Dreams of Education Podcast

Episode 21: The Through Line: How Ritual Shapes a School Year (and a Community)

Today’s episode opens with a bittersweet moment: Kelly’s calendar reminds her that this would have been graduation day for Anastasis Academy. From there, she and Michelle travel through the rituals that once bookended each school year—and the community those rituals made possible. Together they revisit: * Graduation as a community celebration, where every student speaks, and families stay for each other’s children—not just their own. * Music as inquiry, and how listening to one another becomes a lesson in belonging. * The “Happy Jars” tradition, handwritten notes of love and memory offered to each graduate. * Field Day reimagined, shifting from competition to joyful, inclusive play. * Yearbook signing, dance parties, and everyday rituals—the small moments that accumulate into trust and connection. * End-of-year dysregulation, how transitions impact kids and adults, and why naming emotions makes them manageable. * The staff community, and how showing up as whole people created a school where children could do the same. Throughout the conversation, a through line emerges: Anastasis wasn’t simply learner-centered—it was human-centered. Rituals weren’t add-ons; they were the architecture that held a community together. This episode is both a love letter to what was and a guide for educators imagining what could be when schools are designed with intention, joy, and belonging at the center.

Episode 20: Expect More, Mean More--Holding Space for Growth and Greatness

In this thoughtful episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the nuanced dance between setting high expectations and honoring the individual learning journey of each student. They explore what it means to foster independence, cultivate student agency, and create classroom environments where learners are seen, stretched, and supported. Through stories and reflections, they unpack the layered nature of education—from developmental readiness and emotional well-being to the power of authentic audiences and the role of student passions in driving engagement. Along the way, they challenge traditional systems that underestimate learners, advocate for personalized learning and inquiry, and reflect on how educators can balance rigor with empathy. This episode is a powerful reminder that expecting more of students isn’t about pressure—it’s about belief, purpose, and the courage to do things differently.   Follow us: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning [http://avenue4learning.com/], @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education Blog [http://dreamsofeducation.wordpress.com/], KT's Place [http://ktsplace.com/], CultivatED Colorado [http://cultivatedcolorado.org] @ktenkely.bsky.social

Episode 19: Beyond the Algorithm- Reclaiming the Human Heart of Education

In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dig into the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in education. Together, they unpack the ethical, emotional, and pedagogical implications of emerging technologies, questioning what’s lost when human connection is replaced by automation. Through a candid and layered conversation, they explore how AI often mirrors outdated systems rather than transforming them—and why critical thinking, teacher-student relationships, and inquiry-based learning must remain at the center. From the limitations of standardized assessments to the power of arts, humanities, and transformative experiences, this episode is a call to rethink not just what we teach, but how and why we teach. This is a must-listen for educators, innovators, and anyone navigating the evolving landscape of learning with a desire to keep it deeply human.   Follow us: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning [http://avenue4learning.com/], @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education Blog [http://dreamsofeducation.wordpress.com/], KT's Place [http://ktsplace.com/], @ktenkely.bsky.social

Episode 18: Inquiry, Community, and the Future of Learning

In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the heart of inquiry-based education. They explore how learning comes alive through experience—especially when rooted in community, historical context, and real-world application. From math in everyday life to creative expression through art, the conversation highlights the power of interdisciplinary learning. Kelly and Michelle discuss the vital role of student voice, the importance of self-assessment, and how co-creating learning experiences empowers students to become lifelong learners. They unpack how educators can curate learning opportunities, rethink assessment, and embrace diverse perspectives.   Follow us: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning [http://avenue4learning.com/], @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education Blog [http://dreamsofeducation.wordpress.com/], KT's Place [http://ktsplace.com/], @ktenkely.bsky.social

Episode 17: Teaching Kids to Think - the Power of Critical Inquiry

In this episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly and Michelle dive into the essential skill of critical thinking—why it’s vital for kids and how traditional school structures often fail to cultivate it. They share personal stories of standout teachers who nurtured deep thinking and explore how inquiry-based learning fosters curiosity, cognitive dissonance, and better questioning. From childhood experiences with history class to guiding students through logical fallacies and media literacy, they unpack how critical thinking isn’t just an academic skill but a foundational mindset for life. Tune in to discover how we can create learning environments that empower kids to think, question, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.   Check out the Logical Fallacies work we mention here [https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/].  Follow us: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning [http://avenue4learning.com], @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education Blog [http://dreamsofeducation.wordpress.com], KT's Place [http://ktsplace.com], @ktenkely.bsky.social