Patterns Of Innovation

Connecticut’s Farmington Public Schools are dedicated to 21st century learning, helping students explore career possibilities through special mentor programs, encouraging hands-on and inquiry-based learning and supporting teachers through extensive professional development opportunities. Superintendent Kathleen Greider, Assistant Superintendent Kim Wynne, High School Principal Bill Silva, East Farms elementary teacher Ashley Cote, and high school student Abby Corrigan joined host Kris Kurtenbach to discuss the implementation of the district’s strategic plans.

Walker Elementary exemplifies the West-Allis/West-Milwaukee School District’s commitment to next generation, personalized learning environments with multi-age classrooms, one-to-one tablet computing and competency-based progressions. Host Kris Kurtenbach spoke with Principal Tracy Fischer-Tubbs, teacher Katie Hart, fourth grade student Madisyn Mohs and district Director of Instructional Services Johnna Noll.

The dedicated staff of Inspired Teaching Demonstration School in Washington, D.C. believe every student possesses the ability to think critically, learn and understand information, and solve complex problems — and that students should spend time in school engaged primarily in these kinds of activities. Join host Kris Kurtenbach as she speaks with Executive Director Deborah Williams, Principal Zoe Duskin and teacher Ben Frazell.

Genesee Community Charter School is a small elementary school in Rochester, New York that emphasizes real-world learning and citizenship development through local and out-of-state fieldwork, an inquiry-based approach to academics and an arts-integrated curriculum. Listen in as host Kris Kurtenbach speaks with Principal Lisa Wing, teachers Shannon Hillman and Chris Dolgos, and students Tali Beckwith-Cohen and Adrian Burgos.

Join host and education expert Kris Kurtenbach for a conversation with educators and students in Kentucky’s Kenton County School District. Superintendent Dr. Terri Cox-Cruey, teacher Jenny Barrett, consultant Gary McCormick, Principal Brennon Sapp, and students Samantha Timmers, Kayla Travillion and Desirae Sela shared their perspectives on applied learning and the transition to the Common Core State Standards.

Savanna High School in Anaheim, California exemplifies a comprehensive approach to 21st century education—one that state superintendent Tom Torlakson has held up as a model. Join host Kris Kurtenbach, principal Manuel Colon, teachers Mike Switzer and Clay Elliot, and student Andy Gonzalez as they provide insight into Savanna’s strategic planning process, career and college pathways program, and professional development practices.

In Danville, Kentucky, educators are using project-based learning, flexible scheduling and a redesigned curriculum to intentionally incorporate critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. Host Kris Kurtenbach spoke with Danville Superintendent Carmen Coleman and a team from the district’s Bate Middle School that included Principal Amy Galloway, teachers Lacey Ledford and Sarah Chidester and student Charlie Hall.

In Jacksonville, North Carolina, Meadow View Elementary principal Vickie Brown has shaped her school into a hub for creativity. Hear from Principal Brown, Assistant Principal Lisa Godwin, teacher Gail Cotton and fifth grader Jenna Turner about how integrating arts education into every aspect of the curriculum is helping students become 21st century learners.

Illinois’ Wheeling High School has helped students develop critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills through an extensive program of career pathways and original research opportunities. Listen in as host Kris Kurtenbach speaks with Principal Angela Sisi, Associate Principal of Instruction Erin Deluga, Librarian Barry Hanrahan and student Zalman Faltushanskiy.

The students at North Carolina’s Carolina Forest International Elementary School are getting a global education right from the start. Listen in as Principal Helen Gross and Onslow County Assistant Superintendent Lesley Eason talk to host Kris Kurtenbach about developing students’ global awareness, collaboration and critical thinking skills.

Host and education expert Kris Kurtenbach spoke to Principal Kevin Range and 9th grade teacher Ryan Friedrich at Spirit Lake High School in Iowa. Kevin, Ryan and their colleagues have instituted a creative, competency-based approach to learning that is helping Spirit Lake students develop critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills in an interdisciplinary environment.

In Ohio, Dayton Early College Academy is transforming the lives of students with a rigorous approach to college preparation. Principal Dave Taylor, student Monet Scroggins and teacher Rachel Dearden speak with host Kris Kurtenbach about the 21st century curriculum, strong community partnerships and intensive professional development that have contributed to student success at DECA.

Host Kris Kurtenbach continues her conversation with Principal Gloria Jones, eighth grade student Cassidy and sixth grade English Language Arts teacher Michele Johnson in the second segment of this two-part podcast. Listen in as they describe the benefits of their one-to-one computing program, the communication skills they develop through a unique mentorship initiative and the literacy supports provided by the extensive afterschool program.

Join host and education expert Kris Kurtenbach for the first segment of a two-part interview with a team from A.L. Stanback Middle School in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Principal Gloria Jones, eighth grade student Cassidy and sixth grade English Language Arts teacher Michele Johnson shed light on the school’s expansive 21st century literacy curriculum.

Host Kris Kurtenbach was joined by a team of educators from Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky including Principal Brian Robinson, Superintendent Gene Kirchner, Assistant Superintendents Ginger Webb and Rita Byrd, Broadcast Journalism Teacher Bill Poff and students Wonder Wachara and Michael Ayers. Listen as they share their perspectives on the 21st century learning programs at Highland High School that include an extracurricular robotics initiative and a hands-on broadcast journalism course.

In South Carolina, the Goddard School is helping preschool students develop the foundation for college and career success and a lifelong love of learning through play. Goddard School owner Amy Strickland, Rock Hill School Director Susan Costley and Fort Mill School Director Lindsey Arnautovic spoke to host Kris Kurtenbach about their work with the newest generation of 21st century learners.

Carl Wunsche Senior High School in Texas is a unique career academy located in the Houston-area Spring Independent School District. Host Kris Kurtenbach spoke with Principal Bob Thompson, teacher Dana Tabor and student Sade Hill about the intensive preparation students receive for 21st century careers.

Host and education expert Kris Kurtenbach sat down with three guests from Dana Elementary in Hendersonville, North Carolina: Principal Kelly Schofield, 2nd & 3rd grade teacher Annie Jones and 5th grader Tom Walter. Listen in as they share insight into their school’s efforts to help students develop problem-solving skills, a collaborative mindset and a goal-oriented approach to learning.