What does it mean to truly personalize education? In this episode of The Teaching Edge, we sit down with Nicki Slaugh, an educational leader, author, and principal at Quest Academy in Utah. With over 20 years of experience in transforming classrooms and schools, Nicki shares how personalized, competency-based education reshapes how students learn and how teachers inspire. You’ll learn how to implement personalized learning strategies, build a school culture that fosters mastery, and embrace technology as a tool for growth.Resources Mentioned:Nicki’s book: Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All LearnersNicki’s websiteNicki’s TikTokNicki's InstagramNicki’s LinktreeQuest Academy in UtahDaniel Pink's book DriveEric Sheninger's Disruptive ThinkingTim Grover's Relentless: From Good to Great to UnstoppableKey Takeaways:Introduction:Nicki Slaugh is a trailblazer in personalized education, using her experience as a principal and author to revolutionize learning.She co-authored Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners, providing a practical guide for educators to innovate and inspire.Educational Leadership and Risk-Taking:Leadership should foster a culture of love and safety where failure is a stepping stone.Empowered teachers innovate, inspiring students to take risks and reflect on their learning.Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose:These elements fuel motivation for both students and teachers.Purpose and autonomy are crucial for engagement, leading to mastery through calculated risk-taking.Personalized Learning:Personalized education creates a student-centered environment where everyone thrives.Key strategies include:Building relationships through one-on-one or small group interactions.Using data to tailor learning paths.Allowing students to demonstrate mastery before progressing.Offering voice and choice in how students learn and practice.Providing actionable feedback and fostering collaboration.Integrating technology as a meaningful tool, not a distraction.Practical Implementation:Redesign classrooms to foster collaboration, removing traditional desks.Leverage pre-tests, flipped classrooms, and project-based learning for personalized instruction.Teach life skills with courses on coding, Adobe Suite, and public speaking.Use formative assessments to guide next-day teaching and create tailored support.Competency-Based Model / Proficiency Skills:Break down standards into actionable "I can" statements for students.Design assessments aligned with standards, focusing on mastery progression.AI in Education:Use AI to create tailored practice materials, adjust reading levels, and personalize learning.Teach students ethical and effective ways to use AI for their development.The Shift in Mindset:Personalized education emphasizes engagement over compliance and meaningful learning over rote curriculum completion.Additional Insights:Lead with love and build relationships to create a thriving educational environment.Education should combine academics with life skills to develop well-rounded individuals.Discipline should focus on learning lessons, balancing warmth and strictness.Grading should separate academic performance from character development.Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Check out www.theteachingedge.org for all episodes. Share this episode with fellow educators and join the movement to inspire and innovate in education!
