Tired of students asking, "What did I get?" after every assignment? What if they asked, "How did I grow?" instead?

In this solo episode, I share a powerful reflection conversation with one of my students after his seventh real-world presentation of the day during Exhibition. Rather than assigning a grade, we walk through a rubric he co-created, debating scores, celebrating growth, and co-constructing the path forward. This isn't just assessment—it's transformation.

You'll learn:

• Why co-created rubrics lead to more authentic assessment

• How self-assessment builds ownership, metacognition, and accountability

• Five clear steps to make self-assessment part of your class culture

• How to use assessment to support reflection, not just justify scores

If you're ready to replace grading battles with growth conversations, this episode gives you the tools to get started.

Get the 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Book (chapter 10): https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713

Do you ever feel like your students rely on you for every next move? What if you could shift from being the sole driver to creating a classroom where students lead with confidence?

In this episode, I sit down with Nicole, a passionate PE teacher and learning leader who shares her journey of transitioning from teacher-led instruction to student-led experiences. From student-designed fitness plans to peer-facilitated learning reflections, Nicole reveals practical strategies that helped her learners take charge—and the ripple effects this had across her school community.

You'll learn:

• How to structure lessons so students take the lead
• Simple routines that nurture peer coaching and reflection
• Why stepping back builds stronger student voice and trust
• How student-led initiatives can work in any subject, not just PE

Ready to stop running every part of the learning experience? This episode gives you the mindset, models, and momentum to empower students to step up and own it.

Connect with Nicole: LinkedIn

Get the 12 Shifts Book: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments

Nicole's Bio: Typically, Physical Education teacher often means focusing on well known sports and lesson plan formats, but Nicole strives to introduce alternative activities and ways of learning that are accessible and help break away from traditional norms, promoting inclusivity and engagement.

Her most significant years of teaching have been in the international school settings, where she has had the privilege to meet many learners and colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds. This has taught her how important it is to adapt to global demands, as well as the unique needs of each student. Being part of a research team, participating in NEASC accreditation visits, attending conferences, publishing, and networking with companies and educators worldwide, has given her the confidence to focus on rewarding progress as opposed to perfection.

Recognizing that every individual is unique, Nicole feels passionate about designing learning experiences that foster personal development and equip students with skills that will remain relevant in the future

Do your students disengage the moment a presentation starts- or never fully show what they're capable of? What if the missing ingredient was as simple as who was watching?

In this episode, I share the powerful impact of expanding the audience beyond the teacher. You'll hear how one identity-based exhibition at our Montessori Middle School completely transformed students' confidence, participation, and ownership—including English language learners and typically shy students. You'll walk away with practical ways to invite real audiences into your classroom—no giant showcase required.

You'll learn:

• How shifting the audience empowers even your quietest students

• Easy ways to invite peers, parents, and experts into classroom learning

• Why real-world relevance boosts confidence and work quality

• How audience exposure builds identity, voice, and intrinsic motivation

• The data and stories behind why this simple shift works

Whether it's a panel discussion, peer walkthrough, or younger student visit, expanding the audience can unlock the most authentic, empowered version of your learners. Listen now and discover how one small shift can breathe life into every corner of your classroom.

Get the Book w/ more ideas for how to go from Teacher as audience - - - -> Authentic Audience:

📘 https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713 (Chapter 11)