Innovations in Education with David Adams

The Urban Assembly
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  • EDUCATION
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Urban Assembly CEO and social-emotional learning expert David Adams talks with people who have solved problems and made things work to improve public education. Learn more about The Urban Assembly at www.urbanassembly.org.

  1. David Adams Live from the Fund for the City of New York | AI, Teacher Development, and Building Trust that Scales | Interviewed by Dr. Lisette Nieves

    JAN 29

    David Adams Live from the Fund for the City of New York | AI, Teacher Development, and Building Trust that Scales | Interviewed by Dr. Lisette Nieves

    LIVE! from the Fund for the City of New York in SoHo, New York. In this special live-audience episode of Innovations in Education, the tables are turned as our host, David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly, moves from the interviewer’s chair to the spotlight. Hosted at the Fund for the City of New York’s headquarters, David sits down with Lisette Nieves, President of the Fund, for a candid and high-stakes exploration of how artificial intelligence is being harnessed to solve the most persistent challenges in public education. From Sci-Fi to Schoolrooms David traces his journey from his family's deep roots in education and his 23 years of service in the Army Reserve to a lifelong obsession with Star Trek that informs his view of technology. For David, AI isn’t a replacement for the "Captain Picards" of our classrooms; it is the computer on the bridge that provides the data necessary to "Make it so". He argues that the quality of AI output is directly tied to the level of intention and inquiry of the human user, noting that AI should support, not replace, human judgment. Redefining Teacher Development: Project Cafe The heart of the conversation dives into the Classroom Automated Feedback Environment, known as Project Cafe. David breaks down how the Urban Assembly is using AI to bypass the resource constraints of instructional coaching by delivering high-quality, 10-second clips of classroom interactions directly to teachers. 🔹 Teacher Agency Over Evaluation: David explains why Project Cafe is a "drip" of professional development rather than an "avalanche of evaluation," focusing on teacher growth over administrative scrutiny. 🔹 The Power of the Clip: Instead of reviewing 45-minute videos, teachers receive automated highlights of high-leverage moments—like redirections and open-ended questions—to help them sharpen their own professional judgment. 🔹 Scaling Trust: David addresses the "third rail" of education—video recording—by outlining a design philosophy rooted in teacher privacy, where videos remain private unless the teacher chooses to share them. Solving for Constraints Beyond the classroom, David shares insights into CounselorGPT, a tool designed to close the information gap for students navigating post-secondary pathways. By analyzing labor market data, the tool provides students with information on high-return credentials, alleviating the burden on counselors who often manage 1-to-400 student ratios. David emphasizes that they are not waiting for the policy environment to catch up; they are creating it actively by working with partners like the EdSafe Alliance to ensure technology protects both students and teachers. Key Takeaways from the SoHo Event: 🔹 The "Both/And" of Tech: We must balance high-tech tools with the high-touch relationships and motivation that drive student engagement. 🔹 Incentivizing Growth: The narrative must shift from "not getting fired" to "mastering the craft" through self-reflection and professional efficacy. 🔹 The Future of Innovation: The Urban Assembly is working with partners like TFA and New York City Public Schools to scale these solutions while refusing to trade off trust for speed. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Innovations in Education live at the Fund for the City of New York 04:47 - David’s personal "why": Family legacy and the Army Reserve 07:21 - How Star Trek’s computer modeled the perfect AI partnership 11:12 - Breaking down the constraints: Time, Knowledge, and Resources 13:56 - Addressing the "Third Rail": Trust and Teacher Evaluation 18:40 - How Project Cafe works: Automated feedback for educators 31:12 - Creating the policy environment for safe AI adoption 39:15 - Audience Q&A: Scaling trust and supporting new teachers Like, follow, and subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on the leaders making things work in public education.

    57 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Michelle Navarre | Character, Crew, and Reflection | Lessons from the Polaris Charter Academy

    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly, sits down with Michelle Navarre, the Founder and Executive Director of Polaris Charter Academy in Chicago. A former Golden Apple Award winner for excellence in teaching, Navarre discusses the founding principles of her school and why she believes character development is the essential foundation for rigorous academic growth. Navarre explores the evolution of the charter movement since Polaris opened its doors in 2007, emphasizing that a clear mission and strong adult culture are the prerequisites for student success. From the daily ritual of greeting every student by name to the implementation of AI-driven tools for teacher reflection, Navarre illustrates how Polaris balances traditional human connection with forward-thinking innovation. Key Takeaways: > Character as the Core: Polaris prioritizes educating students to be self-motivated, creative, critical thinkers through the "Points of Polaris": integrity, compassion, exploration, critical thinking, and active citizenship. > The "Crew" Philosophy: Borrowing from Outward Bound, the school uses "Crew" as both a structure for daily meetings and a culture of mutual responsibility where students and staff are "not passengers". > Adult Culture Sets the Ceiling: Student culture never outpacing adult culture, leading Polaris to implement "staff crew" and "leadership touch" exercises to build empathy and gratitude among educators. > AI as a Reflective Tool: Rather than fearing automation, Polaris utilizes AI tools to help teachers analyze their own questioning techniques and discourse practices, freeing them to focus on the human elements of instruction. > Discipline as Learning: Moving away from punitive systems, the school defines discipline through its Latin roots—as a process of learning and developing self-control. Why You Should Listen: Michelle Navarre offers a masterclass in sustainable school leadership. At a time when educator retention is a national crisis, Navarre shares how Polaris maintained a 100% teacher retention rate last year by treating teaching as a respected profession and prioritizing collective "togetherness". Whether you are a classroom teacher or a district leader, this conversation provides a blueprint for creating schools where both students and adults feel seen, known, and challenged to grow. Like, share, and subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on the leaders making public education work. Time Stamps: [00:01:00] Introduction to Michelle Navarre and her career achievements. [00:03:00] The origin story: From a 5th-grade classroom to founding a school. [00:07:00] Non-negotiables and the "one-pager" that built Polaris. [00:13:00] The importance of greeting students and being "known [00:17:00] Defining "Crew" and the power of peer responsibility. [00:23:00] Why student culture cannot outpace adult culture. [00:28:00] Strategies for teacher retention and staff gratitude. [00:32:00] Lessons learned from the virtual classroom during the pandemic. [00:35:00] The "Points of Polaris" and the Light Leader recognition [00:39:00] Utilizing AI to enhance teacher discourse and reflection [00:45:00] Final thoughts: The teacher as a mirror for student potential.

    48 min

  3. 10/07/2025

    Richard Stopol and Laurie Adams from NYC Outward Bound | Education as an Expedition: Character, Crew, and Democracy

    In this insightful episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams of the Urban Assembly sits down with two exceptional leaders from New York City Outward Bound Schools (NYCOBS): founding force and former CEO Richard Stopol and current CEO Laurie Adams. We explore a philosophy of education that sees the classroom, and the community, as a challenging expedition requiring both rigor and deep support. Richard Stopol, who led NYCOBS from its 1989 inception, shares the core themes of his new book, Inward and Outward: Reflections on Education, Democracy, and the Human Spirit. He sees a vital link between educational excellence and the health of our democracy, viewing the book as a way to engage on these crucial issues. The essays reflect a surprising strain of optimism, rooted in the belief that we can overcome division by "making the circle bigger"—engaging with those who think differently and tapping into our common humanity. Laurie Adams articulates the organization's mission to bring the transformative experience of an Outward Bound course—"challenge with support"—into the heart of the nation's largest education system. This philosophy is brought to life through the core concept of "Crew, Not Passengers," which offers students a place of belonging and a safe space through an in-school advisory. We hear why this focus on interdependence is essential today. For Laurie, this work is about equipping young people to navigate a rapidly changing world by focusing on critical thinking, civility, and respect. Richard adds that the crew structure is a space where students practice the skills of listening and dialogue, positioning them to find common ground in ways adults often struggle to. Both leaders stress that the goal isn't "fixing" young people, but rather helping them discover their own capabilities and unlock the greatness already within them. The conversation is a powerful argument for a whole-child approach, one that acknowledges that social-emotional learning and academic learning are inextricably linked. Whether it’s facing a difficult task on a wilderness course or engaging in a complex classroom debate, the pedagogy centers on providing a productive struggle. As Richard puts it, the most important thing educators can do is genuinely believe in the potential and greatness of every young person. The "Crew, Not Passengers" ethos, they hope, will prove sticky—not just in schools, but as a framework for how we live in relationship and community to one another. We explore the roots of experiential education—from the philosophies of Kurt Hahn to indigenous knowledge systems—and hear why the courage to stand up for what's right is riskier than ever. This episode provides an essential roadmap for building a support base where students feel safe, even across deep differences, equipping them to lead and thrive in their communities. Subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts to find more conversations with leaders who are making things work in education. 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:43 Meet the Guests: Richard Stopol and Laurie Adams 03:00 Richard Stopol's Journey and New Book 07:06 Laurie Adams on Leading NYC Outward Bound Schools 11:29 The Philosophy of Crew and Educational Impact 14:51 Challenges and Hopes for the Future 19:53 Empowerment and Responsibility in Education 23:14 Optimism and Resilience in Society 23:59 Success, Failure, and Persistence 24:39 The Role of Challenge and Support in Education 27:39 Empowering Students Through Community 30:49 Universal Values in Education 35:37 Critical Thinking and Adaptability 40:06 The Importance of Social and Emotional Learning 42:44 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

    46 min

  4. 07/08/2025

    Education Reform in Action: Insights from Josh Thomases

    This episode of Innovations in Education with David Adams features Josh Thomases, a seasoned educator, leader, and CEO of IPsquared, a leadership consulting firm, discussing his decades of experience at the intersection of education, equity, and innovation. Why Listen? Solving Education's Toughest Problems: Josh shares insights from his extensive career, including his time at the Great Oaks Foundation, Bank Street College of Education, and the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). He highlights how he helped launch over 350 small schools in New York City, a model proven to significantly improve graduation and college outcomes for underserved students. Transforming a System: Learn about the challenges faced by the NYCDOE in the early 2000s, such as inconsistent accountability, a favor-based system, and stagnant graduation rates. Thomases explains the "Children First initiative" and the shift towards a system of "great schools" where the school itself was the unit of change. Key Innovations Discussed: Fair Student Funding: Discover how shifting funding from a per-teacher basis to a per-student basis incentivized schools to take on more challenging students and promoted equity. Accountability Systems and Comparison Groups: Understand the development of public report cards and comparison groups that allowed schools to contextualize their performance while still being held accountable for student outcomes and growth. New School Development: Hear about the strategy of closing large, underperforming schools and opening new, smaller schools to drive innovation and improve outcomes. Operational Excellence: Thomases emphasizes the importance of central departments adopting a service mentality, ensuring essential functions like timely teacher payments, efficient busing, quality school food, and facility repairs operate smoothly to support educators. Key Takeaways: Data-Driven Decision Making: The importance of transparency and utilizing data to understand student needs and drive continuous improvement. Fostering Innovation: How large school systems can foster innovation without "experimenting on students" by creating opportunities for diverse approaches. Collective Responsibility: The fundamental idea that a school system must take responsibility for educating every child in its community, regardless of perceived challenges. Learning from Experience: The need to systematize how schools and systems learn from their successes and failures, moving beyond anecdotal evidence. Embracing the Political Nature of Schools: Acknowledging that schools are political spaces and fostering dialogue across differences within these community institutions. This episode offers valuable lessons for current education reform efforts, emphasizing that good policy and a focus on incentives, accountability, and systemic support can drive positive outcomes. Don't miss future episodes – subscribe to Innovations in Education wherever you get your podcasts today. To learn more, visit us the Urban Assembly.

    47 min

  5. 06/03/2025

    Bridging the Education and Workforce Gap with Dr. Jonah Schenker and Peter Harris from Ulster BOCES

    Join host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, as he welcomes Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent, and Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Career Pathways, from Ulster BOCES to the Innovations in Education. Dr. Schenker and Mr. Harris explain BOCES' role as an educational service agency focused on shared services, efficiency, and economic benefits for school districts in Ulster County, New York. The conversation centers on IPark 87, a new initiative designed to address the persistent mismatch between educational outputs and labor market needs. Peter describes IPark 87 as an "agglomeration project" focused on bringing together resources to become a workforce developer for the campus and the county through CTE and adult education. This innovative approach aims to fill labor gaps by offering agile labs for both high school students and adults, encompassing fields like aviation, culinary arts, healthcare, finance, and criminal justice. The discussion also tackles the stigma often associated with career technical education, emphasizing that the outdated vocational model is no longer relevant. Instead, Ulster BOCES focuses on fostering engagement, relevancy, and joy in learning, leading to increased enrollment in CTE programs despite declining overall school enrollments. To hear more great content around innovations in education, subscribe to the podcast. Visit us at the Urban Assembly to learn more.

    50 min

  6. 05/06/2025

    Opening Minds with International Education with Shaun Carver, CEO and Executive Director at International House @ UC Berkeley

    This episode of Innovations in Education takes us beyond the K-12 sector to explore the vital role of international education in higher ed. Host David Adams speaks with Dr. Shaun Carver, CEO and Executive Director of the International House at UC Berkeley, about the importance of creating inclusive communities that embrace diverse perspectives.   Dr. Carver shares insights from the I House's century-long commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue, addressing critical questions about the value of diversity in education, the complexities of free speech, and how we can cultivate the next generation of empathetic, globally-minded citizens. Like what you're hearing? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at The Urban Assembly to learn more.

    43 min

  7. 04/01/2025

    Bridging Innovation and Education with Tiffany Taylor, Partner and Co-President ASU+GSV

    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams interviews Tiffany Taylor, Partner and Co-President at ASU+GSV Summit and Partner at GSV Ventures, about her journey from education to ed tech and her vision for the future of learning. Taylor emphasizes that her work is driven by a commitment to ensuring access and opportunity for all learners, with a focus on empowering students to use their agency and become leaders.   Taylor discusses the importance of bridging the gap between educators and entrepreneurs, and stresses that collaboration between them is essential to drive innovation and prepare the next generation of learners.   The conversation also explores the potential of AI to transform public education by addressing the rigor gap and creating personalized learning experiences. Taylor highlights the Google GSV Educational Innovation Fellowship, a program that empowers education leaders to implement technology as a lever for equity, innovation, and measurable outcomes.   Key Takeaways: Access and opportunity are the through lines in Taylor’s career, from teaching to ed tech. Collaboration between educators and entrepreneurs is crucial for driving meaningful innovation in education.   AI has the potential to transform public education by addressing the rigor gap and creating personalized learning experiences.   Empowering students and including their voices is essential to shape the future of education.   Call to Action: Don't miss out on more insightful discussions with education leaders who are making a difference! Subscribe to Innovations in Education and share this episode to spread the word about the power of innovation in transforming education. Visit UrbanAssembly.org for more. 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:50 Meet Tiffany Taylor: A Career of Impact 03:15 The Detroit Experience: Challenges and Resilience 05:58 Innovative Partnerships and Solutions 08:04 GSV and the Role of AI in Education 21:09 Empowering Students and Future Innovations 31:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    34 min

  8. 03/19/2025 · BONUS

    NYC Mayoral Candidate Forum on Innovations in Education with David Adams

    Join us for a Special Episode of Innovations in Education with David Adams. Mayoral candidates in New York City discuss their plans for public education at a forum hosted by David Adams, Urban Assembly CEO, and Dr. Meisha Porter, Chair of the Urban Assembly Board. Dr. Porter kicks off the forum, emphasizing the importance of education as the heart of the city and its role in shaping the future. David welcomes folks highlighting the UA’s dedication to bringing together innovators who are making a difference in public education.   The candidates, Whitney Tilson, Collin Thompson, Deirdre Levy, and Jim Walden, answer questions from Urban Assembly School for Applied Math and Science students Hayden Corcino and Adrian Valdez, and share their perspectives on critical education issues. We conclude with a recorded message from candidate Michael Blake who wasn't able to attend. Student questions drive the conversation as candidates discuss topics including integrating AI into schools, addressing teacher retention, and ensuring equitable education for all students. The forum also explores the balance between mayoral control and community input in shaping education policies. Don't miss this special look into the educational priorities and vision from candidates for office of Mayor of New York City. Subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts. Visit the UA's website for more.

    1h 12m
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Urban Assembly CEO and social-emotional learning expert David Adams talks with people who have solved problems and made things work to improve public education. Learn more about The Urban Assembly at www.urbanassembly.org.

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