Disrupt Education Podcast

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Peter and Alli welcome back Jason Van Nus for an insightful discussion on the power of failure in education. They explore why students need real-world challenges, how work-based learning fosters resilience, and why embracing failure leads to growth. The conversation dives into breaking down academic silos, leveraging LinkedIn for student portfolios, and pushin...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter and Alli welcome back guest Jason Van Nus for a rapid follow-up conversation after just two months. The discussion kicks off with Jason’s argument with ChatGPT over the term "underemployment" and how language shapes perceptions of education and career readiness. Jason critiques the term "College and Career Ready," arguing that it falsely prio...

In this Disrupt Education recap episode, Peter and Alli dive into the powerful lessons and insights shared by Bobby Miller, a passionate and innovative woodshop teacher. Bobby’s story inspires educators by showcasing how clear boundaries, purposeful work, and student autonomy can revolutionize a classroom. From leveraging technology creatively to empower students to crafting systems that allow the...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, hosts Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl interview Bobby Miller, the passionate educator behind Mr. Miller's Woodshop. Bobby shares his student-centered teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of allowing students to guide their own learning experiences in the woodshop. He discusses how this approach fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and a de...

In this recap episode of Disrupt Education, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl revisit their insightful conversation with Mark Covelle, a passionate advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Mark’s journey from traditional education to championing CTE underscores the power of disrupting outdated mindsets. Peter and Alli highlight Mark’s revelation about the unintended consequences of the “col...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Dr. Mark Covelle, Administrative Director at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, shares his insights on transforming career and technical education (CTE). He dives into how MBIT connects students with industry professionals, fostering real-world skills and career readiness. Dr. Covelle emphasizes the power of collaboration, innovative pedagogy, and leadershi...

In this episode, Alli and Peter conclude the winter series by reflecting on powerful insights shared by inspiring guests. From Marc Isseks’ take on breaking educational norms to Dr. Sandra Adams’ strategies for inclusive innovation, each conversation explored how educators are sparking change from within schools. Jason Walke shared actionable tips for building community-focused learning, while Dr....

In part two with our guest Jason Van Nus, we dive into the $1.88 million economic impact his work-based learning programs have achieved. Discover how Jason uses these numbers to build powerful partnerships with local leaders and industries while transforming workforce development. Learn actionable strategies for breaking down silos and making innovative practices accessible to all. This is a must-...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Jason Van Nus, Director of Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Programs in Georgia, shares groundbreaking strategies to engage industry partners and transform education. Jason discusses recruiting partners before students, pitching value over altruism, and leveraging LinkedIn for public recognition. He also highlights his "31 in 31" campaign, a creati...

In this episode, Alli and Peter recap their conversation with TJ Vari, unpacking his transformative approach to education leadership. TJ shares how aligning schools around a clear North Star—helping every student develop a viable post-secondary plan—can redefine success in education. Alli and Peter discuss how focusing on skill development, career readiness, and meaningful conversations with stude...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education podcast, hosts Alli and Peter engage with Dr. T.J. Vari. Dr. Vari, a seasoned educator and co-founder of TheSchoolHouse302, shares his insights on creating viable post-secondary plans for students, emphasizing the importance of career exploration and the role of school leadership in fostering innovative educational environments. He advocates for personalize...

In this recap, Peter and Alli dive into the groundbreaking work of Jason Walke, who’s redefining education in rural Indiana. They explore the unique agility and innovation opportunities in small school districts, emphasizing how limited resources can spark creativity. Jason's story highlights how rural schools, with supportive communities and bold leadership, can disrupt traditional education mode...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education podcast, Peter and Alli sit down with Jason Walke, Senior Internship Coordinator and educator at Oldenburg Academy. Jason shares his inspiring journey from being a professional golf pro to an innovative educator, shaping the futures of students through experiential learning. He explains how every senior at Oldenburg graduates with a semester-long internship...

In this recap episode of Disrupt Education, Alli Dahl and Peter Hostrawser reflect on their inspiring conversation with Dr. Sandra Adams. Sandra, a powerhouse educator and administrator at the Career Academy in Fort Wayne Community Schools, shared how a single “yes” from an administrator transformed her vision into an expansive program connecting students to businesses. Peter and Alli dive into ke...

Dr. Sandra Adams joins Alli and Peter to explore innovative strategies in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Sandra shares how shifting mindsets, embracing failures, and fostering student engagement can transform traditional learning. From her "figure it out" approach to collaborative problem-solving, to embedding technical vocabulary in meaningful contexts, Sandra highlights how her Career Aca...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter and Alli dive into the transformative power of reimagining education. Inspired by Marc Isseks' insights from his book Captivate, they explore the “blank page” exercise—a strategy for educators to reset and innovate when feeling stuck. They discuss building grassroots movements by fostering small, creative tribes within schools and the importa...

Alli Dahl and Peter Hostrawser kick off 2025 with The Ultimate Educators series, featuring Marc Isseks, an administrator redefining education from within. In this episode, Marc shares his approach to captivating classrooms by embracing novelty, creativity, and a "get messy" mindset. From creating AI-driven lessons in real time to blending trebuchets and cultural competency, Marc’s anecdotes highli...

In this special year-end episode of Disrupt Education, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Privitt reflect on an incredible 2024! From series like How to Disrupt Education, The Mindset of an Educational Disruptor, and The Why of a Disruptor, they revisit powerful conversations with innovative guests who challenged the status quo in education. Peter and Alli also share key lessons learned and how they’ve app...

In this episode, we recap an incredible series featuring thought leaders disrupting education. Mark Perna emphasized understanding and adapting to Gen Z's values, while Christine Cruzvergara highlighted the urgency of evolving career services to match today’s fast-paced world. Brooke Rice from NAF shared the transformative power of work-based learning and how to start small with strong community p...

In this episode, Peter and Alli explore how educators can transform their approach by embracing vulnerability, staying present, and bringing play into learning. Drawing from guest Jen’s skydiving experiences, they discuss how facing fear and being “in the moment” can lead to personal and educational growth. Key takeaways include the importance of self-awareness, allowing students to take ownership...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, we dive deep into embracing simplicity, letting go, and the surprising impact of skydiving on educational perspectives. Jen Sharp, a seasoned skydiving instructor and former drop zone owner, shares how “being lazy” isn’t about disengagement, but about efficient action and focusing on what truly matters. She challenges the fixation on solving every problem imme...

In this Disrupt Education episode, we explore how authentic, experience-based learning transforms students' academic journeys. We discuss how collaboration across different subjects and with real-world organizations can lead to meaningful, memorable education that moves beyond "checking boxes" and truly prepares students for the workforce. We highlight the role of school culture, the importance of...

In this episode, co-hosts Peter Hostrawser and Alli Privitt sit down with Dan Gonzalez, CEO and co-founder of District C, to discuss how his “Teamship” model is transforming education. Dan shares how District C connects high school students with real-world business challenges, equipping them with durable skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication. A former high schoo...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education podcast, co-hosts Peter Hostrawser and Alli Privitt dive deep into how community partnerships can transform educational experiences. They discuss the importance of work-based learning, highlighting how real-world exposure and internships can guide students toward career pathways. With guest insights from Brooke, they explore strategies for connecting studen...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Brooke Rice from NAF discusses the power of work-based learning in helping students build aspirations, gain durable skills, and form critical social connections. She shares how NAF’s data-driven approach tracks student progress, encouraging intentional growth through exposure to real-world experiences. Brooke also highlights impactful stories of st...