In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-standing Early IT program and the powerful new Microschool partnership designed to bring multiple districts, diverse learners, and shared resources into one collaborative ecosystem. Lisa unpacks why higher education is leaning in so deeply to rethink the K–12 pipeline and how this joint endeavor creates a win-win for students, universities, and future employers alike.

We also discuss how early college credit, real-world problem-based learning, and multi-district collaboration offer students a transformative pathway into high-demand IT careers. Lisa highlights the economic benefits of accelerated degree completion, the value of divergent perspectives, and why microschools may hold the key to scalable, future-ready learning experiences across communities.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why post-secondary institutions are rethinking partnerships with K–12
• The design and purpose of the Early IT Microschool model
• Multi-district collaboration as an engine for divergent thinking and problem solving
• How early college credit accelerates economic mobility for students
• What it takes to scale microschool models across different contexts

Resources:

• University of Cincinnati Early IT Program

Produced by NOVA

What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community?

In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis, a PK–8 learner-centered environment blending Waldorf, Montessori, unschooling, and constructivist approaches. Coi shares how her journey began with her own children and grew into a thriving school grounded in exploration, agency, and real-world learning.

We explore how the Lab School’s ecosystem model emerged out of necessity and evolved into a powerful framework for engaging local partners—from art museums and farms to restaurants, tennis programs, and even the Chamber of Commerce. Coi also reflects on growth, transitions, and what a flexible, a la carte future for high school could look like. This is an inspiring conversation about community-driven learning, bold leadership, and creating spaces where every learner is truly seen.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The origins of the Lab School of Memphis and its learner-centered philosophy
• How community partnerships fuel real-world learning experiences
• Building an ecosystem that supports both learners and educators
• Navigating school growth, transitions, and evolving student needs
• Rethinking high school through flexible, a la carte learning pathways

Resources:

• Lab School of Memphis
• Coi Marie Morefield on LinkedIn
• Follow Coi Marie Morefield on Instagram: @poimorefield
• PAST Foundation
• Education Reimagined

Produced by NOVA

transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, Mike reframed "flashcards" into visual, model-rich experiences that help students construct new facts from previously mastered ones.

We dive into how MathFactLab shifts classroom culture—helping students rediscover joy, confidence, and agency in math through reasoning rather than rote recall. Mike also shares how teachers can use progress tracking and conceptual tools to build genuine understanding and long-term success. This is a conversation about turning math from memorization into meaning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Strategy-based fluency vs. rote memorization
• Using visual models to reduce cognitive load
• Constructing new fact knowledge from mastered facts
• Progress monitoring and impartial data collection
• Building student agency, confidence, and joy in math

Resources:

• MathFactLab
• "Fluency Without Fear" by Jo Boaler (YouCubed)