
301. Build Student Voice Through Creativity with Betsy Potash
From Learning Unboxed by Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media
April 27, 2026 · 31 min
About this episode
This episode explores how teachers can create more student-centered learning environments with insights from Betsy Potash.
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Betsy Potash, former English teacher, curriculum creator, and host of the Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. We explore how teachers can move away from teacher-centered instruction and create classrooms where students have more voice, choice, and ownership over their learning. Betsy shares practical strategies that help make that shift feel possible, including project-based learning, podcasting, silent discussion, and hexagonal thinking. We also talk about why creative structures matter, how they build confidence and engagement, and what it looks like to design learning that feels relevant beyond school. Join us to explore fresh ways to spark agency, discussion, and deeper thinking in the classroom. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: How teachers can step out of the spotlight and create more student-centered learning Why agency, real-world context, and authentic audience increase engagement How hexagonal thinking helps students make connections across texts, ideas, and lived experience Why silent discussion creates space for every learner to participate and build confidence How contemporary, multimodal approaches…
People in this episode
Host: Annalies Corbin
Guest: Betsy Potash
Topics covered
- student voice
- creativity
- teacher-centered instruction
- project-based learning
- engagement
- hexagonal thinking
Keywords
- student voice
- creativity
- teacher-centered instruction
- project-based learning
- hexagonal thinking
- engagement
- silent discussion
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, pastfoundation.org, NOVA
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