Learner-Centered Innovation

07/17/2026

This week our Learner-Centered Collaborative team gathered at Lone Rock to celebrate how far we’ve come, reflect on what we’ve learned, and look ahead to what’s next.

The relationships we build, the trust we earn through shared experiences, and the privilege of doing meaningful work together are what make this journey so rewarding.

One of my favorite traditions is inviting external partners to join us. Every year it reinforces the same lesson: we do our best thinking when we learn across organizations, challenge one another’s assumptions, and co-design what’s possible together. Those conversations continue to shape not only our work, but how we show up for the systems and communities we serve.

I’m filled with gratitude—for our incredible team, our partners, and everyone who prioritizes making the time to learn together.

Here’s to the relationships we’ve built, the impact we’ve created together, and the next chapter ahead.

05/25/2026

The future of education is not about getting through content faster. Information has already become abundant and accessible. The real challenge is helping young people discover who they are, how they contribute, how they work with others, and how they navigate an unpredictable world.
Redesign requires more than subtraction.
It requires imagination.
Young people still need and want structure, guidance, mentorship, accountability, challenge, and community. They still need caring adults who know them well. They still need opportunities to develop skills, identity, confidence, and purpose.

https://open.substack.com/pub/evolvingeducation/p/if-we-redesign-school-what-should?r=1uh0hj&utm_medium=ios

06/28/2025

06/09/2025

Feeling incredibly grateful to work alongside the most amazing team and partners! After spending 4 inspiring days together—reconnecting, laughing, and planning—we are re-energized and ready to support the creation of learner-centered ecosystems across the country. Learner-Centered Collaborative

Together, we’re committed to helping all learners:

✨ Know who they are

🤝 Thrive in community

🌍 Actively engage in the world as their best selves

The future is learner-centered 🚀

05/22/2025

Closing out the year with the incredible leaders of the North County Superintendent Consortium has been a true joy. Over the past year, we’ve gathered in schools, built community, visited classrooms, and engaged in deep dialogue about teaching, learning, and how we collectively measure what matters.

It’s been especially powerful for to collaborate with Michael Fullan—whose work has deeply shaped my own journey—and his inspiring team.

Grateful to the San Diego County Office of Education and all the courageous, humble, and visionary leaders who are paving the way for what’s possible in public education.

Here’s to the work ahead!

05/17/2025

🎙️ Just dropped: one of my favorite episodes yet!

In this convo with two thoughtful, reflective, and honest high school seniors—Lexi and Reese from Avonworth HS— I explore what’s possible when learners lead the way.

From researching AI and human flourishing to reimagining high school with purpose, they share powerful insights on:

✨ Learner agency & personalized learning
🤖 AI, ethics & real-world relevance
🧠 Human connection in a tech-driven world
💬 Advice every educator should hear

🎧 Listen in and be inspired by what school can be when it centers learners: https://hubs.ly/Q03mWm-x0



Learner-Centered Collaborative Avonworth School District

04/13/2025

ASU+GSV was jam packed this year. My favorite by far was the school visits and I loved seeing people’s view of what’s possible expand as they explore the Encinitas Union Farm Lab. Many thanks to Andrée Grey and the EUSD team for an inspiring visit!

We also had great convening about regional innovation, a Collective Shift session exploring human-centered AI tools, and of course, grateful for opportunities to connect with amazing friends and leaders.

Learner-Centered Collaborative

04/02/2025

Excited to join & at

03/24/2025

This week was filled with powerful conversations, inspiring school visits, and celebrations of learning—all reinforcing the power of collaboration and learner-centered education.

🔹 I had the privilege of facilitating the North County Superintendents Consortium at Cal State San Marcos (my alma mater) with Michael Fullan & team, where we engaged in deep conversations about educational change, staying motivated in challenging contexts, and leveraging our networks to drive impact. A powerful panel discussion reinforced the importance of the Portrait of a Learner competencies and the essential skills needed for success in higher education. As we walked the campus, we explored ways to strengthen connections between K-12, families, students, and industry to create better bridges for the future.

🔹 Visiting incredible schools with the Bellflower Unified Team this week was another highlight, each offering unique and inspiring models of learning:
✅ Design 39 – I loved hearing directly from students and teachers about their joy of learning and collaboration.
✅ VIDA – A great reminder that learning is about the people, not the building—this school’s model resonated deeply.
✅ Mission Vista – Our student tour guides were amazing, leading us through classrooms filled with learner agency and a growth mindset, particularly around grading practices.
✅ Casita – A model of excellence, reinforcing its philosophy across every classroom we visited.
✅ High Tech High – A powerful example of learner agency, trust, and project-based learning, where students lead classrooms, teachers lead schools, and directors lead systems.

Across campuses, I saw passionate educators, innovative design labs, and inspiring learning environments that sparked so many ideas for the future of education.

🔹 We ended the week with a celebration of learning in Escondido Union School District, where a cross-district cohort of educators reflected on their year of growth. Through goal-driven courses and collaboration, they deepened their expertise—and had fun doing it!