Learning Unboxed

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-standing Early IT program and the powerful new Microschool partnership designed to bring multiple districts, diverse learners, and shared resources into one collaborative ecosystem. Lisa unpacks ...

What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community?

In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis, a PK–8 learner-centered environment blending Waldorf, Montessori, unschooling, and constructivist approaches. Coi shares how her journey began with her own children and grew into a thriving sch...

What if we taught math facts through understanding instead of memorization? In this episode, we welcome Mike Kenny—Vermont fifth-grade math teacher and creator of MathFactLab—who shares how strategy-based practice grounded in number sense transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, Mike reframed "flashcards" into visual, model-rich experiences that help ...

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side.

Jefferson shares how this model su...

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast and a champion for reimagining education through leadership. Danny shares how his journey from assistant principal to leading a global community of “ruckus makers” has been fueled by a belief that leadership is service and schools must evolve beyond the status quo. His perspective challenges us to think differe...

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching thrives when educators feel psychologically safe. We look at why traditional evaluation systems—rubrics, ratings, and high-stakes observations—stifle innovation, and how Craig’s trust-first model creates space for teachers to take risks and grow.

Craig shares his three-part approa...

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into reading skills development with Tim Waldron, CEO of Readable English. We explore why so many students—especially in upper elementary, middle, and high school—are still reading below grade level and what it takes to close that gap quickly. The stakes are high: student confidence, classroom participation, and long-term success in college, career, and beyond.

Tim ...

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed Technologies, to unpack “instructional audio”—low-volume, high-clarity sound that makes the teacher’s voice equally intelligible in every seat. We explore why clarity beats volume for attention, language development, and early learners, and how speaking in a natural tone calms the room and boosts comprehension.

We also dig into re...

When it comes to student behavior, punishment often gets mistaken for progress. In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice, to explore a better path: restorative practices that build relationships, invite accountability, and strengthen school communities. Nicholas shares why “punishing our way to good behavior” doesn’t work—and how restorativ...

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Corle Loose, co-authors of The Early Childhood Promise. With a wealth of experience in pediatrics, occupational therapy, early education, and community outreach, they guide us through the transformative power of early childhood through evidence-backed strategies and a commitment to equity.

Throughout our conversation, Aimee an...

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Christie McKelvie, co-founder and director of Rooted & Free Nature School, to talk about the transformative potential of place-based education. Christie shares her journey from classroom teacher to nature school founder, explaining how hands-on outdoor learning can nurture children’s confidence, agency, and love of nature.

We explore how Rooted & Fr...

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jeff Utecht, co-host of the Shifting Schools podcast and a consultant focused on generational change and AI in education. We explore how different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha—bring unique values and expectations to both learning and work, and why understanding these differences is crucial for educators navigating today’s evolving cl...

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations.

The traditional educational ecosystem is not built to reflect kids’ lived experiences and development. It has almost arbitrary divisions: School, after school, and summe...

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations.

In 2015, Norris School District came to Johnna Noll with a learner-centered educational consultant’s dream request. The tiny school district’s residential population con...

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations.

The most important thing adults can provide young people in their learning journey is a caring relationship. That is the fundamental belief that drives Jim Bailey in his...

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations.

Steve Heath calls himself a “professional confuser.” In a world where kids are defined by grades, test scores, attendance, and behavior, Steve’s organization asks them w...

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 aut...

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.”

<...

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...