NTN Unpacked
New Tech Network (NTN) is a national nonprofit dedicated to systemic change in education. We center K-12 schools as the units of change, working closely with district leaders, school principals, and classroom educators, to co-design an approach to change that is specific to their context. This podcast will lift up the first hand stories and experiences schools have had while engaging with the work of NTN as well as provide listeners with the opportunity to learn more about NTN.
NTN Unpacked
Unlearning the System: Leading the Portrait of a Graduate Transformation
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In this special episode of NTN Unpacked, host Mark returns from a brief hiatus alongside Shannon Doody from NTN’s Growth and District Success team to share a powerful, big-picture conversation about systemic change. We are stepping out of our traditional interview format to bring you an exclusive look into a recent state-wide webinar discussing the ambitious "New York Inspires" initiative and the rollout of their new Portrait of a Graduate.
NTN CEO Jim May and Managing Director of Growth and District Success, Nick Kappelhof facilitate a deep dive with Dr. Jonah Schenker, Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, about what it actually takes to transform education at the regional and district levels. Dr. Schenker challenges us to tackle the "epidemic of average," sharing why true innovation requires unlearning the industrial model of education before waiting for state mandates to drop. Afterward, Shannon rejoins Mark to break down how this consortium is moving forward and how NTN supports schools across the country in making their own Portrait of a Graduate a vibrant, everyday reality.
✨ You’ll hear reflections on:
- Why your master schedule and school budget are your ultimate "statements of values"
- Shifting from penalizing attendance to measuring and supporting authentic student engagement
- The importance of unlearning outdated systems and finding the courage to just stop doing things that don't serve kids
- How to use human-centric design and empathy interviews to anchor your decisions in student and community voice
- Prototyping small, early changes—from standards-based grading to rethinking grade levels—to build a foundation for deeper learning
Whether you are a district leader navigating policy shifts, a principal rethinking school culture, or an educator passionate about system-wide equity, this episode offers a compelling roadmap for moving your vision into action.
📌 Bonus resources: To learn more about the upcoming New York Portrait of a Graduate webinar series mentioned in this episode, visit https://newtechnetwork.org/new-york-inspires/!
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