S2 E2 Ted Kolderie – You Can’t Expect New Results from Old Designs
- Author
- National Charter Schools Institute
- Published
- Wed 17 Sep 2025
- Episode Link
- https://boldbychoice.podbean.com/e/s2-e2-ted-kolderie-%e2%80%93-you-can-t-expect-new-results-from-old-designs/
In this episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner reflect on the life and legacy of Ted Kolderie, whose groundbreaking ideas reframed chartering not just as a type of school, but as a system redesign strategy. Joined by returning guests Ember Reichgott Junge and Don Cooper, the conversation pairs archival clips of Ted with fresh insights about what it means to lead boldly today.
Episode Highlights:
Why language matters: chartering as a verb, not a noun.
Teacher leadership and the radical redesign of school roles.
The “big boat/little boat” analogy and what it teaches us about innovation.
Leadership lessons for today: redesign structures, empower teachers, and create space for small, nimble experiments.
Featured Archival Clips from the Charter Library Oral History: Ted Kolderie
Resources & Links:
Zero Chance of Passage by Ember Reichgott Junge
Creating the Capacity for Change (2004)
Chartered Schools = Choices for Educators + Quality for All Students (1988 Citizens League Report)
Making the School the Teachers’ School (2022)
Listen now and hear Ted’s words brought back to life—paired with reflections from the people who knew him best.
