top of page

Learning Unboxed Episodes


290. Building Math Confidence Through Strategy and Sensemaking with Mike Kenny
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 students construct new facts from previously mastered ones. We dive into how Ma
Nov 10, 2025


289. Opening College Doors for Free with Jefferson Pestronk
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 supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike t
Oct 27, 2025


288. Ruckus Leadership with Danny Bauer
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 differently about what school is for and how leaders can i
Oct 13, 2025


287. Psychological Safety in Classrooms with Craig Randall
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching...
Sep 29, 2025


286. Accelerating Reading Fluency with Tim Waldron
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into reading skills development with Tim Waldron, CEO of Readable English. We explore why so...
Sep 15, 2025


285. Instructional Audio for Equitable Classrooms with David Solomon
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed Technologies, to unpack “instructional...
Sep 1, 2025


284. Restorative Schools, Real Accountability with Nicholas Bradford
When it comes to student behavior, punishment often gets mistaken for progress. In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with...
Aug 25, 2025


283. The Early Childhood Promise with Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum & Dr. Crystal Corle Loose
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Corle Loose, co-authors of The Early Childhood...
Aug 18, 2025


282. Place-Based Nature Learning with Christie McKelvie
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Christie McKelvie, co-founder and director of Rooted & Free Nature School, to talk...
Aug 11, 2025


281. Generational Learning Shifts with Jeff Utecht
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jeff Utecht, co-host of the Shifting Schools podcast and a consultant focused on...
Aug 4, 2025


BONUS. Changing the Education Ecosystem with Byron Sanders
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually,...
Jul 28, 2025


BONUS. Building Students and Staff Agency with Johnna Noll
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually,...
Jul 21, 2025


BONUS. Relationship as the Basis of Education with Jim Bailey of Rocky Tree Sky
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually,...
Jul 14, 2025


BONUS. Supporting Individual Interests and Strengths with Steve Heath
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually,...
Jul 7, 2025


280. Internships & Student Agency with Aya Belouadah
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of internships with Aya Belouadah, a college student at The Ohio...
Jun 30, 2025
bottom of page