Episode 399

full
Published on:

9th May 2025

Team-based Instruction: Innovating Learning Experiences that are Student-Centered

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson, Superintendent of Concord Community Schools in Michigan, as they explore innovative approaches that are transforming learning in a small rural district. This insightful conversation delves into Concord’s personalized learning journey, including team-based teaching models that replace the traditional one-teacher classroom with collaborative educator teams. Dr. Hutchinson shares how this model empowers teachers with autonomy, leverages their strengths, and uses dynamic student grouping to meet individual needs. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Personalized Learning Focus: Concord Community Schools emphasizes personalized learning, tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs through flexible, dynamic grouping.
  • Team-Based Teaching Model: The district replaces traditional single-teacher classrooms with collaborative educator teams, allowing teachers to leverage their strengths and share responsibility for student success.
  • Teacher Autonomy and Empowerment: Teachers are given greater autonomy to design and adapt instruction, fostering innovation and responsiveness within classrooms.
  • Integration of Social-Emotional Learning: Social-emotional learning is woven into daily practices alongside academics, supporting the whole child’s development.
  • Blended Instruction: Concord uses blended learning strategies to combine in-person and digital tools, enhancing engagement and personalized pathways.
  • Student Agency: The district encourages students to take ownership of their learning, preparing them to be active, self-directed learners.
  • Small Rural District Innovation: Despite its size and rural context, Concord demonstrates that thoughtful leadership and innovative practices can create vibrant, effective learning environments.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:35 Meet Dr. Rebecca "Becky" Hutchinson

01:15 Overview of Concord Community Schools

03:58 Creating Student-Centered Learning Environments

07:31 Empowering Teachers and Building Self-Efficacy

12:29 Innovative Team-Based Instructional Models

15:02 Dynamic Grouping and Distributed Leadership

18:54 Challenges and Successes in Implementation

37:37 Leadership Insights and Personal Growth


Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-hutchinson-1517b9234

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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Principal Office Hours
Real principals. Real talk. No hall passes required.
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About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.