March 13, 2025

3 Learning Models Reshaping Teaching: A Guide for Educators & Schools

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The world is changing, and education is evolving with it. The traditional one teacher, one classroom model was built for a time when knowledge was scarce, work was predictable, and classrooms operated in isolation. But today’s workplaces value adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving across disciplines, and knowledge is easily accessible and rapidly expanding. At the same time, many teachers are feeling stretched thin, balancing the growing needs of students within systems that weren’t designed for the complexity of modern learning. AI and digital tools are opening up new possibilities, yet many states are returning to scripted curricula that limit teacher and learner agency.

Our latest framework, Teacher Roles in Three Learning Models, explores this shift—moving from traditional, teacher-driven instruction toward mastery learning in more personalized environments. These models invite educators to work in teams, guide students toward ownership of their learning, and connect learning to real-world skills and experiences. As education continues to evolve, we’re excited to explore how these approaches can make teaching more collaborative, sustainable, and impactful for both students and educators.

The Three Learning Models

1. Traditional (Teacher-Driven Pedagogy): In this model, teachers deliver instruction through lectures, textbooks, and worksheets. The classroom structure is rigid, with predetermined pacing, strict behavior management, and a focus on summative assessments. The teacher serves as the primary knowledge source, with students advancing together based on set timelines rather than mastery.
2. Standards-Based Personalized Mastery (Blended Learning with SEL): This model integrates adaptive online platforms and AI tutors with direct instruction, allowing for a mix of whole-class, small-group, and individualized learning. Teachers guide students toward mastery of standards while emphasizing socio-emotional learning (SEL) and metacognitive skills. Flexibility in grouping, pacing, and interventions ensures each student receives targeted support.
3. Competency-Based Personalized Mastery: Here, teachers act as facilitators and coaches, guiding students through structured competency progressions that develop through real-world problem-solving and deeper explorations. Learning is student-driven, iterative, and project-based, integrating academic skills with hands-on experiences that mirror the complexity of modern work. AI and adaptive technologies help personalize learning, providing real-time feedback, guiding students through competency progressions, and supporting differentiated instruction. Blended learning can support students in learning fundamental skills and concepts (key standards). Community partners, industry professionals, and mentors collaborate with educators to create meaningful, interdisciplinary projects that connect learning to real-world challenges. Paraprofessionals and other supporting adults are actively integrated into learning experience design and management, ensuring that students receive individualized support, mentorship, and coaching throughout their journey. Students advance based on demonstrated proficiency rather than time constraints. They develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and metacognitive skills through self-assessment, reflection, and authentic, performance-based assessments, with the support of teachers, peers, and other valued adults, both in the school and beyond.

This graphic (above and below, also linked as a pdf) summarizes the roles and responsibilities of teachers in each of the three learning models.

​​​Incubate Learning Teacher Roles in 3 Learning Models​

3 Learning Models PDF

Why This Matters

Education is at a turning point. Traditional teacher-centered methods are being replaced by more personalized, student-driven approaches. As learning becomes more flexible, technology-integrated, and competency-based, educators are being asked to adapt their roles accordingly, often without a clear sense of how to do things differently. Our framework highlights these shifts, offering a roadmap for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers to rethink instructional models that truly meet the needs of diverse learners.

We Want Your Input!

This framework is a work in progress, and we want to hear from you!

• Do these models resonate with your work?
• How does your school or district support teachers and support staff in transitioning to more personalized learning approaches?
• What challenges or gaps do you see in shifting from traditional methods to competency-based learning?

Please reach out—we’d love to refine this work with your insights: info@incubatelearning.org

Let’s build a future where every teacher and adult in the school is equipped to meet students where they are and help them grow in meaningful ways.
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