Edvolution Podcast

Edvolution Services
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Courses

Education is evolving, and we’re here for it. Edvolution is a podcast for educators, school leaders, and changemakers passionate about service learning, sustainability, global citizenship, and edible education. Join hosts Sandra Carden, Laurence Myers, and Melisa Pubil as we share real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights to help you navigate challenges, and create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your impact, we’re here to support, inspire, and empower you.

  1. Student Agency, Trust & Regenerative Learning (featuring Dr. Benjamin Freud)

    Jun 7

    Student Agency, Trust & Regenerative Learning (featuring Dr. Benjamin Freud)

    What happens when schools move beyond student voice and create genuine opportunities for students to shape decisions, policies, and learning? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School and Strategic Lead for Regenerative Education at Green School Bali. Benjamin challenges traditional assumptions about education, leadership, and the role of young people in creating positive change. Together, we explore: What regenerative education looks like in practice Why student agency must go beyond symbolic participation The power of flattening hierarchies in schools Building trust between students, educators, and leaders Preparing young people for uncertainty rather than a predetermined future The opportunities and challenges of AI in education Engaging parents as partners in learning and change This conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how schools can become communities where advocacy, collaboration, and meaningful participation thrive. As we approach the end of another school year, this conversation also invites us to pause and reflect on the bigger picture. Beyond the day-to-day demands of school life, what kind of learners, leaders, and communities are we hoping to cultivate? And how can we create the conditions for young people to play a meaningful role in shaping the future? Follow Benjamin's work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminfreud/  Connect with us at edvolution.services@gmail.com to share ideas, feedback, or topics you’d like explored in future episodes.

    36 min
  2. Positive Persistance: Purposeful Action with Young Learners (featuring Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury)

    May 25

    Positive Persistance: Purposeful Action with Young Learners (featuring Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury)

    In this episode, we sit down with Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury from the International School of Paris to explore how sustainability, service learning, and student voice can transform school culture. Heather and Daniel share their journeys into international education and describe how their shared passion for environmental stewardship led to the growth of the “Action Cubs,” a student-led initiative empowering young learners to take meaningful action around issues they care about most. From composting systems and urban gardening to food systems education and global sustainability conferences like ChangeNOW, this conversation is filled with practical ideas, inspiring stories, and thoughtful reflections for educators looking to create purposeful, student-centered learning experiences. Together, we discuss: Building student agency through sustainability and service learning Creating systems that support meaningful student action The power of collaboration and finding aligned partners Urban gardening and food systems education in schools Bringing real-world sustainability connections into the classroom How schools can start small and grow authentic sustainability initiatives over time Check out some of Heather and Daniel's favorite resources here: Compass Education Climate Fresk Eco-Schools ChangeNOW Connect with us at edvolution.services@gmail.com to share ideas, feedback, or topics you’d like explored in future episodes.

    33 min
  3. Purposeful Practice: Leadership & Learning in International Schools (featuring Teresa Tung)

    May 11

    Purposeful Practice: Leadership & Learning in International Schools (featuring Teresa Tung)

    In this episode, we sit down with Teresa Tung, Director of Curricular Programs at Hong Kong International School, for a thoughtful conversation about purpose, systems thinking, sustainability, and what it truly means to create flourishing school communities. Teresa shares her journey from growing up in Taiwan and immigrating to the United States, to becoming an international educator and leader across schools in Asia. Along the way, she reflects on identity, belonging, leadership, and how sustainability education transformed her understanding of the true purpose of schooling. Together, we explore: How educators can reconnect daily teaching to deeper purpose Why systems thinking matters for every teacher, not just sustainability educators The tension between curriculum demands and meaningful learning The importance of human flourishing, compassion, and wellbeing in schools What service learning can look like when students are trusted with authentic responsibility How becoming a parent reshapes our understanding of education Why young people are capable of far deeper systems thinking than we often assume Check out some of Teresa's favorite resources here: Compass Education Amala Education: Education with and for refugee youth Melbourne Metrics: New Metrics International Schools Program Connect with us for future topics and guests through LinkedIn or edvolution.services@gmail.com!

    33 min
  4. Global Service with Integrity: Accountability in Travel Experiences (featuring Mike Lee)

    Apr 27

    Global Service with Integrity: Accountability in Travel Experiences (featuring Mike Lee)

    In this episode, we sit down with Michael Lee, founder and director of the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), to explore how service learning can move beyond good intentions toward meaningful, measurable impact. Mike's work focuses on making education more accessible while embedding real-world experiences into accredited learning pathways. We dive into what’s often missing in traditional service learning, and how better preparation, structured reflection, and a shift in mindset can transform these experiences for students and communities alike. Learn about Mike's work using the following links: Centre for Global Citizenship Studies LinkedIn Reach out to us at edvolution.services@gmail.com and tell us what you think!

    30 min
  5. Learning Through Tension: Why Struggle Matters in Education (featuring Dr. Jay Goodman)

    Apr 12

    Learning Through Tension: Why Struggle Matters in Education (featuring Dr. Jay Goodman)

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jay Goodman, consultant with Goodman Learning Partners, to explore what it really takes to implement problem-based learning (PBL) in schools. From his early days teaching in Honduras with Mel, to launching innovative programs in Shanghai and Santiago, Jay shares a powerful journey that challenges how we think about learning, leadership, and school transformation. But this episode isn’t just about PBL. It’s about why so many well-intentioned programs fail… and what schools must build first to make them succeed. To connect with Jay and learn about his work, don't miss this great opportunity on April 20 at 7pm EST: The PBL Pre-Launch Checklist Webinar.  Looking for more information about Jay's "PBL Roadmap for Innovative Educators" online course? Email Jay at jay@goodmanlearning.com or book a call here.  And connect with us anytime through LinkedIn or edvolution.services@gmail.com!

    39 min
  6. Learning That Transfers: Bridging Classrooms and the "Real World" (featuring Julie Stern)

    Mar 30

    Learning That Transfers: Bridging Classrooms and the "Real World" (featuring Julie Stern)

    This episode explores a big question: how do we prepare young people for a future we can’t predict? We’re joined by bestselling author and education consultant Julie Stern, whose work focuses on helping educators and families empower young people to navigate complexity, think critically, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Julie shares her journey from school leadership to global consulting, and how her work has evolved to focus on one essential goal: helping learning transfer beyond the classroom. We dive into the idea of pattern seeking to help students connect prior knowledge to new and unfamiliar situations. Through real-world examples, Julie illustrates how concepts like ratios, resilience, and systems thinking can help students better understand the world around them and make more informed, ethical decisions. Learn more about Julie's amazing work using these links. Education to Change the World Conceptual Transfer LinkedIn Instagram  Connect with us anytime through LinkedIn or edvolution.services@gmail.com!

    36 min
  7. Teaching for Humanity in Uncertain Times (featuring Cathryn Berger Kaye)

    Mar 16

    Teaching for Humanity in Uncertain Times (featuring Cathryn Berger Kaye)

    Today’s episode is a little different. As we sat down to record, our team here in the UAE had been navigating difficult days in the region. Like many people around the world, we found ourselves feeling reflective, grateful for our communities, and reminded of why the work we do in education matters so much. So it felt especially meaningful to welcome international education consultant, author, and service learning pioneer Cathryn Berger Kaye to the podcast. Cathy has been shaping the field of service learning for decades, working with educators around the world to connect classroom learning with real-world purpose. She shares how her journey in education led her to champion service learning as a powerful way to connect classrooms with real community needs. We discuss why purpose, listening, and civic engagement matter more than ever, and how meaningful learning happens when students apply their knowledge to the world around them. In this episode, we reference the poem To Be of Use, which reflects on the value of meaningful work and contributing to something larger than ourselves. The poem resonates deeply with the purpose behind service learning and community engagement. Cathy consults in person and virtually with schools around the world. Mel highly recommends her Service Learning Specialist Course! Learn more about Cathy and her work on her website or reach out to her directly at cathy@cbkassociates.com. Connect with us! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Reach out anytime at edvolution.services@gmail.com.

    36 min
  8. Making Field Trips Meaningful: Curriculum, Connection and Student Voice

    Mar 2

    Making Field Trips Meaningful: Curriculum, Connection and Student Voice

    This episode was supposed to be short… but once we started talking about field trips, we couldn’t stop. After Mel returned from a field trip, we decided to pivot and unpack a big question: What makes a field trip truly meaningful? We explore the spectrum of real-world learning experiences from schools that rarely leave campus to fully student-directed trips. Along the way, we talk honestly about the very real points of resistance: Cost, logistics, and time Safety, supervision, and behavior concerns Administrative pressure about “instructional time” The overwhelm teachers feel when planning But instead of stopping there, we reframe those challenges as opportunities. We also share examples of interdisciplinary field trips that blend social studies, science, math, language, and sustainability, discussing how the best trips are never built in isolation. And maybe most importantly, we remind ourselves: If we want real-world learning… we actually have to go into the real world. Or at the very least, intentionally bring it in! We want to hear from you: What are your field trip hacks? How are you navigating resistance? How are you making experiences meaningful and curriculum-connected? Our Edvolution newsletter comes out every other Monday (on non-podcast weeks), and we have a submission section just for educators like you. Use this form to send us: 250 words A photo of yourself Your field trip insight, strategy, or story We’d love to feature you. Connect with us any time on LinkedIn or email us at edvolution.services@gmail.com.

    33 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Education is evolving, and we’re here for it. Edvolution is a podcast for educators, school leaders, and changemakers passionate about service learning, sustainability, global citizenship, and edible education. Join hosts Sandra Carden, Laurence Myers, and Melisa Pubil as we share real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights to help you navigate challenges, and create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your impact, we’re here to support, inspire, and empower you.

Information

  • Creator
    Edvolution Services
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Edvolution Podcast