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 inspiring episode of NTN Unpacked, our very own School Development Coach Val Grijalva sits down with Ashley Perales and Henley Price, two pre-K teachers from Gale Pond Alamo Elementary School in Odessa, Texas, who boldly embraced project-based learning (PBL) for the first time this year. As the first educators in their district to implement PBL at the pre-K level, Ashley and Henley share a candid and uplifting look into what it took connect learning to real-world relevance with their youngest learners.
You’ll hear reflections on:
- How PBL was adapted for 4- and 5-year-olds through whole-group instruction and intentional play
- Powerful student-led moments of empathy, generosity, and cultural understanding
- Navigating fears, false starts, and moments of “flailing” — and learning to trust the process
- The impact of strong campus leadership and the importance of utilizing paraprofessionals within PBL instruction
- Tangible shifts in student behavior, community connections, and classroom culture
Whether you're new to PBL, curious about what it looks like in early childhood settings, or seeking encouragement to try something new, Ashley and Henley offer warmth, honesty, and wisdom for educators at every level.
—
💡Want to learn more about how to create authentic, developmentally appropriate project-based learning experiences for young learners? Check out this article from New Tech Network on Project-Based Learning Activities for Elementary Schools — filled with ideas and strategies to bring PBL to life in early education classrooms.
📌 Registration for NTAC 2025 is now open! Be sure to join us on July 15–18,2025 in Oakland, CA! Come learn from them at the conference by registering at the following link: https://newtechnetwork.cventevents.com/ntac2025
🔔 Subscribe to NTN Unpacked and follow us on Instagram at @NTNUnpacked to hear more authentic stories from New Tech Network schools across the country.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.