The Self-Learning Skills for Parents to Raise Future-Ready Kids Using Curiosity & AI - Andrew Collins

In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow Podcast, host Steve Miksta sits down with Andrew Collins, President & CEO at New Learning Ventures, Inc, Managing Director at Acton Academy Phoenix, and Founding Director at Phoenix Modern: A Learning Community, to discuss how learner-driven education, curiosity, personal responsibility, and real-world experiences are preparing young people for success in an AI-powered future. Together, they explore the Hero’s Journey approach to learning, the importance of autonomy and purpose, and how schools can help learners develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Andrew shares his journey from teaching elementary school through Teach For America to becoming an education entrepreneur and leader at Acton Academy Phoenix. He explains how becoming a father helped shape his vision for learner-driven education, why Acton focuses on curiosity, responsibility, and real-world learning, and how learners use goal setting, leadership, and AI tools to build skills for the future. ### **Key Takeaways** Learner Ownership Drives Growth: Learners set goals, manage their time, and take responsibility for their progress. Curiosity Fuels Learning: Asking questions and exploring interests helps learners adapt and grow in a changing world. Real-World Experience Matters: Projects, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship help learners build practical skills. Character is a Competitive Advantage: Empathy, grit, leadership, and accountability are developed alongside academics. AI Supports Better Learning: Learners use AI as a tool for feedback, creativity, and faster learning. Purpose Creates Motivation: Autonomy, mastery, and meaningful work help learners stay engaged and motivated. ### **Episode Timestamps** \[00:00] - Teaser \[01:17] - Andrew shares how teaching led him into education reform \[03:10] - Becoming a father changed Andrew's view of education \[05:26] - Why traditional education no longer fits today's world \[08:33] - The Hero's Journey and the three challenges learners face \[11:16] - How learners set goals and track academic progress \[13:43] - Fitness, feedback, and the value of mixed-age play \[15:09] - Real-world learning through afternoon quests \[17:36] - Acton's three pillars: learn, do, and be \[20:22] - The ICY framework for personal growth and accountability \[24:05] - Why curiosity and grit matter in the AI era \[27:26] - Autonomy, mastery, and purpose in learner motivation \[32:15] - How learners use AI as a learning tool \[36:38] - Future plans for Acton Phoenix \[40:16] - Children's Business Fair and how to connect with Acton Phoenix 🔗 **Connect with the Guest Andrew Collins:** 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collins-1620931/ 🔗 **Connect with the Guest Companies:** 👉 LinkedIn - New Learning Ventures, Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-learning-ventures-inc/ 👉 LinkedIn - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acton-academy-phoenix/ 👉 LinkedIn - Phoenix Modern: A Learning Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phxmodern/ 👉 Website - New Learning Ventures, Inc: https://www.newlearningventures.org/ 👉 Website - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.actonphx.org/ 👉 Website - Phoenix Modern: A Learning Community: https://phoenixmodern.org/ 👉 Email: [andrew@actonphx.org](mailto:andrew@actonphx.org) 👉 Instagram - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.instagram.com/actonphx/ 👉 Facebook - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.facebook.com/actonphx/ 📍 Come explore Acton Phoenix – 40th Street, north of Camelback (near Biltmore/Arcadia). 🔗**Follow the podcast:** **👍**YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8 👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216 🔗 **Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:** 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/ 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222 🔗 **Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:** 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/ 👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/