In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of data in education with Chris Hull, former educator and co-founder of Otus. Otus is a K-12 assessment and data insights platform designed to centralize the many fragmented tools educators use and provide actionable data to drive student success. Chris brings a deep understanding of the classroom and a passion for leveraging technology to empower teachers, students, and families.

We talk about the overwhelming nature of data in schools today and how Otus helps educators move from being "data rich but information poor" to truly data-informed. Chris explains how the platform supports intentional instruction, fosters collaboration across stakeholders, and simplifies the daily workflow through AI-powered insights. Instead of adding more to teachers' plates, Otus is designed to save time and enhance student outcomes.

From the value of asking better questions to the magic of those “aha” moments in the classroom, this conversation offers practical insight into using data not just as numbers on a page, but as a tool for deeper connection and more effective teaching. If you've ever felt lost in the sea of edtech tools or unsure how to make data work for you, this episode is for you.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Otus simplifies and centralizes educational data for teachers
• The importance of data literacy and asking better questions
• How AI assists in interpreting student performance
• Turning instinctual insights into actionable strategies
• Reducing teacher workload while increasing impact

Resources:

• Learn more about Otus
• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're joined by Nick Salmon, Mar Cano Mesa, and Erin O’Reilly, co-authors of TeamEd, a transformative guide to collaboration in education. Together, they share the story behind their international partnership and their deeply rooted belief that teaming—at every level of the education ecosystem—is essential to building a more learner-centered, sustainable, and joyful system.

We dig into what makes a true team (not just a group), how ecosystem thinking influences team development, and how teacher preparation programs can intentionally plant the seeds of collaboration. Erin shares how she integrates team-based principles into her work training future educators, while Mar explores how visiting schools like Green School Bali and High Tech High shaped her approach. Nick reminds us that education needs diverse voices—especially non-traditional ones—and that the power of team teaching can unlock possibilities we never imagined.

Tune in to hear how this trio models the very work they advocate for—blending ideas, supporting one another’s growth, and pushing education toward a more equitable, connected, and empowered future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why true collaboration means more than just working in groups
• The role of ecosystems in transforming education
• Practical strategies for building trust and psychological safety in teams
• How teacher prep programs can use teaming to support retention
• The power of including non-traditional voices in education
• Using teaming as a model for both staff and students

Resources:

• Read TeamEd
• Green School Bali – A model of holistic, sustainability-focused education
• High Tech High
• Connect with Nick on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mar Cano on LinkedIn
• Connect with Erin on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

Math anxiety holds many students back, but what if we could change the way they experience mathematics? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore how his innovative approach helps students master years of math in just a few months—using only 10 minutes a day, three days a week.

Dr. Nagrath shares the science behind teaching math as a language, explaining why early exposure to mathematical thinking strengthens all forms of literacy. He also dives into the root causes of math anxiety, how belief systems shape student confidence, and why meeting children at their level of understanding is critical for success. His research-backed methodology focuses on experiential learning, ensuring students grasp math concepts rather than just memorizing formulas.

With a mission to transform math education, Elephant Learning is now expanding into public schools, making these powerful tools accessible to more students. Join us as we discuss how we can change the narrative around math, boost confidence, and ensure every child has the foundation they need to thrive in a world that’s becoming increasingly mathematical.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How math anxiety develops and how to overcome it
• Why learning math early enhances overall literacy
• The power of experiential learning in math education
• How Elephant Learning personalizes math instruction in just 10 minutes a day
• The importance of belief and confidence in student success
• Bringing research-backed math tools into public education

Resources:

• Learn more: Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy
• Read: Treating Mathematics Anxiety by Dr. Aditya Nagrath

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education with Jose Moreno, founder and CEO of Neulight. Jose's company is at the forefront of using AI to empower educators through their innovative product, IntelliTier, which helps schools implement personalized student support systems with data-driven intervention strategies.

Jose shares his journey from working at Netflix to founding Neulight, highlighting the parallels between AI adoption today and past technological shifts like the internet and mobile apps. We discuss how AI can streamline data collection, enhance the implementation of frameworks like MTSS, and provide educators with actionable insights to better support students. Jose also tackles concerns around AI ethics, data security, and bias in educational tools, ensuring that AI is implemented responsibly and equitably.

Join us as we unpack how AI is shaping the future of learning, the opportunities it presents for educators, and why embracing this technology with a thoughtful approach can lead to more effective and inclusive educational practices.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How AI is reshaping personalized education
• The role of IntelliTier in streamlining student support
• Addressing security and ethical concerns in AI-driven education
• The challenge of bias in AI and ensuring cultural relevance
• Lessons from past technological shifts in shaping AI's future

Resources:

• Learn more about IntelliTier and Neulight: neulight.io
• Want to try out AI for free? Try ChatGPT
• Follow Neulight on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of jazz in education with Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. Stephanie has pioneered Jazz Lab, an innovative pilot program that integrates jazz with STEM education to foster creativity, collaboration, and emotional wellness in students. Backed by the Battelle Central Ohio STEM Grant, Jazz Lab provides an interactive, interdisciplinary learning experience where kids build 3D-printed instruments, explore the physics of sound, and even engage in virtual reality music-making.

Stephanie shares how jazz, with its improvisational nature, can be a powerful tool for problem-solving, innovation, and community building. By merging music with science and technology, Jazz Lab helps students develop essential 21st-century skills, from resilience to collaboration. More than just a music program, Jazz Lab is about expanding possibilities—whether through hands-on exploration of sound, engaging with professional musicians, or discovering new career paths in STEM and the arts.

Join us as we discuss the impact of Jazz Lab and the vision for its future, including expanding beyond Ohio and developing a model that could be replicated nationwide. Stephanie’s work is a testament to the incredible ways we can rethink education and create engaging, meaningful learning experiences for all students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Jazz Lab bridges the gap between music and STEM education
• The power of improvisation in fostering creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Why jazz is more than music—it’s a tool for emotional wellness and social connection
• How hands-on experiences like 3D-printed instruments and VR music-making engage students in learning
• The long-term vision for Jazz Lab and its potential to reshape traditional education models

Resources:

• A Tribe for Jazz: atribeforjazz.org
• Follow A Tribe for Jazz on Instagram: @atribeforjazz_
• COSI (Center of Science and Industry): cosi.org

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ned Johnson, co-author of “The Self-Driven Child” and “What Do You Say?”. Ned’s unique blend of experience as a successful academic tutor and a dedicated advocate for student autonomy helps us explore how control and agency shape a child’s mental health and intrinsic motivation.

We discuss why a student’s sense of control matters more than we might initially think. Through real-life examples and solid research, Ned shows us how an overemphasis on grades can sometimes mask underlying issues such as anxiety, ADHD, or dyslexia. We dig into what it means for young people to make their own choices and why this fosters both resilience and engagement.

Ned also shares stories of schools and programs that are breaking away from a rigid, test-focused mindset, encouraging students to find what truly excites them. From “Flex Fridays” to helping kids think about a “Plan B,” we learn how shifting some control to students can yield powerful outcomes. Together, we uncover the value of letting kids explore and shape their own paths, both for their academic success and their emotional well-being.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The link between autonomy and mental health in young people
• Why “Plan B” thinking reduces anxiety and fosters resilience
• The dangers of masking real learning challenges behind good grades
• Innovative school approaches that boost engagement by granting student choice
• How parents and educators can support kids’ decision-making without overcontrol

Resources:

• Read: The Self-Driven Child
• Read: What Do You Say?
• Follow Ned on Instagram: @theothernedjohnson

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore how Ferris, a facility dog at Upper Arlington High School, is transforming inclusion and leadership for students with disabilities. Kim Wilson, an Intervention Specialist, shares how Ferris fosters connections, encourages student leadership, and enhances the school community in ways beyond traditional support models.

What started as an experiment in disability inclusion became a powerful tool for engagement, bridging gaps between students and creating unexpected learning opportunities. From leading activities in elementary schools to bringing families together through his Instagram, Ferris’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.

We also discuss the challenges of introducing a facility dog in schools, including managing logistics, addressing allergies, and ensuring meaningful inclusion. Whether you’re an educator or simply love an inspiring story, this episode highlights how unconventional approaches can reshape education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Ferris the facility dog fosters inclusion and leadership among students with disabilities.
• The process of bringing a facility dog to a school, from idea to implementation.
• The unexpected ways Ferris connects the broader school community and even families at home.
• The subtle promotion of disability awareness without focusing directly on disabilities.
• Challenges schools should consider before introducing a facility dog, including managing allergies and cultural sensitivities.

Resources:

• Paws with a Cause: The organization that provided Ferris and supports facility dog programs tailored to educational environments. Learn more about their work.
• Ferris’s Instagram: Follow Ferris’s daily adventures and see how he’s making an impact at Upper Arlington High School. @UAFerris

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of the Portrait of a Graduate with Shannon King, Chief Learning Officer at Battelle for Kids. This initiative is reshaping how schools define student success, moving beyond grades and test scores to include durable skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that are essential for thriving in the modern workforce.

Shannon shares insights into the Portrait to Practice and Portrait to Impact frameworks, which help educators bring these skills into the classroom and measure real-world success. We explore the critical role of community engagement in redefining education and discuss the growing recognition that traditional schooling no longer meets the needs of students or employers. With research showing that 85% of job success comes from skills schools often overlook, this work is more urgent than ever.

Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities in transforming education, from rethinking assessments and leadership training to shifting the way schools communicate their values. If we were to excavate a school thousands of years from now, what would its artifacts say about what we valued? It’s time to ensure that education truly prepares students for a future we can’t yet predict.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The Portrait of a Graduate and why it matters
• Durable skills and their impact on workforce readiness
• How communities and businesses influence education reform
• Challenges in transforming schools and redefining success
• The role of authentic assessment and student-led learning
• Why the traditional education model is obsolete and needs reinvention

Resources:

• Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn
• Battelle for Kids – Organization leading the Portrait of a Graduate initiative. Learn more here
• EdLeader21 Network: www.battelleforkids.org/networks/edleader21-network/
• The Future of the Portrait of a Graduate Special Report

Produced by NOVA