Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

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.

GO DISRUPT!

  1. All Episodes
  2. Why Student-Centered Change Fails- And How to Make it Stick

Why Student-Centered Change Fails- And How to Make it Stick

Sep 1, 2026

Ever introduced a promising student-centered initiative, only to watch the momentum fade once the PD ends?

I’ve seen schools invest in new programs, professional development, curriculum, and technology with the hope of transforming learning. But lasting change doesn’t happen simply because we introduce another initiative. It happens when we build the capacity of the people responsible for bringing that change to life.

In this episode of Student-Centered Shift, I sit down with returning guest Dr. Mari Simpson, leadership consultant and author of her new book, Built for Capacity. Drawing from her experience leading a three-year school transformation, Marie shares what it really takes to move student-centered change from an exciting idea to everyday practice—and why building teacher capacity needs to come before adding another initiative.

Together, we explore how to:

  • Diagnose what’s actually getting in the way of change before jumping to another solution.
  • Move beyond one-off PD by giving teachers opportunities to practice, collaborate, receive feedback, and grow over time.
  • Build teacher ownership by giving educators the permission and support to lead change themselves.
  • Use project-based learning and student-centered practices to create greater engagement, ownership, and purpose for learners.

If you’re an international educator or school leader trying to move from teacher-led instruction to more active, student-centered learning, this conversation will help you think differently about how change actually happens.

Get the Book, 'Built for Capacity,' for capacity building in your school. 

Get, 'Where is The Teacher: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments' for Classroom Shifts. 

Mari's Bio: 

Dr. Mari Simpson is a leadership strategist, author, international inspector, speaker, and founder of Built for Capacity. For more than 22 years, she has led and developed people across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, building stronger teams, systems, and cultures through periods of growth and change.

Her work is rooted in a practical idea: leadership is not about doing more yourself. It is about building the capacity of others to lead, perform, and grow.

Mari is the author of Built for Capacity and host of Fueling Capacity, where she speaks with leaders from around the world at different stages of their journey.

Today, she works across leadership development, consulting, speaking, conferences, and leadership recognition initiatives, with one clear focus: helping people grow their capacity to lead.