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Transformative Learning Experiences with Kyle Wagner is a show created for DISRUPTORS and INNOVATIVE EDUCATORS looking to create more socially, globally, emotionally aware citizens and student-centered classrooms through transformative project- based learning experiences. Through 1:1 interviews, Kyle dissects learning experiences from EDNOVATORS just like you, and unpacks the simple strategies and structures that allowed them to happen. To date, over 1,000 classrooms have been transformed through 1,000 + learning experiences.

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  2. Struggling to Motivate Teenagers? What Adolescents Need To Thrive

Struggling to Motivate Teenagers? What Adolescents Need To Thrive

Jul 7, 2026

Feeling like your students are becoming more disengaged, dependent, or resistant as they move into adolescence? Wondering how to build genuine independence without constantly reminding, managing, or motivating them?

In this episode, I sit down with Jan and Rhonda, two experienced Montessori adolescent guides, to explore a radically different model of middle school education. Instead of relying on grades, compliance, and teacher direction, their students spend each day tackling meaningful work, managing real responsibilities, and contributing to a community that depends on them. The result is a learning environment where motivation grows from purpose—not pressure.

From students planning weekly meals and managing budgets to caring for farms, leading projects, and solving real problems together, you'll discover how authentic responsibility transforms adolescent learners. Along the way, Jan and Rhonda explain why teenagers need meaningful work, trusted relationships, and opportunities to contribute if we want them to become confident, capable young adults.

You'll learn:

  • Why traditional schooling often misunderstands the developmental needs of adolescents
  • How meaningful work and real responsibility naturally increase motivation and independence
  • Practical ways to build student ownership without giving up structure or support
  • Why mixed-age communities and authentic contribution develop confidence, collaboration, and leadership
  • How shifting from teacher control to purposeful guidance helps adolescents thrive

Whether you teach in a traditional, IB, project-based, or Montessori classroom, this episode will challenge the way you think about adolescence—and offer practical ideas for creating more student-centered learning environments where teenagers feel trusted, capable, and motivated to contribute.

Get the Book: Where Is The Teacher: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments 

Take the 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Scorecard: 12 Shifts Scorecard