Redesigning the Future of Public Education

Learner-Centered Collaborative
  • 4.9 (10)
  • Education
  • Updated Monthly

The future of education is now because today’s learners can’t wait! Join Katie Martin, educator, author, mom, and Learner-Centered Collaborative Co-DEO, as she explores the challenges and possibilities in education today through thought-provoking conversations with practitioners working to put learners at the center. Tap into her vast experience supporting hundreds of schools and districts to turn their vision for learning into actions that best serve learners.

  1. Jun 18

    Episode 53: Redesigning High School Through Trust, Voice, and Opportunity (with Fred Hilgers)

    In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin talks with Fred Hilgers, principal of Madison High School in San Diego, about what it means to lead with deep listening, trust, and a commitment to continuous learning. Drawing from more than three decades in education, Fred shares the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership and his belief that meaningful change starts by listening to students, educators, and families. Together, Katie and Fred explore how schools can create cultures of collaboration, elevate student voice, and redesign learning experiences to better prepare young people for an increasingly complex world. Their conversation highlights the power of relationships, educator agency, and the courage to rethink long-standing systems in service of every learner.

    Episode 53: Redesigning High School Through Trust, Voice, and Opportunity (with Fred Hilgers)

  2. May 12

    Episode 52: Rehumaning Education—What Young People Need to Thrive (with Stephanie Malia Krauss)

    In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin talks with Stephanie Malia Krauss about what it means to truly “rehuman” education in a rapidly changing and increasingly overwhelming world. Drawing from her work across education, youth development, workforce development, and human services, Stephanie explores how schools can move beyond simply preparing students academically to creating the conditions for young people to endure challenges, experience joy, and thrive. Together, Katie and Stephanie discuss the lingering effects of the pandemic, the developmental needs of young people, the role of technology in schools, and why play, movement, belonging, and human connection are essential for learning and well-being. Their conversation invites educators and leaders to rethink what schools are optimizing for—and what it would look like to design systems that support whole humans, not just academic outcomes.

    Episode 52: Rehumaning Education—What Young People Need to Thrive (with Stephanie Malia Krauss)

  3. Apr 14

    Episode 51: Authentic Learning in Action—Projects, Curiosity, and Classroom Joy (with Matt Martin)

    In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin sits down with high school chemistry teacher and college instructor Matt Martin to explore what it really takes to create meaningful, authentic learning experiences in today’s classrooms. Drawing from his journey across traditional and project-based environments, Matt shares how hands-on projects, student curiosity, and supportive leadership can transform both teaching and learning. Together, they unpack the tension between covering content and creating real-world experiences, the challenge of designing truly authentic work, and why trust, creativity, and iteration are essential for helping both educators and learners thrive.

    Episode 51: Authentic Learning in Action—Projects, Curiosity, and Classroom Joy (with Matt Martin)

  4. Feb 10

    Episode 50: Rethinking High School—Career, Community, & Learner Agency (with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum)

    In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin talks with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum about redesigning success in public education and creating learning environments that honor student agency, purpose, and real-world relevance. Jason shares stories from his own journey—from teaching math to leading district-wide innovation—and reflects on how schools can move beyond compliance-driven models toward experiences that truly prepare learners for life beyond graduation. Together, they explore career-connected learning, community-centered design, and what it takes to build systems that work for all learners, not just some.

    Episode 50: Rethinking High School—Career, Community, & Learner Agency (with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum)

  5. 12/10/2025

    Episode 49: Rethinking Accountability—Policy, Practice, and the Future of Learning (with David Cook)

    In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin talks with David Cook, CEO of Learning Ecosystems Design, about what it truly takes to transform education systems so every learner experiences meaningful, human-centered learning. Drawing from decades of leadership in Kentucky and across the country, David shares how community-driven visioning, local accountability, and aligned policy can pave the way for learner-centered ecosystems. Together, Katie and David explore the mindsets, structures, and partnerships needed to shift from compliance to purpose—and why now is a powerful moment for states and districts to design systems that reflect what learners really need to thrive.

    Episode 49: Rethinking Accountability—Policy, Practice, and the Future of Learning (with David Cook)

  6. 11/25/2025

    Episode 48: Reimagining Education—Agency, Innovation, and the Future of Learning (with Mike Yates)

    In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin talks with Mike Yates about reimagining education and what it means to create learning experiences rooted in agency, creativity, and care. Drawing on his journey from classroom teacher and coach to education innovator, Mike shares how his early experiences shaped his belief in trust, risk-taking, and the power of real-world learning. Together, Katie and Mike discuss what it takes to honor the craft of teaching, shift power to learners, and use technology to create more space for meaningful human moments. Their conversation invites educators and leaders to let go of old systems, embrace innovation, and build schools that truly help every learner thrive.

    Episode 48: Reimagining Education—Agency, Innovation, and the Future of Learning (with Mike Yates)

  7. 10/14/2025

    Episode 47: Centering Humanity in the Age of AI—Connection, Curiosity, and Courage (with Michelle Culver)

    In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin speaks with Michelle Culver, founder of The Rithm Project and longtime education leader, about what it means to stay human in an age shaped by artificial intelligence. Rooted in her experiences as a parent, educator, and leader, Michelle reflects on what it means to navigate the evolving relationship between human connection and technology—and how we might imagine and design the futures we want to create. Together, Katie and Michelle explore how educators, parents, and young people can engage in meaningful dialogue about AI, build trust across generations, and reclaim schools as spaces for authentic human connection and belonging.

    Episode 47: Centering Humanity in the Age of AI—Connection, Curiosity, and Courage (with Michelle Culver)

  8. 09/30/2025

    Episode 46: The Core Business of Schools—Future-Ready Learning in the Age of AI (Babak Mostaghimi)

    In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin sits down with Babak Mostaghimi—educator, systems leader, and founding partner at Learner Studio—to explore how we can prepare young people for their future in an age of AI, complexity, and rapid change. From his early days as a fifth-grade teacher in rural Mississippi to leading future-ready work in one of the largest school districts in the country, Dr. Mostaghimi brings humility, wisdom, and powerful analogies (including gardening and chicken farming!) to reimagine what’s possible in education. Together, they talk about centering learners, building systems that support educational communities, and why the true core business of schools is preparing young people for life, career, and democracy.

    Episode 46: The Core Business of Schools—Future-Ready Learning in the Age of AI (Babak Mostaghimi)
See All (59)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The future of education is now because today’s learners can’t wait! Join Katie Martin, educator, author, mom, and Learner-Centered Collaborative Co-DEO, as she explores the challenges and possibilities in education today through thought-provoking conversations with practitioners working to put learners at the center. Tap into her vast experience supporting hundreds of schools and districts to turn their vision for learning into actions that best serve learners.

Information

  • Creator
    Learner-Centered Collaborative
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Learner-Centered Collaborative