The Growth Over Grades Podcast

In the seventeenth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan is joined by Jeff Petty, a longtime educator, coach, and school founder affiliated with Big Picture Learning. Jeff reflects on his unconventional start in education as a mountaineering instructor and how that immersive, reflective experience shaped his view of teaching and learning. Together, they explore the importance of rich dialogue arou...

In this episode, we sit down with Jed Stefanowicz, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at Nashoba Regional School District, to explore the power of content creation in education. Jed shares insights on shifting from a compliance-driven curriculum to a student-centered learning model, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy, learner competencies, and authentic engagement. We dive int...

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with Dr. Matt Townsley, associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa. They explore how standards-based grading provides a more meaningful diagnosis of student learning compared to traditional point-based systems. Matt shares his journey from high school math teacher to leading district-wide grading reform at S...

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana. They explore Eastern Hancock's innovative approach to education built on four key promises: joy, connection, growth, and success. George shares insights on hosting the Joy Jam conference, transitioning from teacher evaluation to a teacher growth system, and develop...

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with Brenda Pena, Director of Mental Health, Social-Emotional Learning, and Specialized Student Supports at Chelsea Public Schools. They explore Chelsea's comprehensive approach to student wellbeing, including their successful restorative practices and district-wide SEL leadership model. Brenda shares insights on integrating social-emotiona...

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly, Superintendent of Mount Olive School District and author of the upcoming book "Lead with Hope." They explore how personal tragedy inspired her journey into education and shaped her transformative leadership framework centered on H.O.P.E (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance, Excellenc...

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with PJ Caposey, Superintendent of Oregon Community Unit School District 220 and Meridian CUSD 223. They discuss the critical importance of durable skills in K-12 education, how to effectively measure student growth, and preparing students for future success beyond traditional academics. PJ shares practical insights on implementing durable sk...

In the tenth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Cynthia Ritchie, Superintendent of New London Schools in Connecticut. They discuss innovative instruction, flexible learning models, and the shift away from the traditional school-year calendar. Finally, Cynthia shares her insights on driving innovation in school districts while keeping students at the heart of the work.

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Michael Crawford, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at America Succeeds. Together, they explore the transformative impact of prioritizing durable skills in teaching and learning. Drawing from his own experience, Michael shares valuable advice for leaders and educators striving to adopt skills-based approaches in education.

In the eighth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Alissa Muller, Director of Policy at the Washington State Board of Education, to discuss mastery-based learning (MBL). Together, they explore the concepts of culturally responsive-sustaining MBL and examine the challenges and benefits of these teaching models. Alissa also shares valuable insights on how to gain traction in implemen...

In this episode of Growth over Grades, Alin Bennett and Bobbi Macdonald from Education Reimagined join Jordan to share their expertise in learner-centred education. They delve into the foundations of this approach, discussing what it means to place learners at the center, the evolving role of teachers, and the key changes needed in assessment practices. They also highlight how learner-centred educ...

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with educator and Magnet Coordinator Claire Romzek about how the Portrait of a Learner cultivates future readiness in her students. Claire emphasizes that, alongside the Portrait of a Learner (POL), ungrading, project-based learning (PBL), and competency-based learning (CBL) collaboratively equip students for success in their futures. She shares...

In the fifth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Dana Addis, an experienced educational leader dedicated to equipping students for the future through the Portrait of a Graduate (PoG). In this engaging conversation, they delve into the PoG, with Dana sharing valuable insights and practical strategies for leaders eager to transition to a growth-oriented approach in teaching.

In this episode of the Growth Over Grades podcast, Jordan Lewis chats with Julia Bamba, a principal on special assignment, driving secondary innovation in Washington. They dive into the benefits of mastery-based learning, discussing how to engage families, leverage technology, and celebrate student success. Julia also shares practical tips for educators looking to start their journey toward educat...

In this episode of the "Growth Over Grades" podcast, host Jordan Lewis sits down with Michael Hale, Co-Founder of Expeditionary Schools, to discuss the transformative power of Expeditionary Learning. Michael discusses how building strong community connections and aligning Standards-Based Grading with the Portrait of a Graduate can foster deeper student engagement. With a focus on practic...

The Kentucky Division of Innovative Learning has been pivotal in advancing practices that promote deeper learning in classrooms. In the second episode of Season 3 of the "Growth Over Grades" podcast, host Jordan Lewis speaks with Rob Collins , Innovative Programs Consultant. They discuss the essential role of fostering a reciprocal relationship between schools and communities to effectiv...

The traditional education model has long been critiqued for its focus on grades over genuine learning. In the first episode of Season 3 of the "Growth Over Grades" podcast, Jordan Lewis delves into this issue with Bryanna Hanson , Director of Learning Design, and Liz Perry , Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Learner-Centered Collaborative. Their discussion highlights the transfor...

The Growth Over Grades podcast is back for season 3! We're connecting you with thought leaders, pioneers, and change agents who are leading the charge to support schools and districts in making the shift toward competency-based education and promoting growth over grades.  Follow our podcast to stay updated on the latest episodes and be part of this transformative movement!  https://linktr.ee/...

In our very last episode of LIVE from IDEAcon, we feature three amazing women educators and leaders: Kit Jenkins, Sarah Said, and Mandy Froehlich. Kit Jenkins is a retired teacher and professor emeritus who still teaches one class a semester at Webster University. Her story of attending IDEAcon might just blow you away. She came to find out more about AI and has new goals as she leaves. Kit encour...

Listen to our third LIVE episode from IDEAcon in Schaumburg, IL. This exciting episode features Victoria Thompson, Becky Keene, and Andre Daughty. Victoria Thompson a.k.a. "Victoria the Tech" is an educator, author, speaker and Education Strategist at CDW. She shares about her sessions, which highlight cross-curricular teachers working together, interdisciplinary learning and planning, a...

Listen to our second LIVE IDEAcon featuring IL educator, Carrie Baughcum, and Featured Speaker, Jed Dearybury, who returns to the Growth Over Grades Podcast. Carrie Baughcum has been an educator for 26 years and specializes in teaching students with IEPs. Her new session was about helping create a strong foundation for educators to help them throughout their careers. She has her own Doodle & C...

Listen to our first LIVE From IDEAcon Episode featuring Illinois Educators Don Sturm, Tyler Hunt, and Dr. Rachael Mahmood. This LIVE episode is uncut and super fun! Don Sturm has been an educator for three decades and is the President-Elect of IDEA. We talk about the importance of adapting to change in education and edtech and the importance of helping our students become creators when we use tech...

In this episode, we speak with Adam Watson, Deeper Learning Design Specialist of Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative . Adam is an award-winning educator who was named KySTE Outstanding Leader of the Year in 2018-19. Before his current role he served as an English teacher and Shelby County’s first Technology Integration Coach. Adam has MANY accomplishments in his field, but it’s definitely worth no...

In this episode, we speak with Seth Fleischauer and Allyson Mitchell. Seth is the president of Banyan Global Learning , which he founded in 2008 after teaching elementary school via NYC Teaching Fellows. Banyan provides unique live virtual teacher training in AI Literacy and mindful tech adoption. With Banyan he first pioneered a unique daily distance learning English program, offering IRL and int...

In episode 10, we speak with David Cook, Kentucky Department of Education Director of Innovative Learning. David has helped bring to life a new vision from United We Learn, that involves community stakeholders and an adoption of a Portrait of a Learner. David Cook and his team have an important role with the Kentucky Department of Education. From their website, it says  “​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Division...