The Education by Design podcast explores the architecture of learning environments—how schools are designed, not just operated—how culture is disrupted to make way for innovation and reaching potential. Join Phil Evans as he presents innovators who untangle the complexity of educational systems to align with shared values, common practices, and a common language to create powerful, human-centered learning experiences.
S1.E0: “Insight Out” with your host, Phil Evans
Phil Evans, Washington, DC, United States
What if the problem isn’t that school is broken—but that it was never really designed for everyone to thrive? In this kickoff episode, Phil Evans shares the personal journey that led him into classrooms, through systems, and into the stories that sparked Education by Design. From a student who shattered expectations to a growing movement of educators reimagining learning from the inside out, this episode is both a reflection and a call to action.
This is where it starts. Not with a system to fix—but with a story to follow.
S1.E1: “Igniting Joy in Learning”
Richard Hood, Toronto, ON, Canada
How do we move from simply delivering content to truly igniting excitement in the classroom? In this energizing episode, visionary educator and professional learning facilitator Richard Hood shares why the true power of teaching lies in listening rather than managing. From the “terrible freedom” teachers face when shaking off old methods to the essential role of joy and curiosity, Richard’s stories illuminate the shift from content-driven lessons to vibrant, student-centered engagements. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or simply passionate about education, this conversation challenges our assumptions and inspires us to see learning as an act of shared wonder and transformation. Join host Phil Evans in Education by Design’s first episode and discover a fresh take on ways inspired teachers are the ultimate catalyst for inspired students.
S1.E2: “Rewriting the school story: How spaces and narratives shape school culture”
Heather Michael, Halifax, NS, Canada
Join host Phil Evans in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Heather Michael—a program coordinator, researcher, and educator who peels back the layers of how school culture is formed. Using “spatial theory” to illuminate the narratives and power structures that shape everyday life in schools, Dr. Michael reveals why some students feel a sense of belonging while others assume advanced pathways aren’t for them. Drawing from real-world examples and research, this discussion explores how teachers, leaders, and families can work together to disrupt limiting stories, open equitable doors of opportunity, and transform what it means for every student to truly “belong.” If you’ve ever questioned how to create more inclusive, engaging learning spaces, this episode will leave you inspired—and ready to rewrite the story of what’s possible in education.
S1.E3: “It’s not the students—It’s the system”
Dr. John Falino, Dobbs Ferry High School, NY, United States
In this episode It’s not the students—It’s the system, Phil Evans sits down with Dr. John Falino, long-term principal at Dobbs Ferry High School in New York, to explore how a shared vision, community-led change, and values-driven leadership can transform a school. John has spent more than a decade transforming his school’s culture, building equity into curriculum design, and proving that when a school commits to a shared vision, all students can access meaningful, rigorous, and empowering learning experiences. From dismantling elitism in advanced programs to building systems where every student thrives, John shares a blueprint for what actually works to support deep, equitable learning. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or policymaker, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to rethink what’s possible.