In this episode of Growth over Grades, Jordan sits down with Alin Bennett and Bobbi Macdonald from Education Reimagined, where they have a powerful conversation on learner-centered education. Together, they unpack what it really means to put students at the center of learning—and why it matters. They explore how this shift redefines the role of teachers, reshapes assessment, and challenges traditional practices. Alin and Bobbi also highlight how learner-centered education advances diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating classrooms where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow.

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:16 - Introducing Alin Bennet and Bobbi Macdonald

00:10:10 - Education Reimagined

00:16:00 - Understanding Learner-Centered Education

00:29:09 - Setting the Record Straight: Learner-Centered Education

00:35:43 - The role of the teacher

00:39:30 - Communicating the Method

00:43:45 - Equitable Assessment

00:46:58 - Making the shift

00:54:02 - Looking to the Future

Introducing Alin Bennet and Bobbi Macdonald

Starting with a bit of a back story of who Alin Bennett and Bobbi Macdonald are, they bring decades of hands-on experience in learner-centered education, making their conversation with Jordan both insightful and practical.

Alin launched his second career as a Fulbright Scholar in the UK, and then spent nearly 20 years at The Met School in Rhode Island, serving as both advisor and principal. Three years ago, he joined Education Reimagined, where he now helps schools across the country embrace learner-centered practices.

Bobbi began her career at the University of Maryland’s Child Development Lab, focusing on discovery-driven learning environments. Later, she co-founded two choice schools in Baltimore, built on the belief that every student deserves to feel known, loved, and inspired. Today, at Education Reimagined, Bobbi continues to support schools in creating learner-centered systems that truly serve students.

Education Reimagined

Education Reimagined, a nonprofit born out of Convergence—a think tank focused on bringing together diverse perspectives—works to transform education by championing learner-centered approaches. Alin summarizes their mission as “making learner-centered education available to every child in the United States, regardless of circumstance.” Instead of reinforcing traditional systems, they help communities design innovative, student-focused learning environments. Education Reimagined empowers communities to grow a vibrant field of learner-centered practices through resources, training, and partnerships. They do it to make this approach the norm, not the exception.

Understanding Learner-Centered Education

Bobbi explains that Learner-Centered Education puts an emphasis on collaboration between learners and educators, with adults facilitating rather than dictating the journey. Each student is unique and capable, with diversity, equity, and inclusion central to the approach. Bobbi notes, “Students are not seen as above or below some average but as a unique person… inclusive of race, neurodiversity, gender identity, age, and religion.” This model shifts the focus from standardized outcomes to agency and social learning as key pillars, which highlights learner agency, social learning, open-walled exploration, and competency-based assessments.

Setting the Record Straight: Learner-Centered Education

One of the common misconceptions about learner-centered education is that the notion that students can do as they please. Alin clarifies, “It is not kids doing whatever they want. It is about setting up the conditions where they can display their agency and advocate for the type of learning they want in conversation and partnership with their peers and adults.”

Another misconception, as Alin explains it, is that this approach suits only certain students. While that couldn't be further from the truth, since it’s designed for all, grounded in brain science that recognizes each learner’s potential. Not to be mistaken with personalized learning, which operates within traditional systems focused on standardized outcomes, learner-centered education helps students discover their contributions through individualized learning plans.

Evolving the Role of the Teacher

In learner-centered classrooms, teachers build strong relationships and guide students in developing metacognitive skills to deepen both self-awareness and learning. As Bobbi puts it, “I think a lot of great teachers try and do this at whatever level they can, even when they're in strained conditions.” But she emphasizes that teachers also need a supportive community to help them balance structure with student autonomy. Creating that support system is key to fostering classrooms where individual learning thrives within a collaborative environment.

Communicating the Method

Bobbi’s suggestion is to showcase students as they present their work and learning journeys to help families understand the learner-centered model, which will inspire pride as parents witness their child’s growth. Advocacy being key, Bobbi emphasizes, “We need to build the credibility of this learning and show the impact it has on kids. We need to listen to kids talk about the impact it has on them.” Also, if we can encourage caregivers to reflect on their own learning experiences, it’ll help them recognize when deep learning occurs. This approach is used to engage families to support and appreciate the learner-centered model.

Equitable Assessment

Learner-centered education assessment must be individualized and contextualized to be most effective in gauging students' learning. Alin explains, “It is going back to that foundational idea. Let’s look at the child, the learner first, seeing what their strengths are, what their needs are, and what the context of what you’re assessing is?” This is not to say that traditional tests are not necessary in areas like vocational training, but he advocates for aligning assessments with learning context wherever possible. Using performance-based methods that better reflect individuals' learning is still necessary. When we look at taking a personalized approach, it ensures assessments are equitable and meaningful for all learners.

Embracing Student-Centered Learning

Bobbi and Alin offer practical advice for educators shifting toward student-centered learning:

• Bobbi encourages teachers to start by truly listening to students—amplifying their voices—and trying at least one learner-centered activity.
• After that, it's important to share its impact with the broader community.
• Alin highlights the power of empathetic listening, reminding educators that every student—no matter their age—deserves to be heard and understood.
• It's important to champion a “try it” mindset over rigid compliance, since it will spark innovation.
• Urge leaders to stay bold in their vision.

Alin believes that even in the face of adversity, it’s crucial to keep advocating for student-centered practices.

Looking to the Future

Bobbi looks ahead to the future of education, and the impact of an evolving workforce and societal needs, and sees learner-centered education as the future of K-12. She is a big believer that it's a crucial time to rethink public education, suggesting the current model falls short. Alin agrees, highlighting the need for a more humane approach as mental health issues continue to be on the rise and trust in education declines. “We have never been more positioned for transformation than we are now,” he states, urging the shift toward learner-centered principles that build connections and empower students to make meaningful community and global impacts.

As education evolves to meet the demands of a fast-changing world, learner-centered models offer a powerful way to prepare students for future success. By prioritizing each student’s unique strengths, needs, and interests, educators can help learners build the skills they’ll need to tackle tomorrow’s challenges with confidence. If you're seeking practical strategies to lead a real shift, explore Effective Change Management For Education for practical guidance on driving school-wide transformation. For a deeper dive into learner-centered practices, take a look at Enhancing Learner-Centered Models Through Competency-Based Education.