Slamming for a Cause at NTH@C

In this dynamic episode of NTN Unpacked, host Mark Stolan and School Development Coach Aubrey Thompson sit down with Danae Boyd and Janelle Bence from New Tech High @ Coppell (NTH@C) to explore Slamming for a Cause—a powerful legacy project where 9th grade learners turn research on global human rights issues into original slam poetry, raising awareness and funds for local organizations.

This interdisciplinary project blends English and human geography, inviting students to write, revise, and perform their work while managing all aspects of event planning, from marketing and silent auctions to design and production. Through authentic engagement with community partners and the guidance of professional poets, students experience the impact their voices can have—and the real-world skills they gain along the way.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• Structuring interdisciplinary PBL with meaningful student choice and voice
  
  
• Scaffolding poetry writing with research, rhetorical devices, and revision
  
  
• The community-wide impact of legacy projects like Slamming for a Cause
  
  
• How learners raise thousands for local causes through Giving Tuesday campaigns
  
  
• Sustaining engagement through alumni, local experts, and cross-grade collaboration
  
  

Whether you're planning your first school wide event or looking to deepen student agency and authenticity, Danae and Janelle offer practical wisdom and heart-filled inspiration.

📌 Bonus resource: Download the NTN PBL Lesson Plan Template to support your next interdisciplinary, high-impact project.

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