The Power of Paideia: Transforming Classrooms Through Inquiry & Dialogue with Kelly Dowdy & Jane Armbruster

Welcome back to They’ll Be Fine, the podcast where we dive into the most impactful practices in gifted education and beyond. In this episode, we’re exploring an instructional approach that transforms classrooms into vibrant spaces for critical thinking, inquiry, and meaningful dialogue—the Paideia approach.

We recently had the privilege of sitting down with two incredible school leaders in Charlotte, NC– Kelly Dowdy and Jane Armbruster, They implement the Paideia framework at their schools with remarkable success. They shared invaluable insights into how this philosophy fosters deep learning, student engagement, and a culture of intellectual curiosity.

Kelly Dowdy is in her 25th year in education. She has served as the principal of Elon Park Elementary since January 2017. Her career began as a fifth-grade teacher at the same elementary school she attended as a student. She has also taught fourth grade, worked as a literacy facilitator, and served as an assistant principal. In 2005, she earned her National Board Certification as a classroom teacher and has chosen to maintain it even after transitioning out of the classroom. She earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from Winthrop University in 2011. A native of Charlotte and a graduate of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Kelly has always had a love for learning at every level.

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Born in Hong Kong, Jane Armbruster comes from a family of educators, a legacy that began with her grandparents. Her passion for education runs deep—her sister previously taught at the university level, working with master's students, while her brother teaches in international schools at the middle and high school levels. With 28 years of experience in education, Jane currently serves as the Principal of Providence Spring Elementary in Charlotte, NC, which is home to one of the largest populations of gifted students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). Since joining CMS in 2000, she has held various roles, including classroom teacher, Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) teacher, facilitator, and assistant principal. She holds National Board Certification and an Academically Gifted Licensure and is deeply committed to creating enriching learning experiences for all students. Beyond school leadership, she has presented at the National Gifted Conference, the NCAGT Conference, and the National Paideia Center. She thrives on problem-solving and critical analysis, always seeking ways to enhance education for all students. The daily joys of working in a school continue to energize her, and she finds fulfillment in collaborating with educators, students, and families to create meaningful learning experiences. She is dedicated to working with all stakeholders to develop not only strong learners but also responsible citizens and stewards of the world.