Anastasis Academy

Episode 20: Expect More, Mean More--Holding Space for Growth and Greatness In this thoughtful episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the nuanced dance between setting high expectations and honoring the individual learning journey of each student. They explore what it means to foster independence, cultivate student agency, and create classroom environments wh...

Episode 19: Beyond the Algorithm- Reclaiming the Human Heart of Education In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dig into the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in education. Together, they unpack the ethical, emotional, and pedagogical implications of emerging technologies, questioning what’s lost when human connection is replaced by automati...

Episode 18: Inquiry, Community, and the Future of Learning In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the heart of inquiry-based education. They explore how learning comes alive through experience—especially when rooted in community, historical context, and real-world application. From math in everyday life to creative expression throug...

Episode 17: Teaching Kids to Think - the Power of Critical Inquiry In this episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly and Michelle dive into the essential skill of critical thinking—why it’s vital for kids and how traditional school structures often fail to cultivate it. They share personal stories of standout teachers who nurtured deep thinking and explore how inqu...

Episode 16: Chasing the Magic--Rediscovering Adult Learning Communities In this episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the evolution of adult learning communities, reflecting on their experiences with early online educator networks, including Twitter, blogging, and EdChats. They discuss how these spaces created opportunities for colla...

Episode 15: The Joy of Learning--Rediscovering the Wonder in Education In this episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly and Michelle explore the joy of learning and how it flourished at Anastasis Academy. They reflect on how many students arrived burdened with anxiety and defeat but transformed when learning became joyful again. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional ed...

Episode 14: Who is the Stakeholder? Rethinking Education From the Ground Up In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the concept of stakeholders in education, emphasizing the importance of recognizing students as primary stakeholders. They discuss the implications of viewing education through a business lens, the impact of testing and curriculum on learni...

Episode 13: Radical Trust in Professional Development-From Compliance to Connection In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the world of professional development (PD) in education, sharing candid reflections on their worst PD experiences and the lessons learned along the way. They explore the transformative potential of personalized and meaningful training, hi...

Episode 12: Rethinking the Framework - What We Keep Getting Wrong in Education Policy In this episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly and Michelle dive into a thought-provoking article titled “What Do We Keep Getting Wrong in Education Policy?” Inspired by a repost of the article on Bluesky, they explore the success story of Nathan Hale High School and how its innovative small-scho...

Episode 11: Rethinking Assessment, From Judgement to Journey In this episode of the Dreams of Education podcast, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the transformative power of reimagining assessment and grading practices. They dive into how traditional systems often fail to reflect a truly learner-centered approach and share how Anastasis Academy deve...

Episode 10: Beyond Buzzwords, The Heart of Learner-Centered Education In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive deep into what it means to create a learner-centered environment. They explore the disconnect between schools’ claims of being student-centered and the systemic practices prioritizing efficiency, standardization, and outcomes over humanity a...

Episode 9: Reimagining Math with Connection and Curiosity In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the complexities of math education and the role of technology in classrooms. They discuss how inquiry-based learning, manipulatives, and real-world connections can transform math into a relevant, engaging subject. By redefining math, encour...