Best Professionallearning Podcasts (2025)

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How Can AI and Media Literacy Revolutionize Personalized Learning? | Hayley Spira-Bauer 45:55

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1h ago45:55

45:55

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Hayley Spira-Bauer explore the transformative potential of AI, media literacy, and personalized learning in reshaping education. The lively conversation discusses how generative AI can reduce teacher workloads, foster high-agency classrooms, and create opportunities for meaningful hum…

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Catching Up! | School Start Dates, Teacher Shortages, and Identity in Education 45:34

6d ago45:34

45:34

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore key topics shaping education today, from the varying start dates of schools across the U.S. to the global progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They dive into data on teacher shortages, discussing challenges with retention and exploring innovative solu…

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How is Michigan Leading State-Wide Transformation and Innovation? | Dr. Dave Richards 29:25

9d ago29:25

29:25

Join us on the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast as Rebecca Midles sits down with Dr. Dave Richards, Executive Director of the Future Learning Council. Together, they explore how Michigan’s coalition of school districts and ISDs is driving statewide transformation through personalized learning and competency-based education. Discover how …

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How Are Fab Labs Transforming Education and Career Pathways? | Michael Stone & Kristen Burrus 38:59

13d ago38:59

38:59

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Kristen Burrus and Michael Stone from Chattanooga to discuss how fab labs and innovative learning ecosystems are transforming STEM education. They explore how STEM School Chattanooga and the Volkswagen eLab Network are integrating project-based learning, credentialing, and es…

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How Do Words, Place, and Creativity Shape Who We Become? | Mason Pashia 34:04

19d ago34:04

34:04

Explore the fascinating intersection of poetry, art, and identity on this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast featuring Mason Pashia. Mason discusses his debut book, Kestrel and Other Songs, and dives deep into the creative process, the power of words, and the ways poetry invites us to see the world differently. From his inspirations like Robert M…

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How is AI Transforming the Way We Teach Business Education? | Casey Evans 27:04

20d ago27:04

27:04

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Casey Evans, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at American University's Kogod School of Business, to explore how AI is revolutionizing specifically business education. From integrating AI literacy across a fully redesigned curriculum to emphasizing professionalism a…

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How might we build pathways for economic mobility? | Kerry McKittrick 29:24

27d ago29:24

29:24

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark dives into the intersection of education and workforce innovation with Kerry McKittrick, Co-Director of Harvard's Project on Workforce. Together, they explore the evolving job market in the AI era, discussing challenges like the "AI job apocalypse" and the importance of creating agile pat…

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Catching Up! | Models for Scaling Innovation and What AI Knows About Human Flourishing 41:20

1M ago41:20

41:20

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore the intersection of education innovation, policy updates, and emerging technologies. From the role of AI in fostering human flourishing to the potential of CTE centers and ISDs as innovation hubs, they dive into transformative ideas reshaping education. The discus…

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How Can Place-Based Career Pathways Build Thriving Ecosystems? | Jonah Schenker 41:53

1M ago41:53

41:53

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Shawnee Caruthers explores the transformative power of Career Pathways Academy at iPark 87 with a dynamic panel of guests: Dr. Jonah Schenker (Ulster BOCES), John Boolukos (Archtop Fiber), and students Cameren Thibault-Edmonds and Natalie Winrow. Together, they discuss how place-based education, in…

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How is AI reshaping HR and Learning and Development? | Josh Bersin on Galileo 27:53

1M ago27:53

27:53

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark dives into the AI revolution in corporate learning with special guest Josh Bersin. Together, they explore the transformative potential of AI-powered tools like the Galileo HR Agent, which are reshaping talent development, HR systems, and learning and development (L&D). Discover how dynami…

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What Does A Radically Collaborative Computer Science Education Initiative Look Like? | Monterey County 27:30

1M ago27:30

27:30

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we dive into California’s groundbreaking efforts to expand equitable access to computer science education. Joined by Dr. Caryn Lewis, Rod Garcia, and Dr. Sharisa Chan, we explore how initiatives like the Cal MSCS Professional Learning Partnership are fostering equity, building interdisciplinary approach…

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What Does A Truly Responsive School Look Like? | Kara Bobroff 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and Jason Cummins are thrilled to have Kara Bobroff join them to share her journey in transforming education for Indigenous communities. As the founder of One Generation and the driving force behind the Native American Community Academy (NACA), Kara passionately discusses how schools can tr…

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How Could Regenerative Classrooms Change The Way We View Education? | Benjamin Freud 45:30

2M ago45:30

45:30

Join us on the Getting Smart Podcast as host Mason Pashia dives into regenerative design in education with Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School at Green School Bali and co-founder of Coconut Thinking. Together, they discuss how schools can move beyond sustainability to embrace regenerative practices that create conditions conducive to life—not just…

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Catching Up! | Junior Republics, Global Flourishing, and Education Conductors? 52:59

2M ago52:59

52:59

In this episode of Catching Up, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia dive into a rich tapestry of educational innovation and thought-provoking topics. They explore Indiana's groundbreaking charter micro schools initiative, designed to re-engage students through public micro schools, and the fascinating history of Junior Republics—youth-led communities t…

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How Does Professions-Based Learning Prepare Young People for Pathways of the Future? | Corey Mohn & Sophia Porter 33:29

2M ago33:29

33:29

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we explore the transformative power of professions-based learning through the lens of the CAPS network. Join Tom Vander Ark as he gets into how CAPS integrates real-world learning experiences with career-connected pathways, creating dynamic opportunities for students across the nation. With over 100 sit…

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How Can We Create Dynamic, High-Performing, Well-Regarded School Systems? | Don Haddad 37:47

2M ago37:47

37:47

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Dr. Don Haddad, retiring superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools, to explore the impactful journey of transforming a school district into a responsive, high-performing system. Dr. Haddad shares insights on building a vision that aligns education with the fast-changing gl…

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How Can AI Technology Transform Classroom Instruction? | Habib Bangura 35:12

2M ago35:12

35:12

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen dives into the cutting-edge world of AI in education with Habib Bangura from Urban Assembly. Discover how Project Cafe is revolutionizing classroom instruction by providing real-time, developmental feedback to teachers. By utilizing AI-driven video analysis, this innovative tool enhances …

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What Does Real-World Learning Look Like in Rural Tennessee? | Elizabethton High School 33:22

2M ago33:22

33:22

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, join Tom Vander Ark as he explores the transformative power of community-engaged learning with guests from Elizabethton High School in rural Tennessee. Discover how educators like Dustin Hensley are redefining education by integrating real-world challenges into the classroom, allowing students to develo…

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What can we learn from pathways implementation around the world? | Paul Herdman 32:19

3M ago32:19

32:19

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Paul Herdman, CEO of the Rodell Foundation of Delaware, to discuss the transformative power of pathways in education. They delve into how initiatives like work-based learning and seamless transitions from high school to career can enhance student success and readiness for t…

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What is the Lasting Impact of High Quality Project-Based Learning? | Ryan Sprott, Annah Sanchez, Daniela Hernandez, and Bianca Garza 51:00

3M ago51:00

51:00

In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we dive into the transformative power of project-based learning (PBL) through the lens of the Border Lands project. Hosted by Shawnee Caruthers, this episode features insightful conversations with Ryan Sprott, an educator and PBL advocate, alongside former students Annah Sanchez, Daniela Hernandez…

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How do you drive lasting systems change? | The Learning Innovation Framework 35:13

3M ago35:13

35:13

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Rebecca Midles discuss the Getting Smart Learning Innovation Framework, designed to catalyze systems change in education. They explore how personalized, competency-based learning models integrated with AI can meet the diverse needs of students and overcome the systemic challenges curr…

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How Can Learning Ecosystems Change Educational Opportunities in Michigan? | Monique Uzelac 33:58

3M ago33:58

33:58

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Monique Uzelac, the Executive Director of the Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium in Michigan explore the innovative approach to educational choice within the consortium, discussing how it offers diverse programs like competency-based learning and early college opportunities. Mon…

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How Can Schools Be Transformed By Joy? | George Philhower 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers has a vibrant conversation with Superintendent Dr. George Philhower to explore how joy, alongside connection, growth, and success, forms the core of their educational commitments. Learn about their innovative initiatives, like the Joy Integration Specialist role and Joy Jam conference,…

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Catching Up! | An AI Research and Leadership Framework, Humanities 2.0, and Incentivizes that Fuel Communities of Learning 47:18

3M ago47:18

47:18

In this episode of Catching Up, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore the evolving landscape of education with a focus on AI leadership, applied humanities, and innovative learning spaces. They dive into key topics such as the role of AI in transforming educational practices, the shift towards applied humanities in higher education, and the poten…

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How Can we Unlock The True Potential Of School Assessments? | BB Ntsakey & Kelly Niccolls 31:26

3M ago31:26

31:26

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews sits down with educational leaders BB Ntsakey and Kelly Niccolls to explore the transformative power of liberatory assessment. Discover how these innovative approaches move beyond traditional metrics to create personalized, student-centered learning experiences that emphasize growt…

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Voices of Small Schools Podcast: Sustainability 22:00

3M ago22:00

22:00

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews delve into the critical aspects of sustainability within the microschool movement. They are joined by insightful leaders like Amar Kumar and Andrew Lee, who share their expertise on maintaining financial health, ensuring leadership succession, and prioritizing eq…

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What is Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines? | Jamie Merisotis 30:26

4M ago30:26

30:26

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jamie Merisotis, CEO of the Lumina Foundation, about the evolving landscape of work and education in the age of artificial intelligence. As industries rapidly adopt AI technologies, Jamie shares insights on how human work is transforming and …

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Is Deeper Learning the Answer Uncertainty in the Age of AI? | Michael Fullan 33:44

4M ago33:44

33:44

In this enlightening episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark and Dr. Kaleb Rashad engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dr. Michael Fullan, an internationally acclaimed advocate for deeper learning. Together, they explore whether deeper learning is the key to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the new age of…

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Catching Up! | Curation, Vibe Coding and New Priorities for Education 52:38

4M ago52:38

52:38

In this episode of "Catching Up!", Mason and Nate dive into a vibrant discussion on the evolving landscape of education, focusing on how vibe coding, curiosity, and judgment are poised to redefine learning priorities. They explore the shifting dynamics of computer science education in the age of AI and highlight the importance of fostering experien…

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What Does Rethinking Assessment Look Like? | One Stone 32:43

4M ago32:43

32:43

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we delve into the transformative assessment practices of One Stone, a unique high school that prioritizes student agency and real-world skills. Host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Celeste Bolin, Executive Director of One Stone, and students Sophie Gunther and Raya Naymik. …

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Getting Smart and Carlos Moreno: Live from SXSW 58:55

4M ago58:55

58:55

Join Shawnee Caruthers and Carlos Moreno in an enlightening conversation on the Getting Smart Podcast as they delve into the transformative power of leading with love, care, and vulnerability in education. This episode, recorded live at South by Southwest, explores the theme of Humanizing Pathways Leadership. Carlos Moreno, co-director of Big Pictu…

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What are The Key Competencies of a Modern Day Leader? | Laura Hilger, Carmen Coleman and Estrada 24:32

4M ago24:32

24:32

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles delves into the essential competencies of modern-day leadership with Laura Hilger, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning at KnowledgeWorks. Joined by Carmen Coleman and Estrada, the conversation explores the development and impact of the Lead for Learners Network and the Portrait …

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Catching Up! | Shifting Enrollment, Dead Malls, and Community Hubs 49:20

5M ago49:20

49:20

In this episode of "Catching Up!", hosts Mason and Nate dive into a lively discussion on the future of education, exploring how learning spaces, AI readiness, and global innovations are reshaping the landscape. From the creative redevelopment of community hubs in former malls to the pressing need for media literacy amidst a wave of information over…

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Who needs college anymore? | Kathleen DeLaski 34:07

5M ago34:07

34:07

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Kathleen deLaski, author of "Who Needs College Anymore?" to explore the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. DeLaski challenges traditional views on college education, delving into how the rise of alternative pathways like apprenticeships and dual enrollment are resha…

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How Should we Confront Complexity in Uncertain Times? 36:50

5M ago36:50

36:50

On the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia engages with Will Richardson, co-founder of The Big Questions Institute, to explore the evolving role of education in the face of global complexity and potential collapse. Richardson shares insights from his new manifesto, emphasizing the importance of repairing human and ecological r…

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How Important is Research and Development for Education? | Sara Schapiro 31:38

5M ago31:38

31:38

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sara Schapiro, the director of the Alliance for Learning Innovation. Together, they explore the critical need for enhanced research and development (R&D) within the education sector—an area historically underfunded compared to other industr…

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Catching Up! | Exploring Learning Spaces, AI Readiness, and Global Education Innovations 44:38

5M ago44:38

44:38

In this episode of "Catching Up!", join Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen as they explore the intersection of learning spaces, AI readiness, and global education innovations. Discover how AI-assisted teams outperform conventional groups and what New Zealand's competency-based education system can teach us about learner records. Delve into the role of…

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How Can Relational Intelligence Transform Education in Our Tech Based World? | Isabelle Hau 33:27

5M ago33:27

33:27

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Jordan Luster explores the transformative potential of relational intelligence in education with Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and author of “Love to Learn.” Together, they explore the concept of relational intelligence (RQ) and its importance in shaping relat…

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What If the Era of AI is Really the Era of Youth Entrepreneurship? | Don Wettrick 30:04

5M ago30:04

30:04

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark chats with Don Wettrick, CEO of the StartEdUp Foundation, to explore the future of entrepreneurship education. Don Wettrick talks about how the foundation is transforming high school students into proactive problem-solvers and innovators through initiatives like the Innovate Within pitch …

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From Getting Smart: Catching Up! | Abundance, Learning Experiences, and What's in Your Learner Wallet? 45:32

6M ago45:32

45:32

In this episode of “Catching Up,” Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen dive into the endless potential of AI across various sectors, with a focus on education and music. They explore the implications of AI-generated music, the concept of unbundling education to expand learning ecosystems, and the emerging importance of digital credentials and learner re…

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What does a Community-Connected Career Readiness Program Look Like? | A Case Study with YouScience 41:44

6M ago41:44

41:44

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and his guests talk about how YouScience is transforming career navigation for students and educators. Joined by an achieved panel of guests, including Peter Van Mondfrans from YouScience, Kaitlyn Tyler from the Greater Springfield Partnership, Christina Walters of Knight Dispatch, and Jami…

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How might we transform the college application journey? | Tiffany Green on Uprooted Academy 34:07

6M ago34:07

34:07

In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Tiffany Green, the visionary founder of Uprooted Academy. This innovative platform is designed to transform the college application journey for young students by incorporating holistic elements such as financial literacy, wellness,…

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The Students Know Best, Can Education Learn from Community? | Aylon Samouha 28:28

6M ago28:28

28:28

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles sits down with Aylon Samouha, the CEO of Transcend and a visionary in education reform. They delve into the concept of The Third Way, an approach that blends community insights with proven educational practices to create lasting change in schools. Aylon shares his insights from years…

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How bad is the "Disengagement Crisis"? | Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop 41:36

7M ago41:36

41:36

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Nate McClennen explores the topic of teen engagement with guests Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of "The Disengaged Teen." They delve into the four modes of learning—passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer—offering insights on how students move between these modes. The conversation…

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What if all students had a menu of pathways options in high school? | Dr. Lazaro Lopez and Students from District 214 32:31

7M ago32:31

32:31

Welcome to the Getting Smart Podcast, in today's episode, we dive into the innovative initiatives of District 214, a leader in creating personalized, real-world learning experiences for students. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, District 214 is part of the Illinois Accelerate Ed cohort, focusing on bridging K-12 education with po…

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Are you "hiring" your dream job? | Michael Horn 30:24

7M ago30:24

30:24

In this episode, Mason Pashia is joined by Michael Horn to discuss his new book, "Job Moves: Nine Steps for Making Progress in Your Career." They explore the jobs-to-be-done theory and how it applies to career choices, highlighting the iterative process of career pathways. Michael shares insights on hiring your job, storytelling in career developme…

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What if the Gap Year Was Actually a Launch Year? | Abby Falik 32:21

7M ago32:21

32:21

Mark your calendars for SXSW EDU March 3-6, 2025 in Austin, Texas, and register now at sxswedu.com. Let’s work together to shape the future of education—one idea at a time. In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark interviews Abby Falik, founder of The Flight School, a transformative educational initiative aimed at high school gr…

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Profile of an Unbundled Learning Ecosystem: Arizona 50:28

7M ago50:28

50:28

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, Arizona is pioneering a transformative approach through unbundled learning. This model breaks down traditional educational silos, integrating K-12, higher education, and workforce readiness to equip students with the skills necessary for the 21st century. By leveraging partnerships with local busin…

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Profile of an Unbundled Learning Ecosystem: New Hampshire 46:51

7M ago46:51

46:51

The podcast episode "New Hampshire Unbundled" explores how New Hampshire has become a leader in unbundled and competency-based learning, offering students personalized educational pathways that extend beyond traditional school environments. By embracing initiatives like the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) and Learn Everywhere, the s…

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Profile of an Unbundled Learning Ecosystem: Colorado 46:57

7M ago46:57

46:57

In Colorado, the unbundled learning movement is reshaping how education is delivered, bridging the gap between traditional schooling and real-world experiences. This initiative is driven by the need to provide students with relevant, career-connected learning opportunities that prepare them for future success. By integrating work-based learning, in…