4: Reimagining Learning and School During Ever-changing Times

I have been in the education field for over 20 years wearing the hat as a teacher, principal, executive director, assistant superintendent in private, public, traditional and charter schools, but today I want to talk about the future of education as a Dad. At this time, when schools across the country and globe are closed, my children, my daughter (6) and my son (9), have helped me see what the future of education could look like. When everything shifted, my children wanted to follow the schedule -- put in place by their teachers at the school I created-- but soon a new routine began to unfold. My daughter got into baking with my wife which sparked conversations about math and science. And now, our school days include a self-created schedule --within boundaries that have been set-- where the kids get to do what is interesting to them. Let me tell you, they are fully alive! We built a system that we don’t need anymore. Our kids are creative, curious, full of love, intuitive and we need an education system that is project-based and autonomous, where kids have the ability to trust their inner guidance. To you parents, approach learning as every second of everyday, and think of how learning can be a part of every conversation. Let’s co-create this beautiful future.    Highlights: I have over 20 years of experience in the education field, but today I am talking mainly as a Dad. I have two kids, a daughter (6) and a son (9), and as we have shifted to this combination of online-at home learning, they have shown me what we need in the future of education. Routines may be a thing of the past. The current system we use is over 100 years old and worked back then. But our kids are creative, curious, intuitive, and full of love, and they need project-based learning where they have some autonomy. To the parents, being a parent is tough. It is riding the line between joy and pain. Take a moment for yourself. Release the fear your child will get “behind” during this time. Start observing your child and approach learning as every second of everyday. I want you to think of how learning can be a part of every conversation: while you’re making dinner, exploring the backyard, out on a walk. We are in a different space. My deepest passion and hope is to reinvent the school system, one school, program and person at a time.   For more information, including show notes, check out our website at www.heartofthematter.io.