Dreams of Education Podcast

Kelly Tenkely & Michelle Baldwin
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Dreams of Education Podcast

Hosted by Kelly Tenkely, founder of Anastasis Academy, and Michelle Baldwin, her first hire, Dreams of Education, is a podcast that shares the journey of building a school focused on student-centered learning and innovation. With over 14 years of experience, we reflect on the highs, the lows, and the lessons that shaped our vision for the future of education. Through personal stories and conversations with those who inspired us along the way, we aim to spark a movement of good and reimagining what education can be.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 14: Who is the Stakeholder? Rethinking Education From the Ground Up

    In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the concept of stakeholders in education, emphasizing the importance of recognizing students as primary stakeholders. They discuss the implications of viewing education through a business lens, the impact of testing and curriculum on learning, and the necessity of addressing students' basic needs. The conversation highlights the importance of student voice, curiosity, and the long-term implications of educational decisions on society. This conversation explores the importance of a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the integration of social-emotional learning, the impact of standardized testing, and the need for reflection and thinking time in the learning process. The speakers discuss how literature can engage students in meaningful ways, the significance of empathy and awareness in the classroom, and the necessity of understanding behavioral issues as unmet needs. They advocate for redefining success in education to value all individuals and their contributions to society. In this conversation, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the complexities of education, focusing on the importance of understanding individual learning timelines, the role of expectations, and the need for a more holistic approach to teaching. They discuss the illusion of success in traditional education systems, the impact of curriculum on individual needs, and the importance of community perceptions. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in education and the necessity of sharing success stories to reshape narratives around learning.   Follow Us: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning, @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education, KT's Place, @ktenkely.bsky.social

    1h 50m

  2. JAN 16

    Episode 13: Radical Trust in Professional Development-From Compliance to Connection

    In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the world of professional development (PD) in education, sharing candid reflections on their worst PD experiences and the lessons learned along the way. They explore the transformative potential of personalized and meaningful training, highlighting the benefits of Ed Camps, where educators collaborate to shape their own learning experiences.   The conversation touches on the role of online communities, such as Twitter and blogs, in building professional learning networks and fostering connections across disciplines. Kelly and Michelle emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding student frustrations, and designing PD that supports cognitive skills and addresses real learning challenges.   Through stories of camaraderie and shared experiences, they discuss how relationships among educators can enhance creativity, trust, and community within schools. They advocate for grassroots approaches, experiential learning, and rethinking traditional, compliance-driven PD models to prioritize what truly matters: supporting teachers and students alike.   This episode is a call to action for educators to embrace collaboration, radical trust, and innovative professional growth that values both the human and creative elements of teaching.   Follow Us: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning, @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education, KT's Place, @ktenkely.bsky.social

    1h 57m

  3. JAN 9

    Episode 12: Rethinking the Framework - What We Keep Getting Wrong in Education Policy

    In this episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly and Michelle dive into a thought-provoking article titled “What Do We Keep Getting Wrong in Education Policy?” Inspired by a repost of the article on Bluesky, they explore the success story of Nathan Hale High School and how its innovative small-school model unraveled due to systemic missteps and a lack of understanding of the deeper factors at play.   Through anecdotes from their own experience at Anastasis Academy, they discuss the importance of autonomy, intentionality, and community-centered design in creating sustainable educational systems. The conversation highlights the dangers of scaling ideas without capturing their full context and the need to prioritize humanity over efficiency in education.   They also reflect on the legacy of their friend, Jennifer Wagner, whose kindness and intentionality in building relationships shaped the way they view community in education.    Join Kelly and Michelle as they unpack what it takes to move from systems that focus on the “magic bullet” to those that prioritize the human element in learning. Follow Us: Michelle: Avenue 4 Learning, @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly: Dreams of Education, KT's Place, @ktenkely.bsky.social

    1h 36m

  4. 12/19/2024

    Episode 11: Rethinking Assessment, From Judgement to Journey

    In this episode of the Dreams of Education podcast, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the transformative power of reimagining assessment and grading practices. They dive into how traditional systems often fail to reflect a truly learner-centered approach and share how Anastasis Academy developed an innovative assessment model that prioritizes growth, reflection, and the journey of learning.   Kelly and Michelle recount the evolution of their “Upgrade” system, emphasizing language that removes shame and encourages ownership of learning. They discuss the challenges of balancing academic standards with meaningful self-assessment and how they intentionally built a culture of trust and belonging to support this approach.   Listeners will hear personal stories, reflections on traditional education’s shortcomings, and practical advice for creating systems that honor each learner’s unique journey. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and policymakers who are ready to rethink how we measure what matters in education.   Find us online: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning, @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education, KT's Place, @ktenkely.bsky.social

    1h 33m

  5. 12/13/2024

    Episode 10: Beyond Buzzwords, The Heart of Learner-Centered Education

    In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive deep into what it means to create a learner-centered environment. They explore the disconnect between schools’ claims of being student-centered and the systemic practices prioritizing efficiency, standardization, and outcomes over humanity and individuality. From pushing developmentally inappropriate standards to relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all curricula, Kelly and Michelle critique the hidden messages within traditional education systems that undermine authentic learning.   Drawing on their experiences at Anastasis Academy, they share powerful stories about embracing flexibility, honoring students’ rhythms, and creating space for creativity, play, and inquiry-based learning. The conversation also touches on the risks of outsourcing humanity in education—particularly with the rise of AI tools—and emphasizes the importance of relational, human-driven teaching practices. They challenge the notion that learning should be a race to meet benchmarks and advocate instead for celebrating students’ individual journeys.   Other Places to Find Us: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning, @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education, KT's Place, @ktenkely.bsky.social

    1h 25m

  6. 12/05/2024

    Episode 9: Reimagining Math with Connection and Curiosity

    In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the complexities of math education and the role of technology in classrooms. They discuss how inquiry-based learning, manipulatives, and real-world connections can transform math into a relevant, engaging subject. By redefining math, encouraging growth mindsets, and embracing mistakes, educators can help students overcome anxiety and see math as a creative, evolving process. The conversation also dips into the implications of AI in education. They highlight the importance of critical thinking, ethical considerations, and safeguarding personal data while cautioning against over-reliance on technology.    Find us online: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education, KTs Place

    2 hr

  7. 11/21/2024

    Inquiry-Based Learning in Reading Instruction

    In this week’s episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive deep into the heart of how Anastasis Academy approached the way kids learn to read.   They share stories of moving away from traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches and embracing reading as a personal, joyful, and integrated part of a child’s learning journey. From overcoming the limitations of excerpt-based textbooks to fostering a love for books through inquiry, creativity, and meaningful choice, Kelly and Michelle emphasize the importance of knowing each student as an individual.   You’ll hear about: •Why “The Science of Reading” can miss the art and joy of reading. •The power of anchoring reading in context, relationships, and shared experiences. •Why rewards, badges, and reading logs undermine intrinsic motivation—and how to inspire lifelong readers instead. •Creative ways Anastasis approached reading, from building settings in Minecraft to creating book trailers and even connecting students with authors. •How they supported struggling readers by addressing root causes like anxiety or cognitive challenges instead of moving straight to interventions. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about reimagining reading instruction to inspire curiosity, joy, and confidence in young learners.   Follow Us: Michelle - Avenue 4 Learning Kelly - Dreams of Education, KT's Place

    1h 34m
  8. Episode 7: Accommodations That Honor Every Learner's Journey

    11/14/2024

    Episode 7: Accommodations That Honor Every Learner's Journey

    In this episode, Kelly and Michelle explore how Anastasis Academy approaches accommodations with a deeply personalized philosophy, treating every student as an individual learner. They discuss the flexibility they have as a private school not bound by traditional IEP (Individualized Education Plan) laws and highlight the role of the Department of Education in protecting student rights. The Department’s mandates ensure that all students, regardless of background or ability, receive an equitable education. Kelly and Michelle emphasize how this legal framework allows them to partner with public districts, access essential resources, and connect families to services. They also unpack the crucial difference between equality and equity in the classroom, explaining how Anastasis creates an inclusive and supportive learning environment by tailoring accommodations to each student’s needs.

    1h 31m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by Kelly Tenkely, founder of Anastasis Academy, and Michelle Baldwin, her first hire, Dreams of Education, is a podcast that shares the journey of building a school focused on student-centered learning and innovation. With over 14 years of experience, we reflect on the highs, the lows, and the lessons that shaped our vision for the future of education. Through personal stories and conversations with those who inspired us along the way, we aim to spark a movement of good and reimagining what education can be.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Tenkely & Michelle Baldwin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Dreams of Education Podcast

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