Bright Spots Newsletter

Bright Spots is a weekly newsletter from Katie Martin featuring learner-centered inspiration and examples from the field. Each week, subscribers can expect to receive:

A bright spot. Change can be challenging, but it gets easier when we look to one another to see what’s working and what’s possible. Each week, Katie shares a proven practice or example from the field in an effort to make learner-centered practices both visible and actionable.
A resource roundup. Katie features a small selection of articles, blog posts, and other resources that have inspired her and pushed her thinking about learner-centered education, in the hopes that they do the same for you!

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Blog

One Educator’s Journey to Authentic Learning: Building Trust, Empowering Learners

Early in my teaching career, I was fortunate to have the mentorship of my grade-level team, a seasoned group of educators ready to support and collaborate on nearly everything. As I prepared to teach 8th grade US History, I shadowed my colleague’s English classroom, where I observed some incredible literature discussions. Intrigued by the deep…

Blog

The Power of Student Voice: My Journey on the D11 District Accountability Committee

By Carissa Rickard, Student in Colorado Springs School District 11 My name is Carissa Rickard, I’m 16 years old, and I serve as the student representative on the district accountability committee (DAC) for Colorado Springs School District 11 As a student representative, my role is to provide a crucial perspective on how district policies…

Blog

Slow Down to Go Fast: 6 Pillars to Prioritizing Community and Relationships

As educators, we understand that a classroom is more than just a place for academic instruction; it’s a vibrant community where every learner should feel valued and connected. The first weeks of school are essential for establishing this classroom culture, helping to smooth the transition back to school for both students and teachers. Embracing…

Blog

Why Mindset Matters in Cultivating Learner-Centered Change

Photo courtesy of Embark Education When we introduce new structures or practices in education, we often focus solely on implementing them correctly. However, this approach misses a crucial element: the mindset behind these changes. Our underlying intentions powerfully shape how others experience our designs. The way we think about school, learning, and learners (both…

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Blog

A Spotlight on the First UCSD + LCC Research Convening of the 24-25 School Year

In July of 2023, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the Learner-Centered Collaborative (LCC) announced a groundbreaking partnership to unite researchers, practitioners from LCC, and regional districts in advancing learner-centered practices. A group of Southern California districts kicked off this school year with the new name SoCal Link. In the spirit of sharing and…

Podcasts

Episode 36: Clark Street Community School Student Panel with Ruby & Everest

Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsEpisode Summary: In this live-recorded episode at the Aurora Institute Symposium 2024, Katie Martin hosts two inspiring students from Clark Street Community School, Ruby and Everest. Together, they share their unique experiences in a learner-centered environment that emphasizes real-world learning experiences and community connections. Ruby and Everest reflect on…

BlogImpact

How Hawaiian Charter Schools Are Honoring Identity

Brought together by a shared vision to create a more expansive student transcript reflecting whole child learning, charter schools in Hawaii offer a glimpse into their process—from vision to implementation.