S3 E3 Designed With Students

Guest: Dr. Sundai Riggins, Head of School — Inspired Teaching Demonstration School (Washington, D.C.)
Hosts: Vashaunta Harris & Jim Goenner
Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute

What happens when students aren’t just served by a school, but help design it?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Dr. Sundai Riggins, Head of School at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School in Washington, D.C., for a powerful conversation about student voice, belonging, joy, and whole-child design.

Dr. Riggins shares her journey as a career educator and the beliefs that shape Inspired Teaching’s model—where students are treated as co-designers, learning is inquiry-based, and joy is viewed as an act of resistance. From student-led theatrical productions and intersession experiences to small learning environments, two adults per classroom, and open feedback loops, this episode brings listeners inside a school community intentionally built with students, not just for them.

You’ll hear:

• How Inspired Teaching empowers students with agency, responsibility, and confidence, including backstage student leadership in school productions

• Why children’s individuality and energy are assets, not obstacles

• How academics and whole-child learning are balanced through inquiry, feedback, and flexible design

• Why mentorship, open practice, and community engagement are central to the school’s mission

• How love, relationships, and belonging serve as the school’s true “secret sauce.”

Dr. Riggins reminds us that students won’t be students forever—they’re future citizens. Schools, at their best, prepare young people not just to succeed academically, but to know their voices matter, to advocate for themselves, and to carry confidence beyond school walls

S3 E3

This is a conversation about designing schools that honor humanity, cultivate joy, and expand what’s possible when we trust students with real responsibility.

If this episode inspired you, share it with an educator or parent who believes schools should be built around curiosity, community, and care—and tell us your own #SchoolBrag story.

Stay bold. Stay mission-driven. Stay in the community.