ABOUT THE EPISODE

S1.E0: “Insight Out” with your host 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.

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.

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: “Leading schools to change through a unified vision” Dr. John Falino, Dobbs Ferry High School, NY, United States

In this episode Leading schools to change through a unified vision, 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.

S1.E4: “From Compliance to Curiosity: Transforming Education with Inquiry-Based Learning” with Trevor MacKenzie, BC, Canada

In this episode of Education by Design, Trevor MacKenzie explores the transformative power of curiosity in the classroom. Learn how inquiry-based learning fosters self-directed students who take ownership of their education. Discover practical strategies for nurturing curiosity, developing question competence, and creating environments where students are not just taught, but encouraged to think critically and independently. Tune in for insights on how we can prepare the next generation of lifelong learners to thrive in an ever-changing world.

S1:E5: "Learning that sticks: Classrooms where creativity and deeper learning thrive" with Dr. John Spencer, OR, United States

What if the best learning isn’t the most polished—but the most meaningful?

In this inspiring episode, Dr. John Spencer—educator, author, and host of The Creative Classroom—sat down with Phil to explore how project-based learning, design thinking, and creative risk-taking help students master academic content and build the core competencies they need for life. From the messy middle of learning to the power of student voice, John shares practical insights and stories that challenge the myth of perfection and reframe what success really looks like in school.

John and Phil talk about what makes learning stick, why unfinished work still matters, and how teachers can give students—and themselves—permission to be messy, curious, and adventurous in an age of AI. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or parent, this episode will leave you rethinking how creativity, reflection, and deep learning come together to shape empowered learners.And, be sure to check out John's books including; Launch, Vintage Innovation, and, The A.i. Roadmap, and explore his sketch videos on YouTube.

S1:E5 EXTENDED: "The Human-Centered Classroom — Learning With AI, Not From It" with Dr. John Spencer, OR, United States

What does it mean to build a classroom where students learn with AI instead of just from it? In this bonus episode, Dr. John Spencer presents ideas to explore how human-centered teaching strategies can help students reflect more deeply, think more critically, and engage more creatively—even as AI tools become part of everyday learning. We talk about project-based learning, prompt engineering, and what happens when we treat AI as a creative companion, not a shortcut.

This is a practical, reflective listen for anyone thinking about how to keep learning meaningful in an age of machine-generated answers. Share your thoughts

S1:E6 "Measuring What Matters: Empowering Students Through Creative Assessment" with Dr. Andy Scahill, CO, United States

In this episode of Education by Design, we explore how innovative assessment can transform learning engagement and outcomes. Join me as I chat with my friend Andy Scahill, a professor at the University of Colorado, Denver, as he shares his radical approach to assessment that moves beyond traditional tests and term papers. In an effort to disrupt behaviors cultivated by compliance, Andy empowers students to demonstrate their creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge through immersive projects. The result? Students going further than expected with the agency to bring their own meaning and purpose to their final projects.

With the support of his institution, Andy’s approach challenges the rigid systems often found in higher education, affirming the innovative values of the University of Colorado. As he shares how he conducts community centered scholarship as the founder and Artistic Director of Rainbow Cult, we dive into how his assessments can be a tool for growth, modelling for students the ways they can engage deeply and apply their learning in authentic contexts.

This conversation is a must-listen for educators in both K-12 and higher education. Discover how shifting what we measure can inspire students to take ownership of their education, activate their agency, and prepare for the complexities of the modern world. This is what learning and teaching informed by assessment, looks like. Tune in to rethink what we measure, how we measure it, and why it matters.

Catch Andy's play at the Denver Fringe Festival (2025), info here. Share your thoughts