Learning Unboxed

• 291. Building Learner-Centered Ecosystems Through Community Partnerships with Coi Marie Morefield

  What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community?In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis, a PK–8 learner-centered environment blending Waldorf, Montessori, unschooling, and constructivist approaches. Coi shares how her journey began with her own children and grew into a thriving school grounded in exploration, agency, and real-world learning.We explore how the Lab School’s ecosystem model emerged out of necessity and evolved into a powerful framework for engaging local partners—from art museums and farms to restaurants, tennis programs, and even the Chamber of Commerce. Coi also reflects on growth, transitions, and what a flexible, a la carte future for high school could look like. This is an inspiring conversation about community-driven learning, bold leadership, and creating spaces where every learner is truly seen.  To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The origins of the Lab School of Memphis and its learner-centered philosophy  How community partnerships fuel real-world learning experiences  Building an ecosystem that supports both learners and educators  Navigating school growth, transitions, and evolving student needs  Rethinking high school through flexible, a la carte learning pathwaysResources:Lab School of MemphisCoi Marie Morefield on LinkedInFollow Coi Marie Morefield on Instagram: @poimorefieldPAST FoundationEducation ReimaginedProduced by NOVA

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• 290. Building Math Confidence Through Strategy and Sensemaking with Mike Kenny

  What if we taught math facts through understanding instead of memorization? In this episode, we welcome Mike Kenny—Vermont fifth-grade math teacher and creator of MathFactLab—who shares how strategy-based practice grounded in number sense transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, Mike reframed "flashcards" into visual, model-rich experiences that help students construct new facts from previously mastered ones.We dive into how MathFactLab shifts classroom culture—helping students rediscover joy, confidence, and agency in math through reasoning rather than rote recall. Mike also shares how teachers can use progress tracking and conceptual tools to build genuine understanding and long-term success. This is a conversation about turning math from memorization into meaning.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Strategy-based fluency vs. rote memorizationUsing visual models to reduce cognitive loadConstructing new fact knowledge from mastered factsProgress monitoring and impartial data collectionBuilding student agency, confidence, and joy in mathResources:MathFactLab"Fluency Without Fear" by Jo Boaler (YouCubed)

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• 289. Opening College Doors for Free with Jefferson Pestronk

  In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side.Jefferson shares how this model supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike through flexible, scalable pathways. We also talk about AI tutoring, virtual cohorts, and statewide programs like Ohio’s new policy recognizing CLEP in diploma metrics.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Modern States + CLEP unlocks free, transcripted college credit for learners anywhere.Who it serves—from teens to comebackers—and flexible ways schools embed it.Funding the path: philanthropic support, employer benefits, and state policies.New supports for self-paced success: AI tutoring and virtual cohorts.Ohio’s policy shift elevating CLEP in accountability and diploma seals.Resources:Modern States — Create a free account and browse the full course library; look for the green “Sign Up” buttons.College Board CLEP — Check which colleges accept which exams and the score needed to earn credit.Connect with Jefferson Pestronk on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

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• 288. Ruckus Leadership with Danny Bauer

  In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast and a champion for reimagining education through leadership. Danny shares how his journey from assistant principal to leading a global community of “ruckus makers” has been fueled by a belief that leadership is service and schools must evolve beyond the status quo. His perspective challenges us to think differently about what school is for and how leaders can inspire students and educators alike.We explore the importance of creating schools that kids actually want to show up for, the role of curiosity in shaping the future of learning, and why agency and authenticity are essential in leadership. From transforming abandoned spaces into learning labs to helping principals embrace bold, creative choices, Danny illustrates how disruption can open doors to new possibilities.This conversation dives into leadership, agency, AI in education, and reimagining what makes school meaningful for both learners and leaders. Join us as we unpack how to build communities of growth, create irresistible learning environments, and embrace the power of disruption in education.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Leadership as service in transforming educationCreating schools that inspire students to “opt in”How curiosity and agency drive meaningful learningResources:Better Leaders, Better SchoolsLearning Unboxed PodcastFollow Danny Bauer on Instagram: @betterleadersbetterschoolsProduced by NOVA

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• 287. Psychological Safety in Classrooms with Craig Randall

  In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching thrives when educators feel psychologically safe. We look at why traditional evaluation systems—rubrics, ratings, and high-stakes observations—stifle innovation, and how Craig’s trust-first model creates space for teachers to take risks and grow.Craig shares his three-part approach: short, unannounced, strengths-based classroom visits; reflective conversations that begin with questions rather than judgments; and concrete, teacher-chosen support. From asking permission before offering suggestions to co-teaching or modeling strategies, each step builds trust so educators feel safe to experiment.We also talk about scaling impact—aligning professional learning to core pedagogy, tapping in-house expertise, and working within mandated systems without losing sight of trust. The result is what John Hattie calls “collective teacher efficacy in action”—a culture where teachers share wins, iterate openly, and drive stronger student learning.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why ratings of pedagogy erode trust—and how mindset-focused feedback changes the game.The mechanics of a strengths-based observation cycle (short, unannounced, reflective, supportive).“Marbles in the jar”: lowering vulnerability to unlock risk-taking and innovation.Turning observations into ongoing PD and collective teacher efficacy.Practical ways to work within evaluation mandates while centering trust.Resources:Learn more at TrustBased.comRead Trust-Based Observations by Craig RandallConnect with Craig on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

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