In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer and Head-Royce's inaugural Director of Design and Making, David Clifford, discuss the transformative power of design thinking in education. They explore how a human-centered approach can foster creativity, empathy, and real-world impact, while emphasizing the importance of belonging and equity in learning environments. David shares his journey as an educator and design strategist, highlighting the need for creativity at all levels of education. The conversation also touches on the vision for the new makerspace at Head-Royce and the role of collaboration in shaping the future of learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking

02:59 David Clifford's Journey and Philosophy

05:51 Creativity and Belonging in Education

08:47 The Role of Design Thinking in Schools

11:54 Consequences of Design and Human-Centered Approaches

14:56 A New Framework

18:00 Embedding Design Thinking in School Culture

21:04 Equity and Design Outcomes

24:00 Future Vision

27:07 Personal Insights and Fun Facts

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer speaks with Dr. Shavon Davis, Head-Royce School's upcoming Head of Lower and Middle Schools about the new K-8 structure. They discuss the importance of centering students in education, fostering continuity across lower and middle school years, and the critical roles of family and educator voices in supporting student growth. Dr. Davis emphasizes collaboration among leadership roles and the significance of academic preparation in nurturing confident, self-assured students. The conversation highlights a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HeadWay and New Leadership Structure

02:00 The Importance of K-8 Education

04:07 Opportunities and Challenges in Student Development

06:05 Fostering Continuity Across Age Groups

08:03 Centering Student Voices in Education

09:55 Collaboration with Families and Educators

12:09 The Role of Leadership in Student Experience

14:04 Academic Preparation and Student Confidence

16:08 Vision for Student Experience at Head-Royce

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer chats with Dr. Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, about how schools can balance academic excellence with student well-being. Their conversation touches on a range of topics—from how academic rigor and well-being can go hand in hand, to rethinking homework and assessments so they better reflect real learning. Dr. Pope also shares her thoughts on the impact of AI in the classroom, the importance of thoughtful school schedules, and why centering student voice and strong relationships matters more than ever.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Academic Excellence and Well-Being

02:57 The Interplay of Rigor and Well-Being

05:54 Rethinking Homework Policies

08:51 Supporting Students Without Pressure

11:48 Assessing the State of Student Stress

14:59 The Role of AI in Education

18:11 The Importance of School Schedules

20:52 Challenging the Notion of Success

23:46 Student Voice in Education

27:04 Building Relationships for Better Learning

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