In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side.

Jefferson shares how this model supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike through flexible, scalable pathways. We also talk about AI tutoring, virtual cohorts, and statewide programs like Ohio’s new policy recognizing CLEP in diploma metrics.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Modern States + CLEP unlocks free, transcripted college credit for learners anywhere.
• Who it serves—from teens to comebackers—and flexible ways schools embed it.
• Funding the path: philanthropic support, employer benefits, and state policies.
• New supports for self-paced success: AI tutoring and virtual cohorts.
• Ohio’s policy shift elevating CLEP in accountability and diploma seals.

Resources:

• Modern States — Create a free account and browse the full course library; look for the green “Sign Up” buttons.
• College Board CLEP — Check which colleges accept which exams and the score needed to earn credit.
• Connect with Jefferson Pestronk on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast and a champion for reimagining education through leadership. Danny shares how his journey from assistant principal to leading a global community of “ruckus makers” has been fueled by a belief that leadership is service and schools must evolve beyond the status quo. His perspective challenges us to think differently about what school is for and how leaders can inspire students and educators alike.

We explore the importance of creating schools that kids actually want to show up for, the role of curiosity in shaping the future of learning, and why agency and authenticity are essential in leadership. From transforming abandoned spaces into learning labs to helping principals embrace bold, creative choices, Danny illustrates how disruption can open doors to new possibilities.

This conversation dives into leadership, agency, AI in education, and reimagining what makes school meaningful for both learners and leaders. Join us as we unpack how to build communities of growth, create irresistible learning environments, and embrace the power of disruption in education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Leadership as service in transforming education
• Creating schools that inspire students to “opt in”
• How curiosity and agency drive meaningful learning

Resources:

• Better Leaders, Better Schools
• Learning Unboxed Podcast
• Follow Danny Bauer on Instagram: @betterleadersbetterschools

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching thrives when educators feel psychologically safe. We look at why traditional evaluation systems—rubrics, ratings, and high-stakes observations—stifle innovation, and how Craig’s trust-first model creates space for teachers to take risks and grow.

Craig shares his three-part approach: short, unannounced, strengths-based classroom visits; reflective conversations that begin with questions rather than judgments; and concrete, teacher-chosen support. From asking permission before offering suggestions to co-teaching or modeling strategies, each step builds trust so educators feel safe to experiment.

We also talk about scaling impact—aligning professional learning to core pedagogy, tapping in-house expertise, and working within mandated systems without losing sight of trust. The result is what John Hattie calls “collective teacher efficacy in action”—a culture where teachers share wins, iterate openly, and drive stronger student learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why ratings of pedagogy erode trust—and how mindset-focused feedback changes the game.
• The mechanics of a strengths-based observation cycle (short, unannounced, reflective, supportive).
• “Marbles in the jar”: lowering vulnerability to unlock risk-taking and innovation.
• Turning observations into ongoing PD and collective teacher efficacy.
• Practical ways to work within evaluation mandates while centering trust.

Resources:

• Learn more at TrustBased.com
• Read Trust-Based Observations by Craig Randall
• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA