Episodes

  • Designing Possibilities with Stanford’s Laura McBain: How Innovation and Equity Shape the Future

    Designing Possibilities with Stanford’s Laura McBain: How Innovation and Equity Shape the Future
    Feb 3 2025
    In this episode of Elevating Futures, Dr. Tracee Perryman sits down with Laura McBain, Managing Director and Co-Director of the K-12 Lab at Stanford’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school). With over 25 years of experience in educational leadership and innovation, Laura shares her personal journey from overcoming early learning challenges to becoming a trailblazer in human-centered design and educational transformation. Together, they explore how design thinking can empower educators, students, and communities to unlock creativity, foster empathy, and shape meaningful futures. Discover inspiring projects like immersive escape rooms that reimagine assessment, toolkits for identifying "positive deviants" in education, and visionary methods for integrating parents and students into conversations about the future of learning. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of education, innovation, and equity, offering actionable insights for educators, administrators, and changemakers. Tune in to be inspired and learn how to design the future of education!

    Links from the discussion:
    K12 Futures Library - https://dlibrary.stanford.edu/k12-futures
    Positive Deviance Toolkit for Educators: https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources/positive-deviance-toolkit-for-educators
    Deeper Learning Puzzle Bus - https://dschool.stanford.edu/k12-lab-network/puzzles?
    Emerging Tech x Design - https://dschool.stanford.edu/emerging-tech?
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    40 mins
  • Redesigning Education with Jenee Henry Wood: Schools Where Every Student Thrives

    Redesigning Education with Jenee Henry Wood: Schools Where Every Student Thrives
    Jan 6 2025
    Dr. Tracee Perryman is joined byJenee Henry Wood, Chief Learning Officer at Transcend and co-author of Extraordinary Learning for All: How Communities Design Schools Where Everyone Thrives. Together, they explore the transformative potential of community-based design in education, moving beyond traditional models to create school systems that serve all students holistically. Jenee shares her journey from a special education teacher in Atlanta to a national leader in school innovation, shedding light on how personalized and inclusive school designs can enhance both student engagement and achievement. Listeners will hear Jenee's insights on the importance of shifting from an “industrial” model of schooling to one that values student experiences and community voices. Jenee also offers practical advice for educators, parents, and community members who want to advocate for and engage in school redesign. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for anyone passionate about empowering young people and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
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    52 mins
  • Empowering Tomorrow: Expanding Diversity and Access in STEM with Dr. James L. Moore III

    Empowering Tomorrow: Expanding Diversity and Access in STEM with Dr. James L. Moore III
    Dec 2 2024
    Dr. Tracee Perryman welcomes Dr. James L. Moore III, the Assistant Director for STEM Education at the U.S. National Science Foundation. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of STEM education and the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion in these fields. Dr. Moore shares insights into the NSF's current initiatives aimed at broadening participation in STEM, especially for underrepresented groups. They discuss how creating equitable access to education and resources can pave the way for the next generation of innovators and leaders. The conversation delves into the critical role educators and institutions play in shaping futures through STEM, while also addressing the challenges that come with this mission. Dr. Perryman and Dr. Moore emphasize the importance of mentorship and leadership in supporting students' academic and career pathways. Listeners will be inspired by the strategies and stories shared, highlighting the transformative power of education.
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    49 mins
  • Leading with Grace: Unlocking Purpose and Accountability with John Baldoni

    Leading with Grace: Unlocking Purpose and Accountability with John Baldoni
    Nov 4 2024
    In this episode of Elevating Futures, Dr. Tracee Perryman speaks with leadership expert John Baldoni about the vital role of grace and purpose in leadership. John shares his journey from marketing to becoming an executive coach, highlighting how leadership has evolved in today's world. They explore how grace fosters trust and accountability within organizations and its key role in building community. John also offers practical advice on balancing grace with accountability and managing challenging work environments. This insightful conversation provides valuable guidance on leading with purpose and leaving a lasting legacy through service to others.

    To find out more about Tracee’s work at Center of Hope Family Services go to cohfs.org
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    59 mins
  • Leading with Empathy: Tom Murray on Innovation and Equity in Education

    Leading with Empathy: Tom Murray on Innovation and Equity in Education
    Oct 7 2024
    In the premiere episode of Elevating Futures with Tracee Perryman, Tracee sits down with Tom Murray, Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools. Tom shares his journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming a national leader in education reform, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and student-centered learning. They discuss the critical role of empathy and leadership in education, particularly in tackling issues of equity and access. Tom also highlights Future Ready Schools' initiatives that promote sustainable, evidence-based change in districts across the country. Together, they explore how schools can prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to hear insights on creating innovative, equitable educational environments that foster both student and teacher success.

    To find out more about Tracee’s work at Center of Hope Family Services go to cohfs.org
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    53 mins