Dreams of Education Podcast

Episode 9: Reimagining Math with Connection and Curiosity

In this episode, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin explore the complexities of math education and the role of technology in classrooms. They discuss how inquiry-based learning, manipulatives, and real-world connections can transform math into a relevant, engaging subject. By redefining math, encouraging growth mindsets, and embracing mistakes, educators can help students overcome anxiety and see math as a creative, evolving process.

The conversation also dips into the implications of AI in education. They highlight the importance of critical thinking, ethical considerations, and safeguarding personal data while cautioning against over-reliance on technology. 

 

Find us online:

Michelle Baldwin: Avenue 4 Learning

Kelly Tenkely: Dreams of Education, KTs Place

Inquiry-Based Learning in Reading Instruction

In this week’s episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive deep into the heart of how Anastasis Academy approached the way kids learn to read.

 

They share stories of moving away from traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches and embracing reading as a personal, joyful, and integrated part of a child’s learning journey. From overcoming the limitations of excerpt-based textbooks to fostering a love for books through inquiry, creativity, and meaningful choice, Kelly and Michelle emphasize the importance of knowing each student as an individual.

 

You’ll hear about:

•Why “The Science of Reading” can miss the art and joy of reading.

•The power of anchoring reading in context, relationships, and shared experiences.

•Why rewards, badges, and reading logs undermine intrinsic motivation—and how to inspire lifelong readers instead.

•Creative ways Anastasis approached reading, from building settings in Minecraft to creating book trailers and even connecting students with authors.

•How they supported struggling readers by addressing root causes like anxiety or cognitive challenges instead of moving straight to interventions.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about reimagining reading instruction to inspire curiosity, joy, and confidence in young learners.

 

Follow Us:

Michelle - Avenue 4 Learning

Kelly - Dreams of Education, KT's Place

Episode 7: Accommodations That Honor Every Learner's Journey

In this episode, Kelly and Michelle explore how Anastasis Academy approaches accommodations with a deeply personalized philosophy, treating every student as an individual learner. They discuss the flexibility they have as a private school not bound by traditional IEP (Individualized Education Plan) laws and highlight the role of the Department of Education in protecting student rights. The Department’s mandates ensure that all students, regardless of background or ability, receive an equitable education. Kelly and Michelle emphasize how this legal framework allows them to partner with public districts, access essential resources, and connect families to services. They also unpack the crucial difference between equality and equity in the classroom, explaining how Anastasis creates an inclusive and supportive learning environment by tailoring accommodations to each student’s needs.

Episode 6: Beyond the Classroom Walls-- Field Trips, Service Learning, and the Power of Connection

In this week’s episode of the Dreams of Education podcast, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the impact of field trips and service learning on education. Sharing their experiences at Anastasis Academy, they explore how a strong commitment to community-focused, experiential learning and service partnerships shaped their students’ understanding of the world and their role within it.

Kelly and Michelle highlight how field trips and community engagement not only enhanced academic lessons but fostered empathy, curiosity, and a broader worldview. They share stories of students’ transformative experiences—from learning about food deserts and social inequities to developing real-world problem-solving skills. The episode underscores how connecting with community and practicing authentic service learning prepares students to be thoughtful, compassionate citizens.

Episode 5: Cultivating Curiosity and Agency Through Inquiry-Based Learning

In this episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive into the origins and evolution of inquiry-based learning at Anastasis Academy. Kelly shares her frustration with the one-size-fits-all curriculum model, recounting how rigid boxed curriculums ignore students’ unique complexities. This led her to envision the Learning Genome Project and start Anastasis Academy, committed to seeing each child as an individual. Kelly credits her inspiration to educators Edna Sackson and Maggie Hos-McGrane, who emphasized the power of inquiry-based learning.

Michelle recounts the challenges and excitement of joining an inquiry-based school with no set curriculum, finding freedom in crafting lessons around students’ interests and discovering new ways of integrating subjects. Both discuss the power of inquiry to naturally differentiate learning, enabling students to engage in unique ways and tap into their strengths, from exploring Fibonacci in nature to creating an innovation museum inspired by Stephen Johnson’s How We Got to Now.

The conversation also touches on the broader impacts of an inquiry-based model on school culture, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to make real-world connections. Both reflect on the importance of cultivating empathy, autonomy, and a love of learning through engaging provocations and inquiry.

 

Other places you can find Michelle and Kelly

Michelle: Avenue 4 Learning

Kelly: Dreams of Education Blog, KT's Place

Episode 4: Building Trust, Belonging, and Fun: The Hidden Curriculum that Shapes School Culture

In this episode of “Dreams of Education,” Kelly Tenkely and Michelle Baldwin dive deep into the hidden curriculum that defines school culture. They explore how small, intentional actions can shape an environment where students feel a sense of belonging and trust. From teaching empathy through Pixar movies to innovative approaches like Detox Week and “ice-blocking” at the park, Kelly and Michelle discuss how to create a school where kids and teachers alike can show up as their whole selves. Listen as they share stories of the impact this culture had on students, teachers, and the broader community.

You can also find us here:

Michelle: Avenue 4 Learning

Kelly: Dreams of Education, KT's Place

 

Episode 3: Empowering Learning through Identity and Story

In this week’s episode of Dreams of Education, Kelly and Michelle dive deep into two of Anastasis Academy’s most beloved rituals—Identity Day and Storyline. They discuss how these traditions evolved from simple ideas into transformative learning experiences that honor student identity, foster community, and empower self-expression. From showcasing personal interests to exploring metaphors of growth, Kelly and Michelle reflect on how these rituals celebrate the whole child and build meaningful connections. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of how play, creativity, and reflection shape the culture of learning at Anastasis.

 

Other places to follow Michelle and Kelly:

Michelle: http://avenue4learning.com/

Kelly: http://dreamsofeducation.wordpress.com http://ktsplace.com 

Episode 2: Humble Beginnings

In this episode, Michelle and Kelly reflect on the early days of Anastasis Academy, where we began with zero funding, zero curriculum, and zero furniture. We share stories from that first year—our challenges, successes, and even some of Kelly's best terrible ideas. We discuss how constraints acted as creative abundance, shaping the intentional, learner-centered culture that defines Anastasis today. Tune in as we explore the beauty of starting from zero and how it led to creating something truly meaningful.

See photos from this episode at: Dreams of Education

Find Michelle at: Avenue4Learning

Find Kelly at: KT's Place or Dreams of Education