From Invited to Included: Student-Led Changemaking at the International School of Düsseldorf
What does authentic student agency actually look like in practice? On the latest Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia sits down with three Grade 11 students and their educator mentors from the International School of Düsseldorf to unpack how students planned, budgeted, and executed the Changemakers Conference, a 300-person, three-day event built around economy, society, nature, and well-being. From drafting legally binding speaker contracts to landing a keynote through their own network, these young leaders make a compelling case that the gap between being invited and being included is the most important design problem in education today.
Transformation Journey: Liberty Public Schools
Explore how Liberty Public Schools is transforming education with market value assets for students that enhance their future.
Michael Crawford and Chris Unger on Building Durable Skills
How schools build durable skills through authentic learning, reflection, and real-world experiences that shape agency and career readiness.
Chris McNutt on the Power of Empathy Interviews
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia talks with Chris McNutt of Human Restoration Project about how empathy interviews can help schools move beyond traditional surveys and toward more meaningful, student-centered change. The conversation explores Polaris, a platform designed to gather and analyze qualitative student voice…
Dr. Whitney Oakley on the Guilford Guarantee
How Guilford County Schools is guaranteeing every graduate college credit, a credential, or work-based learning experience.
Dr. Douglas Yacek on True Engagement in Learning
Douglas Yacek explores civic education, student engagement, and how authentic teaching can bridge the stimulation gap.
Keri Rodrigues on Parent Power
Keri Rodrigues of National Parents Union on parent voice, school trust, report cards, safety, AI readiness, and family engagement.
Catching Up: Student Influencers, AI’s Mirror Problem & The Power of Early Work Experience
Catching Up explores AI in education, student agency, internships, enrollment trends, and how schools can build stronger demand.
Liza Garonzik on Teaching Conversation
How schools can teach and assess conversation, durable skills, and authentic interaction in an AI-driven world.
Roadtrip Nation Students on Finding Passion
Two Roadtrip Nation learners share how exploring interests, uncertainty, and nonlinear career paths can lead to purpose-driven futures.