Episode 5: What can YOU do?
If we are going to make a dent in our education system today and both imagine and pursue new possibilities for our youth and the adults who serve them, then we each have to ask ourselves: What can I do? Three educators offer their thoughts on how each of us can assist, support, and be a part of the education revolution as a classroom, school, and district leader.
- Mike Poore, Superintendent of the Little Rock (AR) Public Schools
- Nicole Allard, Interim Executive Director of Innovation & Educational Excellence at Vista (CA) Unified School District
- Saskia Op den Bosch, Transcend Education and co-founder of Rev-X
- Alexa Sorden, Founding Principal of Concourse Village Elementary School in the Bronx, which was awarded the National 2018 Blue Ribbon school for Exemplary Performance, and recipient of the 2017 Ryan Award for being a transformational school principal serving urban, low-income, minority students
- Ethan Wiechmann, Director of Cedar Falls CAPS
- Hadley Ferguson, co-founder and Executive Director of Edcamp Foundation
Summary
In this conversation, the participants explored the pressing need for transformative change in education, delving into the motivations and challenges of reshaping the educational landscape.
Nicole Allard passionately advocated for a shift away from an outdated educational system. She emphasized the moral imperative to adapt to the changing world and cater to the diverse needs of students. Nicole envisioned a personalized learning approach that recognizes individual backgrounds, experiences, and goals. She emphasized the importance of empowering students to embark on their unique educational journeys rather than conforming to a standardized model.
Hadley Ferguson, co-founder of the Edcamp Foundation, shared the story behind Edcamp, an unconference model designed to empower teachers. Edcamp provides a safe space for educators to share questions, best practices, and practical resources. Hadley highlighted the transformative power of participant-driven learning, where teachers learn from each other and personalize their professional growth. By experiencing personalized learning themselves, teachers gain the confidence and enthusiasm to bring innovative practices into their classrooms.
Mike Poore stressed the need to break away from labeling students and communities. He emphasized the importance of flexibility and autonomy in teaching, allowing educators to tailor their approaches to individual student needs. Mike highlighted the significance of creating a supportive environment where teachers feel empowered to take risks and learn from both successes and failures.
Ethan Wiechmann underscored the power of storytelling and the need to ignite passion in both educators and students. He recognized the resistance to change within the educational system and emphasized the importance of problem-solving and creativity in the face of technological advancements. Ethan stressed the value of personalized learning experiences and empowering students to foster engagement and authentic learning.
Saskia Op den Bosch emphasized the value of piloting new approaches in education and gradually building upon successes. She encouraged empowering teachers and students to have a voice in shaping the educational process. Saskia envisioned a movement that starts with a single individual and grows through collective efforts to revolutionize education.
The conversation concluded with a call to action, urging participants to consider the difference they wish to make in education and to take steps towards realizing that vision. The shared commitment to transformative change in education was evident throughout the discussion, with a strong belief in personalized learning, empowerment, and innovative practices.
Links
Mike Poore's Bio
Transcend Education
Vista Unified School District Innovation Department
NY Times article on Alexa Sorden and her school
Cedar Falls (IA) CAPS
It's a Life Thing – Podcast about the start-up of Cedar Falls CAPS
Edcamp
