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 real-world use: integrating classroom audio with displays, computers, PA, and security so pages and emergencies cut through, and teachers can route any audio evenly across the room. David shares quick-win adoption tips—from simple in-class demos to funding paths like bond measures, Title I, and local foundations—and how Lightspeed’s Activate tool supports small-group instruction by letting teachers listen in and jump in at the right moment.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• What “instructional audio” is and why clarity beats volume for K–12 learning.
• How to integrate classroom audio with displays, computers, PA, security, and phones.
• Funding routes: bond measures, Title I, and school foundations.
• Avoiding sound bleed and creating an even sound field in every seat.
• Small‑group instruction with Activate and boosting student agency.

Resources:

• Learn more: Lightspeed Technologies
• Connect with David on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

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 restorative approaches help students understand impact, repair harm, and reintegrate with dignity.

We unpack what real implementation looks like, from relationship-building circles to conferences scaled to the level of harm. Nicholas also highlights how schools can transform detention into a space for reflection and repair, and why accountability must go beyond a private apology to include the larger community.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why punitive systems fail—and what it means to center relationships and repair
• How to design restorative responses that scale from low-level conflicts to serious harm
• The power of peer voice and student social capital in changing behavior
• Turning detention into development: reflection, mentoring, and accountable next steps
• True accountability vs. coercion, and making repair visible so communities learn

Resources:

• National Center for Restorative Justice
• Connect with Nicholas Bradford on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

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 and Crystal shed light on how play shapes children's brain development, language, and emotional resilience—and why high-stakes accountability and underfunded early childhood systems have eroded these critical opportunities. They also offer inspiring solutions for educators, parents, and policymakers to restore play, support vulnerable communities, and revitalize early learning ecosystems.

Join us as we explore tangible, research-informed steps—from engaging families at birth to nurturing play-based environments—that champion every child’s potential to thrive.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The science behind play and its role in brain development, language, and problem-solving
• How federal policies and high-stakes testing pushed play out of classrooms—and why it must return
• The undervaluing of early childhood educators and its impact on children’s futures
• Why risky play and unstructured time are critical for building resilience
• Practical steps for schools and communities to engage families from birth and support early learning

Resources:

• Read: The Early Childhood Promise: Sparking Change for Parents, Early Childhood Professionals, and Policymakers
• Learn more at developingchild.harvard.edu

Produced by NOVA

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 & Free uses nature as its primary teacher, the benefits of “risky play,” and the unique way the school blends free exploration with guided learning. Christie also offers practical tips for traditional educators who want to bring more outdoor experiences into their own classrooms, even with limited resources.

If you’re curious about creating more meaningful and connected learning opportunities for kids, you’ll be inspired by Christie’s insights and her vision for education rooted in community and nature.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The philosophy and mission behind Rooted & Free Nature School
• How place-based, experiential education fosters agency and environmental stewardship
• The value of risk and “risky play” in children’s development
• Practical strategies for bringing outdoor learning into traditional classrooms
• Building community partnerships and increasing access to nature-based programs

Resources:

• Learn more at Rooted and Free Nature School
• Follow Rooted & Free on Instagram: @rootedandfreenatureschool

Produced by NOVA

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 classroom and workforce.

Jeff shares practical insights on adapting to digitally native students who expect gamified, collaborative experiences and discusses how tools like generative AI can help educators meet these changing needs.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How generational experiences shape learning styles and values
• Navigating the challenges of four generations in the workplace and classroom
• Why Gen Z and Alpha learners expect gamification and collaboration
• The importance of authenticity and embracing failure in education
• Leveraging AI to bridge generational gaps and support new approaches to teaching

Resources:

• Listen to the Shifting Schools Podcast – Weekly conversations on modern schooling, leadership, and educational innovation.
• Connect with Jeff Utecht for consulting or speaking via his website or on LinkedIn
• Read: Generations by William Strauss and Neil Howe

Produced by NOVA

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 summer; school districts and nonprofits; test scores and behavior. Byron Sanders and Big Thought want to change that ecosystem.

Big Thought is a Dallas-based organization that creates youth programming, convenes other educational organizations, and consults on best practices. Through experiential learning, they provide kids from marginalized communities the opportunities they need to identify and pursue their passions, build 21st skills, and exercise their agency.

Byron explains everything in terms of an ecosystem: How direct youth feedback of programs eventually impacts systems change, how creating more opportunities for youth changes the way they interact with the current system, etc. How he talks about our field might just change the way you look at everything.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How youth’s program feedback should inform advocacy for systems change
• Why skills should supplement grades
• Understanding the education as an ecosystem

Resources:

• Learn more at BigThought.org
• Read “Ecosystems for the Future of Learning” report commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

Produced by NOVA

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 consisted of a treatment center for kids, and it asked Johna to help it transform into a learner-centered, trauma-invested, constantly-evolving program. Of course, she said yes.

Johnna joins the show today to tell us about what the school district has built. It uses a very clear learning design process: Profile, Plan, Pathway, Progress, and Proof. Students create their own unique learning paths based on their hobbies, talents, and interests. Then it’s up to the learning specialists to make sure academic competencies are tied into it.

The foundation of the entire learning environment is students and staff deeply learning about each other, building agency and confidence. From there students are connected to resources in the community to learn about what they are specifically interested in.

We also talk about how truly empowering students and staff goes hand-in-hand with scaling up. Authentic success stories for students and communities, plus a healthy workplace for educators, is necessary to sustain the growth rate needed to one day benefit all students across the state, country, and world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Building student and staff profiles
• Tying academic competencies in with community-based learning
• Changing job descriptions and workplace policies to support learner-centered education

Resources:

• Learn more at NorrisAcademyWI.org

Produced by NOVA

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 work as co-founder and executive director at Rock Tree Sky, a self-directed learning community. In this episode, Jim and Annalies discuss adults’ roles in making space for young people to tap their innate curiosity and problem-solving skills.

At Rock Tree Sky, adults roll up their sleeves and get inspired along with students. They act as guides, not knowledge holders– after all, most young people hold the world’s knowledge on a phone in their pocket. Rock Tree Sky is a learning space free from constant evaluation and purposefully designed for building relationships.

Jim also gets into some of the nuts-and-bolts of running this kind of organization. For example, Rock Tree Sky partnered with its local California school district to create an independent study model: Young people can get public funding to attend Rock Tree Sky twice a week. In return, the school district gets more enrollees and more per-pupil funding. Tune in to learn more about this model and what Jim is working on for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The role of adults in young people’s learning journey.
• Rock Tree Sky’s learning facilities and philosophy.
• Partnership with school systems and inspiring conventional teachers.
• Thinking about assessment, especially in order to get public funding.
• Making these spaces financially accessible for all families.

Resources:

• Rock Tree Sky: A Self-Directed Learning Community
• Follow Rock Tree Sky on Instagram: @rocktreesky

Produced by NOVA