The Future of Learning and School in America

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In this episode of Future of School: The Podcast, you’ll hear perspectives on the future of learning and school in America, informed by educators’ experience working at all levels, from the classroom up to state-level leadership. The interviewees both broadcast and forecast the trends taking place across K-12.

The episode begins with “Amy’s Thoughts,” presented by host Amy Valentine (0:40), in which she articulates a forecast for the future of U.S. schools. “What the future looks like for our K-12 education system is more than a question. It’s a concept. It’s a belief. And we see it evolving into a movement,” Amy shares. She goes on to explain how flexibility, personalized learning, and the smart use of technology will transform educational opportunity for all students. 

The Factory Model of Education 

Then, in the featured interview (2:50), Amy welcomes Ray McNulty, President of the Successful Practices Network to the show. In his career, McNulty has served at the school, district, and state levels – as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and commissioner of education of Vermont; is a past president of the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE); was senior fellow at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and was previously the dean at the School of Education at Southern New Hampshire University, which was named the 12th most innovative organization in the world by FAST Company Magazine.

McNulty shares stories from his long and varied career across education, and also looks ahead to innovative ideas on the horizon. He describes district-level successes in moving from the “factory model” of education to more personalized approaches, along with the impact these approaches made on individual students. He also refers to missed opportunities that led to important lessons, talks about different ways to get students connected to their passion pursuits, and much more. 

The Importance of Focusing on the Social-Emotional Aspect of the Student

The episode concludes with the “5-in-5” interview with Kyair Butts (21:20), a sixth grade teacher from Baltimore City Public Schools. Kyair was Teacher of the Year in 2019 and 2020 largely because of his passion for adopting technology in his classes, his stellar mentorship of his students, and the facilitation of great minds and wisdom.

Kyair discusses some of the common misperceptions around online learning, the importance of getting to the “heart work” of education by focusing on the social-emotional aspect, why every teacher should make sure content comes alive for students, his “big dream” for education, and more.

Learn more about Future of School and its mission to mobilize change in American K-12 education from a one-size-fits-all system to one that ensures all students reach their unbounded potential no matter where their learning takes place at www.futureof.school. Follow Future of School on Twitter @futureof_school and follow Amy Valentine @amyvalentine555 to keep up-to-date on exciting initiatives and opportunities. 

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Authors and Participants

  • EdCircuit Staff

    edCircuit is a mission-based organization entirely focused on the K-20 EdTech Industry and emPowering the voices that can provide guidance and expertise in facilitating the appropriate usage of digital technology in education. Our goal is to elevate the voices of today’s innovative thought leaders and edtech experts. Subscribe to receive notifications in your inbox

  • Amy Valentine

    Amy Valentine is the Chief Executive Officer and Education Evangelist of Future of School, a national nonprofit organization designed to support the growth of innovative school models integrating blended and online learning. Prior to guiding Future of School’s incubation and launch, Amy managed a portfolio of Colorado schools where she led academic and operational turnaround strategy. She also previously served as executive director for a network of Nobel Learning Communities schools in California.

  • Ray McNulty

    Raymond J. McNulty is the President of the National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC), and the Successful Practices Network (SPN). Prior to that, Ray was Dean for the School of Education at Southern New Hampshire University which Fast Company magazine named the 12th most innovative organization in the world in its World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. Ray has served as the President of the International Center for Leadership in Education and was also the Chief Learning Officer for Penn Foster, a global leader in online education. Ray has been a Program Director and Senior Fellow at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he worked with leading educators on improving our nation’s high schools. On an international level he serves as a senior member of the Aspirations Academy Trust in London England. The Trust operates 15 Academy schools in Southern England focused on 21st century skills and learner success in the global world. Ray is a past president of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and author of It’s Not Us Against Them — Creating the Schools We Need, published in 2009 by the International Center.

  • Kyair Butts

    Kyair Butts was the 2019 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools. He teaches English Language Arts (ELA) at Elmer A. Henderson-Hopkins Partnership School in Baltimore City and is a teacher leader in the district creating, facilitating, and leading district professional development centered on literacy and equity. Kyair mentors young and/or new-to-profession educators. He has been featured in various education blogs (EdSurge, Education Week) and literacy podcasts (Knowledge Matters Podcast, Melissa & Lori Love Literacy) for his work in urban literacy curricula especially knowledge building & fluency, specifically his deep knowledge of the “Wit & Wisdom” curriculum (GreatMinds). Kyair is in his 10th year with Baltimore City Public Schools and continues to find joy in the classroom and his community. His students are potent motivators to continue in this work by continuing to fulfill a passion driven purpose. Kyair earned his Master’s in Elementary Education & Master’s in Special Education from Lesley University’s Graduate School of Education.

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