What happens when a K–6 school district designs learning spaces that look more like Stanford than Sesame Street—and asks students to lead the future of work?

In this AmpED to 11 episode, we're joined by the bold and visionary superintendent of Del Mar Union School District, Marisa Janicek, whose leadership journey rewrites what’s possible in public education. From building student-designed AI rubrics and leading student-run conferences to redefining space, time, and trust in elementary learning, Marisa isn’t just adapting to the new era—she’s inviting it in with a megaphone and a blueprint.

After 20 years driving innovation in El Segundo Unified, including co-leading an AI strategy that directly led to students out-innovating adult audiences at major national conferences, Marisa now leads Del Mar: an award-winning district where decentralized libraries, outdoor classrooms, and future-ready pedagogy meet real-world wellness and connection. Her approach isn’t about trends—it’s about transformation.

This episode dives deep into how student agency, ethical AI, and durable human skills (not worksheets) are becoming the benchmark for success—and what higher ed and lagging systems need to do to keep up.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Bold child-first change starts with belief—not budget
2. How El Segundo students out-designed adults with an AI use rubric
3. What happens when 6th graders lead PD for teachers…and win
4. How Marisa uses AI in real life—as a thought partner, not a dictator
5. Designing trust into spaces: why decentralized libraries matter
6. What universities should learn from kindergarteners already living the future

Tune in, subscribe, and share if you’re ready to turn up the volume on what’s possible in education.