What Happens When We Embrace Real World Learning? | Kenny Rodriguez

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Dr. Kenny Rodriguez, Superintendent of Grandview School District in Kansas City, shares how his district has embraced real-world learning and innovative pathways to drive student success. From his early work with Big Picture Learning in Tulsa to leading regional collaborations with neighboring districts, Dr. Rodriguez discusses the importance of breaking down barriers to provide shared opportunities for students. He highlights how Grandview integrates student passions into education through personalized learning pathways, partnerships, and hands-on experiences like Project Lead the Way. Tune in to hear how his leadership philosophy—focused on collaboration, creativity, and putting students first—has transformed education in his district and beyond. Outline (00:00) Discovering Big Picture Learning in Tulsa (09:38) Building Pathways in Kansas City (14:18) Regional Collaboration Begins (19:52) Creating Shared Pathway Portfolios (23:59) Leadership Through Learning (28:00) Advice for Aspiring Superintendents Links Read the full blog here Watch the full video here Grandview School District X | Kenny Rodrigues  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Mason Pashia sits down with Amara Nwuneli, the Africa 2025 Earth Prize regional winner, to discuss her inspiring work tackling urban climate challenges in Lagos, Nigeria. Amara shares how her project, The Green Sustainability Hub, integrates sustainable infrastructure into underserved communities by transforming waste into green spaces. From her experiences at COP 30 to her journey of securing grants and mentorship, Amara provides an inspiring look into youth-driven climate solutions, the importance of experiential learning, and the power of starting small to create meaningful change. Tune in to hear how mentorship and real-world projects can empower young leaders to reimagine urban sustainability. Outline (00:00) Criteria for Park Locations (09:32) School vs Real-World Learning (14:09) Finding the Earth Prize and Mentorship (18:32) Marketing and Communications Skills Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here LinkedIn Preserve Our Roots The Earth Prize  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen sits down with Fernande Raine, founder of the History CoLab, to explore the critical role of civics and humanities in shaping the future of education and empowering young people. They discuss the intersection of crises—disconnection, democracy challenges, and AI disruption—and how these challenges demand a reinvention of civic education. The conversation highlights the "18 by 18" framework, which outlines 18 key learning journeys for students to complete by age 18, and the importance of designing education to foster participation, connection, and purpose. Dive into this insightful discussion to learn how fostering civic engagement and leveraging the humanities can equip students to thrive as active, purpose-driven citizens in an evolving world. Outline (00:00) The State of Civics Education (09:25) Understanding the Three Crises (14:26) Historical Context of American Civics (19:08) Building Multi-Perspectivity in Learning (23:44) Purpose and Potential in Youth Development (28:26) Creating Meaningful Civic Experiences Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here LinkedIn History Co:Lab  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we sit down with Elliot Haspel, a nationally recognized child and family policy expert and author of Crawling Behind: America's Childcare Crisis and How to Fix It and Raising a Nation: 10 Reasons Why Every American Has a Stake in Childcare for All. Together, we explore why universal childcare is not just a family issue but a societal one, rooted in brain science, economic sustainability, and the moral imperative to support children and caregivers. Elliot shares actionable insights on how policymakers, educators, and community leaders can create a mixed-delivery childcare system that prioritizes accessibility, equity, and quality. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of education, equity, and the well-being of families. Tune in to learn how we can collectively reimagine childcare as a public right. Outline (00:12) Introduction: Early Childhood Education and Personal Background (04:46) Defining Caregivers and the Importance of Early Years (11:11) Why Childcare Matters for Everyone (18:32) Hope and Progress in Childcare Policy (27:25) Building Public Will and Expanding the Constituency (38:17) Integrating Childcare into Society and Development (43:01) Childcare as a Right: Final Thoughts and Call to Action Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here LinkedIn Elliot Haspel Website Substack  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia dives into the critical importance of elevating youth voice and agency in shaping the future of education. Joined by Izumi Vasquez, a recent Harvard graduate and UNICEF Youth Foresight Fellow, alongside Caitlyn McCurn and Shai Naides of UNICEF, the conversation explores how young leaders are reimagining educational systems to be more equitable and inclusive. From addressing global education challenges to designing systems that prioritize student voice, this episode highlights the intersection of community investment, civic leadership, and innovative approaches to learning. Tune in to learn how empowering youth as co-creators can transform education and prepare learners for a rapidly changing world. Outline (00:00) Introduction: Youth Voice in Education (01:54) The Student Experience: Gaps in Support (06:34) UNICEF's Youth Foresight Fellowship (15:35) Building Confidence and Finding Voice (34:10) Global Skills for an Uncertain Future Links Read the full blog here Watch the full video here LinkedIn | Izumi Vázquez LinkedIn | Shai Naides UNICEF USA Innocenti Child Rights Youth Foresight Report on Education 2025  Last Years State of the Children Report Shai Naides  

In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia dive into a dynamic mix of topics shaping the future of learning and beyond. From exploring early reading development and its ties to brain pathways, to addressing the ethical concerns around AI and student surveillance, this episode balances critical education insights with thought-provoking discussions. The hosts also delve into the concept of "cognitive luxury," emphasizing the importance of creating space for deep, free, and slow thinking in today's fast-paced world. Wrapping up with the awe-inspiring migration of monarch butterflies and their remarkable precision, this episode offers a unique blend of education, innovation, and human connection. Tune in to explore how these themes intersect and inspire a brighter future for learners everywhere. Outline (00:00) Youth Perspectives on AI and Surveillance (05:17) Early Reading Development and Brain Pathways (10:24) Gifted and Talented Programs: Rethinking Early Testing (16:06) Cognitive Luxury: Spaciousness, Agency, and Depth (24:55) YouTube as an Educational Ecosystem (36:15) Monarch Butterflies and Human Connection (42:08) The Art of Touch: Tearing Your Food Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Hechinger Report  More in Common  Builders Movement  Arthur Brooks - Love Your Enemies   

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers sits down with Jen Chow, co-founder and COO of Polygence, Rahul Patel, founder of Hypothesis to Hardware, and Zohra Khawaja, founder of Hearts Against Homelessness, to explore how equitable mentorship and personalized learning systems can empower students to thrive. The conversation delves into the transformative power of mentorship when it becomes more than just a "nice-to-have," highlighting how mentorship systems that prioritize student agency, critical thinking, and curiosity can create meaningful, scalable, and equitable learning opportunities. From the role of expert mentors to the integration of AI in education, this discussion emphasizes the importance of meeting learners where they are and creating pathways for all students to succeed—regardless of their circumstances. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of impact and actionable strategies for building mentorship systems that work for everyone. Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast (06:05) The Impact of Personalized Learning (08:49) Zohra's Journey and the Future of Mentorship (24:38) Passion Projects and Student Agency (29:47) Overcoming Challenges and Accessibility (36:16) Recognition, Impact, and Closing Thoughts Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Polygence Hearts Against Homelessness Hypothesis to Hardware LinkedIn | Zohra Khawaja LinkedIn | Rahul Patel LinkedIn | Jin Chow  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Dr. Doug Fisher to discuss the new book, Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically and Responsibly. Together, they explore the critical need for AI literacy in schools and how educators can teach about, for, and with AI to prepare students for a computational future. Dr. Fisher emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity, ethical decision-making, and data literacy while sharing practical examples of how schools can integrate AI into classrooms. This conversation is a must-listen for educators and leaders looking to embrace the opportunities and challenges of AI in education. Tune in to learn how we can empower future-ready students to navigate the world of AI responsibly. Outline (00:00) Introduction: The Explosion of Knowledge and AI in Education (05:21) Collaborative Writing and the Book's Framework (17:39) Teaching For AI: Essential Skills for Students (22:11) Teaching With AI: Practical Applications and Quests (28:17) Future of AI in Education: Simulations and Advice for Leaders Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically & Responsibly LinkedIn  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles sits down with Pam Moran, Ira David Socol, and Liz Calvert to explore how educational leaders are transforming traditional teaching and assessment into meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. Drawing from their new book, Real Learning, Real Accomplishment, the conversation dives into the power of mastery learning, systemic change, and fostering student and teacher agency. With insights from innovative schools across Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, and Nevada, this episode highlights the strategies and belief shifts necessary to create lasting, impactful educational transformation. Tune in to learn how educators and leaders can embrace risk, reimagine grading systems, and prioritize real-world learning to empower every student to succeed. Outline (00:00) Introduction: The Journey to Real Learning (01:52) Shifting from Achievement to Accomplishment (08:37) Systems Change and Misconceptions About Leadership (14:35) Building Teacher Agency Through Vulnerability (21:52) Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities (28:48) The Moral Obligation: Transforming Grades and Assessment Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here LinkedIn | Liz Calvert LinkedIn | Ira David Socol LinkedIn | Pamela Moran Real Learning, Real Accomplishment  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Dr. Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden, authors of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World. They explore how innovation mindsets, creative problem-solving, and AI as a co-intelligence tool can empower anyone to tackle complex challenges. Drawing from their experiences at Stanford's d.school and Harvard, Tessa and Rich break down the frameworks, mindset shifts, and practical moves that make innovation accessible to everyone. Whether you're a leader, educator, or simply curious about the future of work and learning, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your inner innovator. Outline (00:00) Introduction: The Age of Innovation (04:32) The AI Inflection Point (08:19) Understanding Innovation Mindsets (12:14) Applying Mindsets in Teams (15:37) Innovation Moves: Beyond Rigid Frameworks (20:09) Activating Through Metacognition Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here LinkedIn | Tessa Forshaw LinkedIn | Rich Braden Innovationish