What Makes Kentucky's United We Learn Actually Work? | David Cook, Sarah Snipes and Karen Perry
Wed Feb 04 2026
The latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast dives into Kentucky's innovative "United We Learn" initiative, which emphasizes community-driven education, competency-based learning, and local accountability systems. Host Rebecca Midles is joined by Sarah Snipes, Director of Innovative Learning at the Kentucky Department of Education; Karen Perry, Executive Director at the Center for Next Generation Leadership; and David Cook, former Director of Innovative Learning, to discuss how Kentucky is building sustainable systems of education transformation. Together, they explore the importance of trust, collaboration, and shared vision in creating vibrant learning experiences for every student. Tune in to hear how Kentucky's efforts are inspiring education leaders nationwide, and learn why this model could be a blueprint for other states.
Outline
(00:00) Introduction & Guest Roles (06:30) Building Networks & Partnerships (16:03) Creating Shared Vision (26:34) Portrait of a Learner Process (32:47) District Models & Implementation (36:00) Sustainability & Looking Ahead
Links
Read the full blog here Watch the full blog here David Cook LinkedIn Sarah Snipes LinkedIn Karen Perry LinkedIn Previous blog by Stephanie and David
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The latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast dives into Kentucky's innovative "United We Learn" initiative, which emphasizes community-driven education, competency-based learning, and local accountability systems. Host Rebecca Midles is joined by Sarah Snipes, Director of Innovative Learning at the Kentucky Department of Education; Karen Perry, Executive Director at the Center for Next Generation Leadership; and David Cook, former Director of Innovative Learning, to discuss how Kentucky is building sustainable systems of education transformation. Together, they explore the importance of trust, collaboration, and shared vision in creating vibrant learning experiences for every student. Tune in to hear how Kentucky's efforts are inspiring education leaders nationwide, and learn why this model could be a blueprint for other states. Outline (00:00) Introduction & Guest Roles (06:30) Building Networks & Partnerships (16:03) Creating Shared Vision (26:34) Portrait of a Learner Process (32:47) District Models & Implementation (36:00) Sustainability & Looking Ahead Links Read the full blog here Watch the full blog here David Cook LinkedIn Sarah Snipes LinkedIn Karen Perry LinkedIn Previous blog by Stephanie and David