He Showed Me What One Person Could Do: A Tribute to Jon Ketler
Chris Unger honors Jon Ketler, founder of the Tacoma School of the Arts, in a Getting Smart tribute. The piece explores Ketler’s visionary approach to school design and demonstrates how one person’s initiative can impact education systems. It serves as both a remembrance and an inspiration for education leaders.

When Jon Ketler, founder of the Tacoma School of the Arts, passed away recently, Getting Smart contributor Chris Unger sat down to capture what made him extraordinary. This tribute is more than a remembrance. It is a masterclass in what visionary school design actually looks like when one person decides to stop waiting for permission and start building. Education leaders who have ever wondered whether a single individual can change a system will find both proof and inspiration here. The post He Showed Me What One Person Could Do: A Tribute to Jon Ketler appeared first on Getting Smart.
Related Reading
pedagogia-modszertanBeyond the Classroom Walls: What Research Says About Virtual Field Trips
A Getting Smart article explores the research behind virtual field trips, aiming to replicate the benefits of traditional field trips like fostering empathy and sparking curiosity. It provides a framework for educators to design engaging virtual experiences that expand access and deepen student learning, offering a practical guide for leaders seeking to enhance educational opportunities.
pedagogia-modszertanHow Student Feedback Shaped New Features for English Language Learners in Math
Kyron Learning partnered with researchers to study motivation in middle school math for English language learners. Classroom observations revealed a need for features like closed captioning, highlighted transcripts, and clickable definitions. These needs were incorporated into the product, demonstrating how learner-centered development, driven by student feedback, can improve EdTech.
pedagogia-modszertanThe Pedagogy of Trading Places: Lessons from an Unexpected Role Reversal with AI
A faculty member describes a frustrating grading experience where repetitive feedback requests drained their energy. The article, “The Pedagogy of Trading Places,” explores lessons learned from a role reversal involving AI, likely related to addressing common student errors and streamlining feedback processes.