In this episode of Unpacking Education, Mike Rahn, an English and AVID Elective teacher at Elk River High School in Minnesota, shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate educator and explains how discovering <a href='https://www.avid.org/'>AVID</a> transformed his teaching and his sense of purpose. You’ll hear how relationships and high academic standards work hand in hand in Mike&apos;s classroom, why critical reading and organization are foundational skills for student success, and how AVID strategies like marking the text and Collaborative Study Groups help students take ownership of their learning. Most importantly, Mike reminds us that teaching is about making a difference and helping students find purpose, build confidence, and go out into the world ready to make a positive impact.At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: education is about purpose. For Mike, making a difference starts with building strong relationships and holding students to high expectations. “Holding those high standards in the academic portion of the room signals to kids, ‘This guy is going to push me to be better.’” That push, grounded in humor and authentic connection, creates a classroom culture where students feel both supported and challenged.Purpose also shapes how Mike structures learning. Whether students are organizing digital folders, marking the text with sticky notes, or collaborating in study groups, every strategy is rooted in clarity and intention. “When we&apos;re reading something, the kids know exactly what we&apos;re trying to do with it.” That transparency helps students connect academic work to their own growth. Ultimately, the goal extends beyond grades or graduation. It’s about equipping students with the tools, confidence, and mindset to make a positive impact long after they leave the classroom.Visit <a href='https://avidopenaccess.org'>AVID Open Access</a> to learn more.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Unpacking Education, Mike Rahn, an English and AVID Elective teacher at Elk River High School in Minnesota, shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate educator and explains how discovering &lt;a href='https://www.avid.org/'&gt;AVID&lt;/a&gt; transformed his teaching and his sense of purpose.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; You’ll hear how relationships and high academic standards work hand in hand in Mike&amp;apos;s classroom, why critical reading and organization are foundational skills for student success, and how AVID strategies like marking the text and Collaborative Study Groups help students take ownership of their learning. Most importantly, Mike reminds us that teaching is about making a difference and helping students find purpose, build confidence, and go out into the world ready to make a positive impact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: education is about purpose. For Mike, making a difference starts with building strong relationships and holding students to high expectations. “Holding those high standards in the academic portion of the room signals to kids, ‘This guy is going to push me to be better.’” That push, grounded in humor and authentic connection, creates a classroom culture where students feel both supported and challenged.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Purpose also shapes how Mike structures learning. Whether students are organizing digital folders, marking the text with sticky notes, or collaborating in study groups, every strategy is rooted in clarity and intention. “When we&amp;apos;re reading something, the kids know exactly what we&amp;apos;re trying to do with it.” That transparency helps students connect academic work to their own growth. Ultimately, the goal extends beyond grades or graduation. It’s about equipping students with the tools, confidence, and mindset to make a positive impact long after they leave the classroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit &lt;a href='https://avidopenaccess.org'&gt;AVID Open Access&lt;/a&gt; to learn more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of Unpacking Education, Mike Rahn, an English and AVID Elective teacher at Elk River High School in Minnesota, shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate educator and explains how discovering AVID transformed his teaching and his sense of purpose.  You’ll hear how relationships and high academic standards work hand in hand in Mike's classroom, why critical reading and organization are foundational skills for student success, and how AVID strategies like marking...

AVID in the English Classroom, with Mike Rahn

In today’s episode, we&apos;ll review the potential risks of AI in education as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings&apos; study &quot;<a href='https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-New-Direction-for-Students-in-an-AI-World-FULL-REPORT.pdf'>A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect</a>.&quot; Visit <a href='https://avidopenaccess.org'>AVID Open Access</a> to learn more.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In today’s episode, we&amp;apos;ll review the potential risks of AI in education as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings&amp;apos; study &amp;quot;&lt;a href='https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-New-Direction-for-Students-in-an-AI-World-FULL-REPORT.pdf'&gt;&lt;em&gt;A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;quot; Visit &lt;a href='https://avidopenaccess.org'&gt;AVID Open Access&lt;/a&gt; to learn more. &lt;/p&gt;</description>

In today’s episode, we'll review the potential risks of AI in education as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings' study "A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect." Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.  

The Great Unwiring (Part III: Brookings AI Study–Risks)

Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI, with Jen Ivers

In today’s episode, we&apos;ll review the potential benefits of AI in education as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings&apos; study &quot;<a href='https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-New-Direction-for-Students-in-an-AI-World-FULL-REPORT.pdf'>A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect</a>.&quot; Visit <a href='https://avidopenaccess.org'>AVID Open Access</a> to learn more.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In today’s episode, we&amp;apos;ll review the potential benefits of AI in education as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings&amp;apos; study &amp;quot;&lt;a href='https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-New-Direction-for-Students-in-an-AI-World-FULL-REPORT.pdf'&gt;&lt;em&gt;A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;quot; Visit &lt;a href='https://avidopenaccess.org'&gt;AVID Open Access&lt;/a&gt; to learn more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In today’s episode, we'll review the potential benefits of AI in education as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings' study "A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect." Visit AVID Open Access to learn more. 

The AI Teaching Dividend (Part II: Brookings AI Study–Benefits) 

Building Student Confidence and Hope Through Assessment, with Nicole Dimich

If it relates to education and matters to you, we're talking about it on our podcasts. Unpacking Education shares in-depth conversations each Wednesday on timely topics with guests who share their expertise and experience—from teaching strategies, to educational technology, to equitable access to future-driven skills for all students. Tune in every Tuesday for a new Tech Talk For Teachers. 5 minutes jam-packed with practical and actionable tech integration strategies and tool tips you can immediately apply in your classroom. 

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