Meet Our Guest:

About John Camp:
Camp (as he goes by), has been teaching in independent schools for over 25 years. His experience includes English and writing classes as well as interdisciplinary courses such as “The Art and Physics of Time Travel.” At St. Mark’s School, which bestowed him with The Trustees Chair and the Kidder Faculty Prize, Camp served as the Director of Experiential Learning and Associate Director of The Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning.

Follow on Camp on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campsm/

About Tom Woelper:
Tom has had a distinguished 31-year career in independent education, most recently serving as the Head of School of Far Hills Country Day School in Far Hills, New Jersey. Prior to his tenure at Far Hills, Tom served as the Assistant Head of School and Dean of Academic Life and taught history during his 14 years at The Hotchkiss School. Tom began his career in independent school education as a teaching intern at Groton School and then as a history teacher and Class Dean at The Taft School.

Follow on Tom Woelpher on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-thomas-woelper-a9009717
Twitter: https://twitter.com/twoelper

New England Innovation Academy
https://neiacademy.org/

Watch on YouTube:

Takeaways:

• The New England Innovation Academy is an independent school that focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and human-centered design.
• The school aims to prepare students for a rapidly changing world by teaching empathy and fostering an innovator and entrepreneur mindset.
• The founders of the school have backgrounds in education and entrepreneurship and wanted to create a school that was different from traditional models.
• The physical space of the school reflects its innovative approach, with open, collaborative areas and a sense of belonging and togetherness.
• The target market for the school includes families who are dissatisfied with traditional education and want a more innovative and flexible approach. Nia Innovation Academy follows a human-centered approach to education, focusing on integrated learning and project-based learning.
• The school offers flexibility in scheduling and allows for personalized learning experiences.
• NIA uses a competency-based assessment system that de-emphasizes grades and focuses on skills and competencies.
• The college admission process still heavily influences education, but colleges are showing interest in innovative approaches to learning.
• There is a need for a shift in the K-12 education system to prioritize holistic development and individual strengths rather than solely focusing on grades and college admissions.

The Host:

While students may only be 20%-25% of our population today, they are 100% of our future. That is why education is one of the most important investments a country can make and the sole purpose for the existence of the Better Learning Podcast.

The Better Learning Podcast brings on valued guests that talk about ways we can improve education for our kids. Because after all, they are 100% of our future!

Kevin Stoller:
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

Kay-Twelve
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If you are interested in being on the show or know someone who would be a great guest, please visit the Better Learning Podcast website.

Our Partners:

Who made this episode possible?
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) – https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders’ Organization – https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation – https://secondclassfoundation.org/