E45-David Gundale, Open World Learning (OWL)
NewTech High Podcast
Dr. David Gundale, Principal, Open World Learning School (OWL)
July 15, 2026
Good afternoon, New Techies:
Today, we welcomed Dr. David Gundale, Principal at Open World Learning (OWL) High School in St. Paul for the NewTech High podcast. Dave has been an educator in the St. Paul Public Schools for 28 years. He previously taught career and technical education at Washington jr. High and Johnson High School. At Johnson High School, he ran a small learning community fund by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that focused on Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. At the same time, he collaborated with the Science Museum of Minnesota on a National Science Foundation grant called the IDEA Lab (Invention, Design, Engineering, and Art) that focused on pathways for female students and students of color into post-secondary engineering programs.
In 2008, he received a Bush Leadership Fellowship that allowed him time to work on a doctorate and administrative license while also providing time to look at design based educational programs around the country. In 2009, he landed at St. Paul Open School as a program coordinator supporting a change process over the following decade. He became principal of the OWL school in 2014 and along with an incredible teaching staff have worked to make Open World Learning Community a high-performing EL Education Credentialed and Mentor school.
After visiting the OWL school in April, I have to say that this is one of the best kept secrets in Minnesota. I think any high school, across the spectrum, would be impressed by what is being done there.
Dave starts by talking about an early career shift from going to undergrad to be a lawyer and then being moved to build things. He then started his career as an Industrial Tech teacher. This shines early light into what makes his work special. It is also one of those central pillars of belief for NewTech High -- building skills is good for all students, not just for those non-4 year college bound.
OWL's 7 year Crew Leader plan is also another distinction that separates themselves from a lot of other schools. Essentially, you could have the same advisor for several years, maybe even seven? Implicit on this podcast is the idea that many teachers (and students) don't want to leave OWL when they get there. This has to be a relative anomaly in the metro environment they exist in!
OWL is an expeditionary learning school (EL), occurring each semester for all students, which Dave shares a bit about. Their expeditions are usually quite relevant to their instruction. They get "ready" for their expeditions, not only for the current semester, but for future ones. Imagine a 7th grader planning their expeditions into the future. That is quite an anticipatory set.
Unlike many non-traditional schools, OWL students also excel on exams, including Advanced Placement course. On a phone call, Gundale talked about how AP was an integral part of their school. Kids are still going PSEO, but many choose to stay in their OWL environment as it is definitely part of their culture.
Dr. Gundale is one of those guys that I feel that Jason Davis (KSTP "On the Road") would appreciate. In turn, OWL is the type of place that any parent would certainly have to consider for their child. OWL definitely hits all the "high bars" of NewTech High! No mention of OWL should exist without recognition of Wayne Jennings, legendary educator in Minnesota, who was instrumental of the origin of St. Paul Open School. Well done OWL!
Learning Omnivores Conference
A little update on the Learning Omnivores Conference. We had a great plan and cast for the pilot conference for Omnivores. We just didn't get enough people. We found an alternate date that we had interest in, but our speakers just didn't line up. We are going to take one last go at it for this year. I should be able to report on whether it will happen in the next week or two.
Has it been hot enough for you? Holy Cow! We go some years without waves like this. I like hot weather, but when it is stacked like this, it is a bit tiring. I'd still take it over Winter. This middle of the summer is also the weekend of the British Open, my favorite tournament of the year. What better than watching a final on Sunday morning instead of the political shows at least for one week a year!
Next Week's Podcast: Josh Pauly, Brisk Teaching (and also a big Timberwolves fan and podcaster). I'm sure we will be talking about whether the Wolves got LeBron. I've heard the announcement is Monday.
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