304. Build Community-Connected Learning Ecosystems with Laura Tavares

304. Build Community-Connected Learning Ecosystems with Laura Tavares

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Laura Tavares, Executive Director of the WPS Institute, to explore how learning ecosystems can help schools become more connected, relevant, and student-centered. Laura shares how WPS works alongside public schools, districts, and community partners to create real-world learning experiences that build agency, belonging, and purpose. We look at the work happening in Salem, Massachusetts, where a small middle school pilot grew into a broader model centered on student voice, learning immersions, design studios, and community partnerships. Laura also shares what it takes to scale this kind of work, from flexible scheduling and local partners to family advocacy and a clear shared vision. Join us to hear how communities can reimagine where, how, and with whom learning happens. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org [http://pastfoundation.org] We unbox: * Why schools need learning ecosystems rooted in connection, relevance, and student agency * How Salem, Massachusetts scaled a middle school pilot into a broader community-connected model * The role of learning immersions, design studios, and local partnerships in student engagement * Why engagement is a foundation for achievement, especially in the middle grades * How families, educators, and civic partners can help protect and grow innovative learning models Resources: * Learn more about WPS Institute [https://www.wpsinstitute.org/] * Explore NuVu’s project-based design studio model [https://www.nuvuschool.org] * Visit MIT Morningside Academy for Design [https://design.mit.edu/] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

303. Let Children Lead Through Entrepreneurship with Leah Ellis

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, a nonprofit helping children ages six to 17 build real business, financial, and leadership skills through hands-on experience. Leah shares how watching her own daughter start a business at four years old sparked a bigger vision for helping children lead, create, and solve problems right now. We explore what happens when adults step back, ask better questions, and let young people make real decisions. Leah walks us through children’s business fairs, mastermind groups, problem spotting, financial literacy, and the power of letting kids learn from failure in safe, meaningful ways. Tune in to hear how entrepreneurship can help children build confidence, agency, and practical skills for life. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org [http://pastfoundation.org] We unbox: * How the Society of Child Entrepreneurs helps children build business, money, and leadership skills * Why adults should guide children with questions instead of managing their ideas * What children learn through business fairs, product design, customer interaction, and failure * How entrepreneurship builds confidence, resilience, and real-world problem-solving * Ways educators and families can start small with market days, problem spotting, and “how” questions Resources: * Society of Child Entrepreneurs [https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/] * Society of Child Entrepreneurs on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SocietyofChildEntrepreneurs/] * Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & Zeke [https://www.amazon.com/Sparks-Stars-Story-Astra-Zeke/dp/B0G3GMZCKW] * Acton Children’s Business Fair [https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/] * Kansas Leadership Center [https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/] * Search Institute’s Developmental Assets [https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-assets-framework/] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

302. Centering Student Agency Through Experiential Learning with Amy Besida

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Amy Besida, Chief Program Officer at Embarc, a Chicago-based organization helping schools bring learning beyond the classroom through real-world experiences, reflection, and community connection. Amy shares how Embarc grew from two teachers taking students outside their neighborhood into a full school-day model rooted in belonging, agency, and purpose. We talk about what it means to design experiences that help students understand who they are, what they value, and how they want to show up in the world. From corporate partner experiences to student reflection practices, Amy offers a thoughtful look at how schools can move beyond achievement culture and create learning that supports whole-human development. Join us to explore how experiential learning can help students feel seen, connected, and ready for what’s next. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org [http://pastfoundation.org] We unbox: * How Embarc began as a teacher-led effort at Harper High School in Chicago * Why experiential learning helps students build agency, identity, and belonging * How reflection turns real-world experiences into deeper learning * What schools can measure beyond traditional achievement data * How community and business partners can co-create meaningful student experiences * Practical ways educators can start with student interests, assets, and needs Resources: * Embarc Chicago [https://embarcchicago.org/] * Embarc’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/embarc-inc-/posts/?feedView=all] * Embarc’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/embarcchicago/?hl=en] * Embarc Impact Report [https://embarcchicago.org/post/read-embarcs-impact-report] * This American Life: Harper High School, Part One [https://www.thisamericanlife.org/487/harper-high-school-part-one] * UChicago Consortium on School Research: Student Attendance [https://consortium.uchicago.edu/resources/student-attendance] * Education Reimagined Learner-Centered Ecosystem Lab [https://education-reimagined.org/] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

301. Build Student Voice Through Creativity with Betsy Potash

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Betsy Potash, former English teacher, curriculum creator, and host of the Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. We explore how teachers can move away from teacher-centered instruction and create classrooms where students have more voice, choice, and ownership over their learning. Betsy shares practical strategies that help make that shift feel possible, including project-based learning, podcasting, silent discussion, and hexagonal thinking. We also talk about why creative structures matter, how they build confidence and engagement, and what it looks like to design learning that feels relevant beyond school. Join us to explore fresh ways to spark agency, discussion, and deeper thinking in the classroom. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org [http://pastfoundation.org] We unbox: * How teachers can step out of the spotlight and create more student-centered learning * Why agency, real-world context, and authentic audience increase engagement * How hexagonal thinking helps students make connections across texts, ideas, and lived experience * Why silent discussion creates space for every learner to participate and build confidence * How contemporary, multimodal approaches can make ELA more relevant and creative  Resources: * The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast [https://pod.link/1241054855] * Toolkit for getting started with hexagonal thinking [https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/hexagonalthinking] * The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nowsparkcreativity/] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

300. Design Learning That Sparks Confidence with Ashley Price

In this milestone 300th episode of Learning Unboxed, we celebrate with Ashley Price, Director of Student Experiences and All Things Summer and Out-of-School Programming at the PAST Foundation. Together, we explore how immersive, student-centered learning helps young people build confidence, discover new interests, and connect classroom skills to real-world challenges in meaningful ways. We also dig into what makes these experiences work: student voice and choice, transdisciplinary design, authentic audiences, and the freedom to fail forward. Ashley shares how small shifts in practice can help educators create learning spaces that feel more engaging, relevant, and joyful for students. Join us to explore how we can make school feel a little more like summer camp and a lot more like real learning. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org [http://pastfoundation.org] We unbox: * How student voice and choice shape deeper engagement and confidence * Why real-world, transdisciplinary challenges make learning more meaningful * How authentic audiences help students grow as communicators and creators * Why failure, revision, and redesign are essential parts of learning * What educators can do to bring informal learning practices into formal classrooms Resources: * Student Experiences at PAST Foundation [https://www.pastfoundation.org/student-experiences] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]