One of the solutions to evolving our education system is place-based learning, where students learn through inquiry-based lessons in a physical location that’s suited to that lesson. As an advisory board member of Teton Science Schools, the global leader in place-based education, this week’s guest knows this concept well.

After beginning a career in energy, retail and business, Tom Vander Ark realized in his early 30s that he needed to make a difference for kids. That’s when his long career in education began and he’s since worked as a school superintendent and as a leader at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among other notable roles.

What I love about the conversation I had with Tom is his ability to see a big future for micro-schools, especially in the aftermath of Coronavirus. Tom shares ideas for how we can apply this present learning from the pandemic as we look to the fall and returning to classrooms. We talk about making classrooms more agile, meeting kids where they’re at and continuing the relationships that kids have with school and home. He also discusses design thinking principles and the five key features of a place-based model.

About Tom Vander Ark

Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises schools, districts, networks, foundations and learning organizations on the path forward. A prolific writer and speaker, Tom is author of Getting Smart, Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, Smart Parents, Better Together and The Power of Place and has published thousands of articles and co-authored more than 50 books and white papers. He writes regularly on GettingSmart.com, LinkedIn, and contributes to Forbes.

Previously he served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tom served as a public school superintendent in Washington State and has extensive private sector experience. Tom is a board member for Education Board Partners, Director for 4.0 Schools, Digital Learning Institute, Latinx Education Collaborative, and eduInnovation and an Advisor for One Stone, Teton Science Schools and Whittle School & Studios.

Jump Through the Conversation

[2:46] Tom’s book on place-based learning
[3:03] Tom’s collaboration with Teton Science Schools, the global leader in place-based education
[3:53] Discusses design thinking principles and the five key features of a place-based model
[4:15] Community as classroom
[5:54] Inquiry-based learning
[6:48] Interdisciplinary approach to learning
[7:28] Tom shares ideas for how we can apply this present learning from the pandemic as we look to the fall and reopening
[11:23] Tom’s Magic Wand: “I’d like to see millions of micro-schools around the world, even inside large comprehensive schools. The best possible way to invent the future is to create a small version of our best conception.”
[14:44] Maureen sharing resources to unpack Tom’s powerful learning concepts

Links and Resources

• Email Tom
• Getting Smart
• Teton Science Schools
• Tom’s book: The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education
• Education Reimagined book interview
• Place Network Schools, a national network of schools
• Learning centered (Education Reimagined definition)
• Community as Classroom: High Tech High model and their documentary Most Likely to Succeed
• Agency–student voice and choice on path, pace, and place
• Email Maureen
• Facebook: Follow Education Evolution
• Twitter: Follow Education Evolution
• LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution
• Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids

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