NTN Unpacked
NTN Unpacked
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on themes of educational transformation, project-based learning, and systemic change in K-12 education. Episodes like the debut featuring Nex+Gen Academy focus on real-world initiatives such as food waste reduction projects, community partnerships, and empowering student voices, showcasing how these efforts create meaningful learning experiences and impact within schools.
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.
In this dynamic episode of NTN Unpacked, host Mark Stolan and School Development Coach Aubrey Thompson sit down with Danae Boyd and Janelle Bence from New Tech High @ Coppell (NTH@C) to explore Slamming for a Cause—a powerful legacy project where 9th grade learners turn research on global human rights issues into original slam poetry, raising awareness and funds for local organizations.
This interdisciplinary project blends English and human geography, inviting students to write, revise, and perform their work while managing all aspects of event planning, from marketing and silent auctions to design and production. Through authentic engagement with community partners and the guidance of professional poets, students experience the impact their voices can have—and the real-world skills they gain along the way.
You’ll hear reflections on:
- Structuring interdisciplinary PBL with meaningful student choice and voice
- Scaffolding poetry writing with research, rhetorical devices, and revision
- The community-wide impact of legacy projects like Slamming for a Cause
- How learners raise thousands for local causes through Giving Tuesday campaigns
- Sustaining engagement through alumni, local experts, and cross-grade collaboration
Whether you're planning your first school wide event or looking to deepen student agency and authenticity, Danae and Janelle offer practical wisdom and heart-filled inspiration.
📌 Bonus resource: Download the NTN PBL Lesson Plan Template to support your next interdisciplinary, high-impact project.
🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram @NTNUnpacked to hear more authentic stories from New Tech Network classrooms across the country.
Disclaimer
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