in enhancing learning experiences. Join us to discover how Wings of Hope is shaping the future of aviation through education and what educators can learn from their model.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The history and mission of Wings of Hope in global humanitarian effortsThe development and structure of the SOAR into STEM programThe significance of integrating aviation with STEM educationOvercoming challenges in the program, especially during the pandemicStrategies for educators to implement real-world STEM applicationsThe role of partnerships and community in enhancing STEM educationResources:Learn more at wingsofhope.ngoCheck out SOAR into STEMFollow Wings of Hope on Instagram: @wingsofhope.ngoProduced by NOVA Media