unstandardized testing podcast

The Unstandardized Testing podcast is an Unscripted podcast project which honors teachers stories and experiences through the lens of the improv principle: “mistakes are gifts”.

We use TRUE stories from teachers about an unplanned moment, a dilemma they faced, or a moment they wished had gone differently and use it as inspiration to perform improvised scenes and characters. The goal is to open the craft of teaching as a human centered endeavor, and counter the hyper-evaluative nature of the teaching profession. Our hope is that the stories and improvised scenes will explore the way teachers think and feel - and that things can be a little more complex and nuanced than people may assume in a world filled standardized tests and explicit objectives. The improvisers honor featured guest experiences, and do not “roast” anyone.

Season 1 cast

Do you have a story to tell?

We’re currently on pause for recording new episodes (looking for a sponsor to continue!) If you’d like to submit your story (audio or text, no time limit or requirement) to be considered as a feature on a future episode of this podcast, please fill out this form, and our staff will be in touch soon. Each story is reviewed by a panel of teachers & improvisers from the community and selected based on:

  • Will it get anyone in trouble? We’re not looking for blatantly cruel, illegal, harmful to children, or anything that makes people think about writing a letter to the editor about teachers not doing something right - this is about honoring experience, not calling someone out. Typically, stories which center on the teacher’s experience and don’t directly involve students and parents are the best for this particular project.

  • Will people want to hear this story? Is it interesting? Is it true? Are there lots of great details in the story?

  • Does this experience represent a wide range of perspectives and experiences? We want to share stories of all kinds of people and educational settings.

This project funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission