Dreams of Education Podcast

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-school model unraveled due to systemic missteps and a lack of understanding of the deeper factors at play. Through anecdotes from their own experience at Anastasis Academy, they discuss the importance of autonomy, intentionality, and community-centered design in creating sustainable educational systems. The conversation highlights the dangers of scaling ideas without capturing their full context and the need to prioritize humanity over efficiency in education. They also reflect on the legacy of their friend, Jennifer Wagner, whose kindness and intentionality in building relationships shaped the way they view community in education. Join Kelly and Michelle as they unpack what it takes to move from systems that focus on the “magic bullet” to those that prioritize the human element in learning. Follow Us: Michelle: Avenue 4 Learning, @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly: Dreams of Education, KT's Place, @ktenkely.bsky.social

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 and individuality. From pushing developmentally inappropriate standards to relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all curricula, Kelly and Michelle critique the hidden messages within traditional education systems that undermine authentic learning. Drawing on their experiences at Anastasis Academy, they share powerful stories about embracing flexibility, honoring students’ rhythms, and creating space for creativity, play, and inquiry-based learning. The conversation also touches on the risks of outsourcing humanity in education—particularly with the rise of AI tools—and emphasizes the importance of relational, human-driven teaching practices. They challenge the notion that learning should be a race to meet benchmarks and advocate instead for celebrating students’ individual journeys. Other Places to Find Us: Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning, @michellekbaldwin.bsky.social Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education, KT's Place, @ktenkely.bsky.social

In this week’s episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive deep into the heart of how Anastasis Academy approached the way kids learn to read. They share stories of moving away from traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches and embracing reading as a personal, joyful, and integrated part of a child’s learning journey. From overcoming the limitations of excerpt-based textbooks to fostering a love for books through inquiry, creativity, and meaningful choice, Kelly and Michelle emphasize the importance of knowing each student as an individual. You’ll hear about: •Why “The Science of Reading” can miss the art and joy of reading. •The power of anchoring reading in context, relationships, and shared experiences. •Why rewards, badges, and reading logs undermine intrinsic motivation—and how to inspire lifelong readers instead. •Creative ways Anastasis approached reading, from building settings in Minecraft to creating book trailers and even connecting students with authors. •How they supported struggling readers by addressing root causes like anxiety or cognitive challenges instead of moving straight to interventions. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about reimagining reading instruction to inspire curiosity, joy, and confidence in young learners. Follow Us: Michelle - Avenue 4 Learning Kelly - Dreams of Education, KT's Place

In this week’s episode of the Dreams of Education podcast, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the impact of field trips and service learning on education. Sharing their experiences at Anastasis Academy, they explore how a strong commitment to community-focused, experiential learning and service partnerships shaped their students’ understanding of the world and their role within it. Kelly and Michelle highlight how field trips and community engagement not only enhanced academic lessons but fostered empathy, curiosity, and a broader worldview. They share stories of students’ transformative experiences—from learning about food deserts and social inequities to developing real-world problem-solving skills. The episode underscores how connecting with community and practicing authentic service learning prepares students to be thoughtful, compassionate citizens.

In this episode of “Dreams of Education,” Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive deep into the hidden curriculum that defines school culture. They explore how small, intentional actions can shape an environment where students feel a sense of belonging and trust. From teaching empathy through Pixar movies to innovative approaches like Detox Week and “ice-blocking” at the park, Kelly and Michelle discuss how to create a school where kids and teachers alike can show up as their whole selves. Listen as they share stories of the impact this culture had on students, teachers, and the broader community. You can also find us here: Michelle: Avenue 4 Learning Kelly: Dreams of Education, KT's Place

In this episode, Michelle and Kelly reflect on the early days of Anastasis Academy, where we began with zero funding, zero curriculum, and zero furniture. We share stories from that first year—our challenges, successes, and even some of Kelly's best terrible ideas. We discuss how constraints acted as creative abundance, shaping the intentional, learner-centered culture that defines Anastasis today. Tune in as we explore the beauty of starting from zero and how it led to creating something truly meaningful. See photos from this episode at: Dreams of Education Find Michelle at: Avenue4Learning Find Kelly at: KT's Place or Dreams of Education