Catalyzing Classroom Change

Modern Classrooms Project

Educators, researchers and institutions are developing cutting-edge instructional strategies that support both student learning and teacher wellness, but educational change can be slow to be adopted at scale. As an educator and founder of an educational non-profit, classroom innovator Kareem Farah knows firsthand how a single spark can catalyze classroom change. Join the conversation with leaders in the education space to explore the newest frontiers of classroom-led innovation.

Episodes

  1. 15/01/2024

    Episode 10: Scaling Personalized, Competency-Based Learning in a School or District

    This discussion brings together leaders from Prince William County Public Schools and Tulsa Public Schools to share the practical strategies that support competency-based learning, how to create more student-centered teaching environments, and how new instructional approaches can better support and engage teachers. Our Guests Kareem Farah, Modern Classrooms Project Kareem Farah spent his teaching career as a high school math educator in Hawaii and Washington, DC. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and later received a master’s degree in secondary education at Johns Hopkins University. Instead of using a traditional lecture model, Kareem taught mathematics through a blended model where students accessed content through his self-made videos. The cornerstone of his classroom was the ability for students to work through the content at their own pace, and Kareem’s ability to employ mastery-based grading to evaluate student learning. In 2018, Kareem received the DC Public Schools Award for Classroom Innovation and was featured in Edutopia and CBS News for his work. Tanganyika Millard, Prince William County Public Schools Paula Shannon, Tulsa Public Schools Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Catalyzing Classroom Change Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: Learning to Teach

    48 min

  2. 01/01/2024

    Episode 9: Creating Leaders Out of Teachers

    Visionary leaders can champion innovative instructional practices by investing in their most valuable assets: educators. But guiding and supporting educators through the often unknown territory of discovery can be daunting. In this webinar, we will dive deep into the strategies that drive meaningful change in instructional approaches and student learning, and learn the hallmarks of top-notch professional development experiences that support educators along the path toward classroom innovation. Join our experts, DC-based principal coach Maya Stewart, author and associate professor at MIT, Justin Reich, and Flip's Head of Engagement, Jornea Armant, to discuss how we support teacher leaders and innovation within our learning communities. Our Guests Toni Rose Deanon, Modern Classrooms Project Toni Rose has been an educator since 2010, experiences ranging from MS English Teacher, Adult ESL Teacher, and Instructional Coach for Technology. Toni Rose strives to be the educator they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and aspire to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand the importance of being represented, valued and feeling a sense of belonging. Maya Stewart, principal coach and fellow at The Equity Lab Justin Reich, associate professor at MIT and author of Failure to Disrupt: Why Technology Alone Can’t Transform Education *Jornea Armant, Head of Engagement at Flip * Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Catalyzing Classroom Change Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: Learning to Teach

    58 min

  3. 18/12/2023

    Episode 8: Equity by Design: Exploring the Transformative Power of Mastery

    Join Jon Bergmann, pioneer of the flipped classroom movement, Laurie Gagnon, Program Director for CompetencyWorks with the Aurora Institute and DC special education educator Jereamy Rose for a compelling discussion about competency as the vehicle for equity. Our Guests Samantha du Preez, Modern Classrooms Project Samantha du Preez is a former educator with experience teaching in California, Arizona, and South Korea. She earned her bachelor's in English and journalism from the University of Arizona and her master's in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education. Although she hasn't been in the classroom for several years, she continues to empower educators, improve access to quality educational opportunities, and impact education. Jon Bergmann, Mastery Learning Handbook Laurie Gagnon, Program Director for CompetencyWorks with the Aurora Institute Jereamy Rose, special education teacher in DC Public Schools Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Catalyzing Classroom Change Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: Learning to Teach

    58 min

  4. 04/12/2023

    Episode 7: Beyond Absenteeism: Equity by Design

    This session brings together Pierce Woodward, an educator at New Liberty Salem, and Amanda von Moos, co-founder and Executive Director at Substantial Classrooms, to discuss the systems we need to be rethinking in education to provide more equitable access to education. Our Guests Samantha du Preez, Modern Classrooms Project Samantha du Preez is a former educator with experience teaching in California, Arizona, and South Korea. She earned her bachelor's in English and journalism from the University of Arizona and her master's in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education. Although she hasn't been in the classroom for several years, she continues to empower educators, improve access to quality educational opportunities, and impact education. Pierce Woodward, New Liberty Salem Amanda von Moos, Substantial Teaching Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Catalyzing Classroom Change Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: Learning to Teach

    56 min

  5. 20/11/2023

    Episode 6: Equity by Design: Transforming Instructional Approaches

    Join Deidra Fogarty from Black Girls Teach, best-selling author Dr. Catlin Tucker, and Jon Saphier of Research for Better Teaching for a discussion that may change the way your learning community embeds equity into instructional approaches. Our Guests Matthew Hickson, Modern Classrooms Project Matt Hickson is a community organizer turned school leader. He believes in leveraging the power of education to build more joyful, purposeful, and just communities. In more than a decade of work in North Carolina, he has organized movements for education justice while serving his community both inside and outside of school buildings. Matt was the Durham Public Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year before becoming a principal and central services director. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair for the Board of Directors at Student U and the Chair for Equity Through Innovation for the DPS Foundation. While teaching, Matt joined with colleagues to advocate for the inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ students in the school system. He co-founded the Bull City Schools Unity project to train staff and promote more affirming policies. This project trained thousands of educators and led to the passage of district-wide policy supporting trans and non-binary students. When not organizing and agitating, Matt is an avid Buffalo Bills fan and dog dad to his new puppy Archie. He currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts. Deidra Fogarty, Black Girls Teach, Black Girls Teach Dr. Catlin Tucker Jon Saphier, Research for Better Teaching, Research for Better Teaching Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Catalyzing Classroom Change Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: Learning to Teach

    50 min

  6. 13/11/2023

    Episode 5: Reframing Communication: Bridging Gaps with Caregivers and Students

    Every parent wants to see their child succeed. It is up to us as educators to engage stakeholders in the learning process, and this means ensuring that students’ caregivers know what students are learning, what content their student is mastering, and how they can support their child in improving their performance. This is easier said than done - and when educators are experiencing record-levels of burnout, this expectation is daunting. In this episode, we bring together educators from DC Public Schools and Stafford County to discuss the hallmarks of good caregiver communication, the tools they use, and the strategies they use to approach education in a sustainable way. Our Guests Samantha du Preez, Modern Classrooms Project Samantha du Preez is a former educator with experience teaching in California, Arizona, and South Korea. She earned her bachelor's in English and journalism from the University of Arizona and her master's in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education. Although she hasn't been in the classroom for several years, she continues to empower educators, improve access to quality educational opportunities, and impact education. Chris Lawson, high school math educator at North Stafford High School Jessika Alvarado, high school math educator at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Paige DeLozier, TalkingPoints, TalkingPoints Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Catalyzing Classroom Change Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: Learning to Teach

    49 min

  7. 30/10/2023

    Episode 4: From Burnout to Bliss: Transforming Workplace Culture

    As we face a sustained teacher shortage, how can school and district leaders dismantle burnout culture and provide educators with the support they need to be successful in this profession long term? Join author Jamilah Pitts, school leader Marcus Johnson, and Emily Hemmingson from the Teacher Wellness Center for a discussion that goes far beyond self-care and spirit days. Our Guests Toni Rose Deanon, Modern Classrooms Project Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that she never had growing up, so she focuses on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around her. As a queer Filipinx, she understands just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. She especially loves being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers. Connect with Toni Rose on Twitter @classroomflex Jamilah Pitts, Founder and CEO, Author, Jamilah Pitts Consulting Marcus Johnson, Assistant Principal at Rainier Prep Middle School (WA) on Twitter @PrincipalMarcus Emily Hemmingson, Functional Health and Burnout Prevention Coach, The Teacher Wellness Center Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Catalyzing Classroom Change Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: Learning to Teach

    1 hr

  8. 09/10/2023

    Episode 3: Building Buy-In for Classroom Innovation

    Our Guests### Samantha du Preez, Modern Classrooms Project Samantha du Preez is a former educator with experience teaching in California, Arizona, and South Korea. She earned her bachelor's in English and journalism from the University of Arizona and her master's in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education. Although she hasn't been in the classroom for several years, she continues to empower educators, improve access to quality educational opportunities, and impact education. Connect with Samantha on Twitter @samanthad__dp Maureen Delgado, Principal at Clinton Elementary, Chicago Public Schools Steve Laslo, Assistant Principal at Clinton Elementary, Chicago Public Schools Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course: Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! Learn more about what a partnership with the Modern Classrooms Project can do for your school or district. The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

    34 min

  9. 18/09/2023

    Episode 2: Redefining the Role of Teacher Leaders

    Our Guests### Kareem Farah, CEO and co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project Kareem Farah spent his teaching career as a math educator in Hawaii and Washington, DC. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and later received a master’s degree in secondary education at Johns Hopkins University. Instead of using a traditional lecture model, Kareem taught math through a blended model where students accessed content through his self-made videos. The cornerstone of his classroom was the ability for students to work at their own pace and Kareem’s ability to assess students on mastery. Kareem co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project to empower teachers worldwide to redesign their classrooms around blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Connect with Kareem on Twitter @kareemfarah23 Khadejah Scott, Ida B. Wells Middle School Khadejah Scott attended undergraduate school at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she first volunteered at schools and fell in love with teaching middle schoolers; she hasn't looked back since. After graduation in 2014, she began her professional teaching career in Washington, DC, becoming an Urban Teachers resident and earning master’s degrees in Secondary English and Special Education from Lesley University. She served as a Reading Interventionist at Johnson Middle School for five years before joining Ida B. Wells Middle School in 2019 as a founding teacher. In addition to teaching, she leads Wells’ Technology and Innovation committee, designs and facilitates professional development courses for teachers across the District, and represents the city at statewide test development events. Khadejah became a Distinguished Modern Classroom Educator in December 2020 and is proud to serve as an Expert Mentor to teachers around the world. Connect with Khadejah Scott on Twitter @HeyMsScott Bryan Hassel, Opportunity Culture Bryan Hassel co-leads the Opportunity Culture initiative, a national effort to reach all students with excellent teaching and all educators with outstanding career opportunities via new, financially sustainable school models. Dr. Hassel is a recognized expert on teacher and principal effectiveness, school turnarounds, school funding systems, and charter school excellence. His work has appeared in Education Next, Education Week, and numerous other publications. Hassel received his Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University and his master’s degree in politics from Oxford University, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. He earned his B.A. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which he attended as a Morehead-Cain Scholar. Connect with Bryan Hassel on Twitter @BryanHassel Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course: Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! Learn more about what a partnership with the Modern Classrooms Project can do for your school or district. The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

    48 min

  10. 04/09/2023

    Episode 1: Systems-Level Change Through Bottom-Up Innovation

    Our Guests Kareem Farah, CEO and co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project Kareem Farah spent his teaching career as a math educator in Hawaii and Washington, DC. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and later received a master’s degree in secondary education at Johns Hopkins University. Instead of using a traditional lecture model, Kareem taught math through a blended model where students accessed content through his self-made videos. The cornerstone of his classroom was the ability for students to work at their own pace and Kareem’s ability to assess students on mastery. Kareem co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project to empower teachers worldwide to redesign their classrooms around blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Connect with Kareem on Twitter @kareemfarah23 Dr. Carmen Coleman, Chief of Transformational Learning and Leading at the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative Dr. Carmen Coleman serves the districts in the OVEC region as the Chief of Transformational Leading and Learning. Prior to this role, she served as Chief Academic Information Officer for Jefferson County Public Schools, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership Studies at the University of Kentucky and co-director for both the Next Generation Leadership Academy and the principal preparation program. In addition, Dr. Coleman has served as Superintendent, Director of Elementary Schools, principal and teacher in a variety of district contexts. Her work has focused on transforming the school experience from one developed to meet the needs of the Industrial Age to a system that will equip learners for success in the world today. As Superintendent, her work was featured by the Harvard Letter, PBS NewsHour, Getting Smart and District Administration. She has worked with hundreds of leaders across Kentucky to inspire a different way of thinking about the learner experience and is now working to scale the benefits of deeper learning across the region for 155,000 students. Connect with Dr. Carmen Coleman on Twitter @kidsinspire Thomas Arnett, Senior Research Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute Thomas Arnett is a senior research fellow for the Clayton Christensen Institute. His work focuses on using the Theory of Disruptive Innovation to study innovative instructional models and their potential to scale student-centered learning in K–12 education. He also studies demand for innovative resources and practices across the K–12 education system using the Jobs to Be Done Theory. Thomas began his work in education as a middle school math teacher in Kansas City Public Schools through Teach For America and as an Education Pioneers fellow with the Achievement First Public Charter Schools. He has also served as an elected trustee and board president for the Morgan Hill Unified School District in Morgan Hill, California, and currently serves as a member of the board of Compass Charter Schools in California. Thomas received a BS in Economics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Connect with Thomas Arnett on Twitter @arnetttom Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj The Modern Classroom Project Modern Classrooms Online Course: Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! Learn more about what a partnership with the Modern Classrooms Project can do for your school or district. The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

    58 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Educators, researchers and institutions are developing cutting-edge instructional strategies that support both student learning and teacher wellness, but educational change can be slow to be adopted at scale. As an educator and founder of an educational non-profit, classroom innovator Kareem Farah knows firsthand how a single spark can catalyze classroom change. Join the conversation with leaders in the education space to explore the newest frontiers of classroom-led innovation.

Information

  • Creator
    Modern Classrooms Project
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Catalyzing Classroom Change
  • Show Website
    Catalyzing Classroom Change