NTN Unpacked

Authentic Learning in Action: Inside Eagle Tech’s Senior Capstone

In this episode of NTN Unpacked, we sit down with Rebecca Mapes and Melanie Mason, English facilitators and senior capstone leaders at Eagle Tech Academy. They share how their Senior Capstone (or Senior Impact) course empowers students to design passion-driven projects that connect deeply with their local community. NTN School Development coach Jose Garcia also joins host Mark Stolan for Coaches Corner and learn how he’s supporting a long established NTN school in continued growth and development around the NTN model. From researching authentic community needs to defending their work before panels of civic leaders, students step into real-world problem solving - and often discover that growth comes through struggle, pivots, and persistence. Along the way, Rebecca and Melanie reflect on how the course has evolved, the challenges of procrastination and “senioritis,” and the ways this work is reshaping school culture across grade levels. ✨ You’ll hear reflections on: * How capstone projects deepen student ownership and agency * Strategies for supporting seniors through procrastination and “messy middles” * The role of community partnerships and public presentations in authentic learning * Lessons learned from evolving and refining the capstone model over time * How capstone work influences schoolwide culture - even beyond senior year Whether you’re an educator curious about launching a capstone project or simply looking for ideas to deepen student agency, this conversation offers practical insights and powerful reminders of why authentic learning matters. 💡 We’d love your input! As mentioned in this episode, we’re for new projects and stories to join us in season 2! Nominate yourself or a colleague via our guest suggestion form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSee26brP-RnsGFvcN1N9T9t8jI8z9TGa5qTBI_xYVpEZ_Btjg/viewform?usp=dialog] today!  🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked [https://www.instagram.com/ntnunpacked/] for more authentic stories from across the New Tech Network - around the country and right next door. Let us know what you want to hear about next! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469087/open_sms]

Rigor, Joy and Real-Life Relevance: How LSI Approaches PrBL

In this classroom-deep-dive episode of NTN Unpacked, host Mark Stolan reconnects with Jackie Blightman and My Lam, the dynamic math teaching duo from Quimby Oak Middle School’s Lobo School of Innovation (LSI). Together, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to run a high-functioning Problem-Based Learning (PrBL) math program - one that balances rigorous skill mastery with authentic student engagement. LSI’s longtime coach Elena Bell also joins Mark to break down how LSI’s approach is both revolutionary and inspiring for all types of math learners that walk through Jackie and My’s classroom. From co-teaching collaboration to “funnel” and “non-funnel” problem design, Jackie and My share how they transform abstract math standards into meaningful, real-life problems - complete with messy middles, strategic nudges, and a focus on oral and written communication. You’ll hear stories about how the team has learned to fail forward, why struggle is the best teacher for both educator and student, and how they’ve evolved projects over time to maximize student voice and choice. You’ll hear reflections on: * The key differences between PBL and PrBL - and when to use each * Strategies for supporting students who “aren’t math people” * Designing high-leverage problems that still meet standards * How AI can help teachers design richer, more personalized projects * The value of failure, iteration, and transparency in the classroom Whether you’re a math educator curious about PrBL, a PBL teacher looking to adapt your practice, or simply someone who loves hearing how learning comes alive, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and practical takeaways you can use tomorrow. 📌 Bonus resource: Project-Based vs. Problem-Based Learning [https://newtechnetwork.org/resources/project-based-vs-problem-based-learning/] 📝 Suggest a future guest - We are looking for all types of guests but especially looking for Science Course/Projects to feature right now. Submit yourself or your colleague as a suggestion on our guest suggestion form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSee26brP-RnsGFvcN1N9T9t8jI8z9TGa5qTBI_xYVpEZ_Btjg/viewform?usp=dialog] today! 🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked [https://www.instagram.com/ntnunpacked/] for more authentic stories from across the New Tech Network - around the country and right next door. Let us know what you want to hear about next! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469087/open_sms]

Coaching Across Continents: How NTN Took Root in Australia

In this international episode of NTN Unpacked, we sit down with Brad Scanlon, Director of New Tech Network Australia, to explore what happens when student-centered learning takes root halfway around the world. Recorded live at NTAC 2025 in Oakland, CA, co-host Kris Williams leads us through a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about how NTN’s model has evolved - and been adapted - for schools across Australia. Brad shares the story of how a single school’s search for better student engagement led to a nationwide movement grounded in project-based learning, leadership development, and systems thinking. From reimagining teacher PD to launching a nationally recognized certification program, Brad’s approach to innovation, sustainability, and school transformation is both deeply practical and future-focused. You’ll hear reflections on: * How and why Australian schools began adopting the NTN model * The importance of leadership pipelines and middle leader development * Coaching as the cornerstone of school transformation * Aligning well-being and academics through classroom culture - not just advisory * Adapting to AI while preserving essential human skills like collaboration and connection Whether you’re leading change at scale or just curious about global approaches to PBL, Brad’s insights offer a rich look into how core NTN principles translate across borders - and across time. 📌 Bonus resource: Learn more about NTN Australia and explore their approach to student-centered learning [https://www.ntnau.org/] 🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked [https://www.instagram.com/ntnunpacked/] for more authentic stories from across the New Tech Network - around the world and right next door. Let us know what you want to hear about next! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469087/open_sms]

From the Floor at NTAC: Sparks, Shifts, and What's Next

In this special live episode of NTN Unpacked, we take you straight to the floor of NTAC 2025 in Oakland, CA! Host Mark Stolan brings together a chorus of voices from across the New Tech Network to share what’s resonating, what’s shifting, and what’s next for educators deeply engaged in project-based learning. From first-year teachers to veteran leaders - and even a surprise visit from NTN CEO Jim May - you’ll hear reflections on community, curiosity, and courage as attendees explore powerful learning, navigate AI integration, and set goals for the year ahead. You’ll hear reflections on: * What it felt like to reconnect in person this year (for some after years apart) * Takeaways from sessions on student agency, AI, and feedback strategies * How new tools like NTN Blueprint, Powered by Inkwire are supporting NTN practices * Real goals educators are setting for themselves, their students, and their schools * The joyful energy of being in a room full of change-makers Whether you were at NTAC and wanting to relive it or wishing you could have been there this year, this episode captures the inspiration, connection, and momentum of a network committed to transformational learning. 🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked for more stories from across the New Tech Network - and be the first to hear what’s coming next. Let us know what you want to hear about next! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469087/open_sms]

Doing School Differently: Mead Middle School’s First-Year PBL Journey

In this powerful episode of NTN Unpacked, we head to Houston, Texas, to hear the story of Mead Middle School’s first year partnering with New Tech Network. Principal Jose Lara, Assistant Principal Danielle Johnson, and Director of Transformation Silvia Schiermann join host Mark Stolan and co-host Vincent Manor to reflect on what it takes to launch project-based learning (PBL) in a large, urban middle school - and why it’s worth it. Despite a hurricane disrupting their NTAC experience and the challenge of integrating PBL with a district-mandated curriculum, the Mead team leaned into collaboration, vulnerability, and student-centered vision. What followed was a culture shift marked by increased student agency, stronger teacher collaboration, and double-digit academic gains. You’ll hear reflections on: * Leading as a first-year principal while launching a major instructional shift * Supporting teachers to move from “a project” to true project-based learning * Merging HQIM curriculum with NTN’s student-centered PBL approach * Creating structures like common planning time and a “Creative Lab” to support success * Cultivating student and teacher agency through intentional risk-taking and support Whether you’re a school leader planning for PBL implementation or a teacher seeking inspiration to try something new, this episode offers a candid and uplifting look at what’s possible when a school community commits to doing school differently. 📌 Bonus resource: Come meet the Mead team in person at NTAC 2025 in Oakland - they’ll be presenting their story and strategies for sustainable transformation. 🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked [https://instagram.com/ntnunpacked] to hear more authentic stories from New Tech Network classrooms across the country. Let us know what you want to hear about next! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469087/open_sms]