Real-world Learning in Every Classroom

Deeper Learning Pathway: Real World Learning

We will discuss innovative strategies for implementing integrated real-world learning, paying close attention to RWL at the middle school level. We’ll cover approaches tailored to diverse school environments across urban, rural, and suburban regions. The monthly learning session will give an overview of examples and best practices and the deeper learning sessions will provide a more in depth exploration of ‘the how’.

The intended audience includes SRSN members and any interested educator.

Monthly Learning Session

Tom Vander Ark

Tom Vander Ark
CEO
Getting Smart

Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises schools, districts, networks, foundations and learning organizations on the path forward. A prolific writer and speaker, Tom is author of Getting Smart, Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, Smart Parents, Better Together, The Power of Place and Difference Making at the Heart of Learning. He has published thousands of articles and papers through GettingSmart.com, Forbes, and LinkedIn.

Previously he served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tom served as a public school superintendent in Washington State and has extensive private sector experience. He serves on the board of 4.0 Schools, Digital Learning Institute, Latinx Education Collaborative, Mastery Transcript Consortium and eduInnovation. He is also an advisor to numerous schools and startups.

Deeper Learning Session 1

Shawnee Caruthers

Shawnee Caruthers
Vice President of Advocacy
Getting Smart

Shawnee Caruthers is passionate about advocating for others and making sure all educators and students are engaged. She believes true engagement is achievable through human centered learning experiences, real world learning experiences and a dedication to not only powerful learning for youth, but for adults as well.

Shawnee started her career in advertising and journalism and eventually pivoted to the classroom where she taught English and business due to her industry experience prior to teaching. This enabled her to supervise and oversee their career and technical education offerings in Chiefs Kingdom (Kansas City) where she resides.

Resources

Deeper Learning Session 2

Nate McClennan

Nate McClennan
Vice President of Strategy & Innovation
Getting Smart

Nate McClennen is Vice-President of Strategy and Innovation at Getting Smart where he supports schools, districts, organizations, foundations, and universities to determine a strategic path forward based on the future of learning. His expertise and interests focus on expanded learning ecosystems, learning networks, technology-enabled personalized learning, project-based learning, real-world learning, purpose making, rural communities, equity, and place-based education. Nate has built two ed-tech solutions, helped found and lead a PK-12 school, served as Head of Innovation for a non-profit, taught math/science at multiple levels, supported multiple school launches, consulted nationally and internationally, and launched a rural-school network over his 25-year career.

Nate lives in Wyoming with his family and spends his free time coaching soccer and exploring the outdoors. Nate is also the co-author of the book The Power of Place. For more publications by Nate, check out his Portfolio.

Resources

Keep Learning

Visit the Deeper Learning Pathway webpage to select your next learning experience.

Deeper Learning Pathways