Podcasts about Teach For America

Jacob Adams is an education leader committed to transforming schools into places of joy, belonging, and critical thinking for Black and Brown youth. He coined the term “disconnection crisis” to describe how traditional education separates young people from their purpose, community, and creativity. In 2017, he founded STEM to the Future, now Inner Spark Learning Lab, which has reached over 40,000 young people and generated insights shaping the broader education field.Jacob began his career as a Teach For America corps member, teaching 1st and 2nd grade before serving as an instructional coach for three years. He holds a B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College and a master's from Relay Graduate School of Education. He is also an alum of fellowships including the Simons Foundation's inaugural Science Sandbox Fellowship, 4.0 Schools, LA Leads, and the Black Equity Collective Build Fellowship.Takeaways:The disconnection crisis in education highlights how traditional schooling alienates students from their true potential and creativity.Inner Spark Learning Lab aims to transform educational environments into nurturing spaces that foster joy and a sense of belonging.By engaging students in participatory action research, they learn to address community needs and develop critical thinking skills.The importance of feedback loops is emphasized, ensuring that the voices of students and families shape the educational experience.Empowerment in education is achieved when students feel their contributions are valued and their identities are recognized.The initiative aims to create a network of schools that adapt to the needs of their communities, fostering relevant and engaging learning experiences.Chapters:00:21 - The Disconnection Crisis in Education00:29 - The Birth of Inner Spark Learning Lab10:52 - Transitioning Educational Paradigms19:27 - Transforming Education: The Role of Dreamweavers35:15 - Navigating the Map of Life: Teaching Self-Awareness and Skills37:23 - The Importance of Feedback in Educationhttps://www.innersparklab.org/instagram.com/innersparklabhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobadams706/

Here’s a number that I keep coming back to. American restaurants throw away somewhere between 22 and 33 billion pounds of food every year. To put a price tag on it, that’s about $162 billion in food costs that just disappear. That’s before the restaurant makes a single dime. I’ve been thinking about that number since I started putting today’s show together, because both of my guests have something to say about it — just from very different places. My first guest is Kristen Smith. She and her husband Tre started a food truck in the middle of a pandemic, and they’ve been figuring out the food business ever since. Kristen runs the operations side — the compliance, the systems, the strategy. She’s not someone who wastes much. Resources or time. Kristen was born right here in Baton Rouge, grew up partly in Illinois when her dad’s job took the family north for a stretch, and came back to Louisiana through Teach For America in 2014, working in East Feliciana Parish schools. Her husband Tre was in the kitchen — working as executive chef at Little Village Downtown. When the pandemic hit, Tre got laid off. Around that same time, family came through with $20,000 to help them take a shot at the thing they’d always talked about. They drove up to Ohio, bought a food truck, and came home and launched Tre’s Street Kitchen in late 2020. Two weeks in, state restrictions changed again and they had to pivot almost immediately. For months they worked out of grocery store parking lots. Things have changed a lot since then. Tre was actually a guest on this show in 2023 — so much has happened since, we thought it was worth having Kristen come in and bring us up to date. They’ve done concessions at LSU, a Garth Brooks concert, a sauce line that went from their website to airport retail. And they’re now working toward a brick-and-mortar restaurant and grocery distribution by the end of the year. David Fluker grew up in the insect business — his family runs Fluker Farms in Port Allen, which has been supplying live insects to the reptile and research markets for decades. So he’s not someone who needed to be talked into bugs. What he needed was the right idea. That came from a friend who showed him fish waste being broken down by black soldier flies. The concept stuck with him for years while he kept working. Eventually, with researchers at Texas A&M and a grad student from South Africa, he launched Soldier Fly Technologies in 2015. The company processes organic waste — manure, produce scraps, feed mill byproducts — using black soldier fly larvae that turn all that material into animal feed and agricultural products. What David learned — and a lot of his competitors didn’t — is that growing insects at scale is really an operations problem as much as a biology problem. So Soldier Fly Technologies built its own breeding systems and production software, and now licenses all of that internationally. He has active projects in Mexico, Panama, El Salvador and California. He also helped start the North American Coalition for Insect Agriculture, which works with regulators as the industry gets sorted out. Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Mansurs on the Boulevard. You can find photos from this show by Ian Ledo and Miranda Albarez at itsbatonrouge.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

371: Stop Scaling, Start Listening: Building Nonprofits That Actually Work (jacob adams) Episode SummaryToo many nonprofits have become experts at performing impact - hitting metrics, writing polished reports, scaling programs - without ever stopping to ask whether they're actually changing the lives of the people they serve. In this episode, Patton sits down with jacob adams, Founder and Executive Director of Inner Spark Learning Lab in Los Angeles, to explore what it looks like when a nonprofit is genuinely built around the community it exists to serve. jacob traces his journey from Teach For America to founding STEM to the Future in 2017 to rebranding as Inner Spark Learning Lab, a shift that happened when he realized STEM was never really the point. He introduces the Human Learning Systems framework and walks through Inner Spark's Listen→Try→Reflect→Adapt→Share cycle: a living approach to program design that treats service work as ongoing experiment rather than fixed delivery. He talks candidly about what real community listening looks like in practice, what it costs to stop a program that isn't working, and why he shares the messy middle publicly - even when funders want a more polished story. Leaders who feel the tension between accountability and authenticity will find both challenge and permission in this conversation.About jacobjacob adams is the Founder and Executive Director of Inner Spark Learning Lab, a community-centered education nonprofit based in Los Angeles, California. jacob launched the organization in 2017 as STEM to the Future before rebranding to reflect a deeper commitment to what actually drives young people's growth: curiosity, relationships, and genuine responsiveness to what communities say they need. His work is grounded in the Human Learning Systems framework, and he is known in the sector for practicing — and publicly modeling — the kind of reflective, adaptive leadership he believes the nonprofit sector urgently needs more of. Before founding Inner Spark, jacob served with Teach For America, an experience that shaped his conviction that proximity to community is not a program feature but a leadership discipline.ResourcesConnect with jacob on LinkedInLearn more about Inner Spark Learning LabHuman Learning Systems (created by Toby Lowe) humanlearning.systems How We See Us: Young People Imagining a Path to Their Futures by Michaela Leslie-RuleEnvisioning Real Utopias by Erik Olin WrightFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

What does it look like when someone builds their entire life around a question — not “what can I get?” but “what can I give?” Today’s guest has been quietly answering that for over a decade, and the results speak for themselves: hundreds of young lives redirected, a nonprofit that has become a genuine force in Charlotte, and a reputation so consistent that his colleagues simply call him Superman. Jimmy McQuilkin grew up in Columbia, Maryland, graduated No. 1 in his high school class, and arrived at Wake Forest University with enough drive to talk his way onto the men’s basketball team as a non-scholarship walk-on. He earned two varsity letters and, in his own words, “dribbled out the clock a few times.” But it wasn’t the hardwood that changed his life — it was a volunteer experience at a Latino community services organization in Winston-Salem that set everything in motion. After Wake Forest, he joined Teach For America, taught Spanish and coached basketball in Charlotte, and was named First Year Teacher of the Year. In 2013, he co-founded UrbanPromise Charlotte — a Christian-centered nonprofit that now serves 335 young people across three sites, employs 105 people, and runs one of the most inspired youth leadership models anywhere in this city. People who know Jimmy describe him as “the most intentional” and “the most humble” person in the room — which, if you know anything about leadership, tells you everything. Jimmy, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Commencement season is here, and while we all love the tradition, let's be honest: a lot of graduation ceremonies are still operationally stuck in the 18th century. This week, Chase Rigby, CEO of Tassel, joins Mike Palmer to talk about what it actually takes to modernize the final milestone of the student lifecycle. Chase shares his path from teaching seventh-grade math and science with Teach For America to working as a product manager at Google, before ultimately using a search fund model to acquire Marching Order and evolve it into Tassel. We dig into why forward-thinking colleges are moving away from treating graduation as just a logistical headache and starting to view it as a strategic marketing and recruitment engine. Chase explains how Tassel is trying to upend the traditional business model by moving away from nickel-and-diming students with steep fees for their own achievement, and instead leveraging community gifting platforms that put money back in their pockets for rent or student debt. We also get into the tech side of things, discussing how they train AI models on a 20-year phonetic database to get broadcast-quality name pronunciations on stage, all while navigating the strict landscape of biometric privacy and user consent. It turns out getting that final touchpoint right pays massive dividends for lifelong alumni relations. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Chase's journey from Teach For America to product management at Google. 03:00 - Running a search fund and finding the graduation space with Marching Order. 05:30 - Shifting mindsets: Treating commencement as a strategic marketing and alumni recruitment tool. 09:00 - Turning graduation into a net-positive financial event for students via gifting. 12:30 - Blending digital software with real life to provide free graduation photos. 18:30 - How Tassel uses a 20-year phonetic database and AI to nail name pronunciation on stage. 21:30 - Tackling biometric privacy, user consent, and BIPA compliance. 28:30 - Scaling campus software point solutions and trends in the lower middle market. 32:30 - Final takeaways, looking out for Tassel at upcoming ceremonies, and closing shots. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts to stay ahead of the curve on what's emerging across the changing landscape of education!

On this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools and Mary Tamer of MassPotential speak with Rachel Canter, Director of Education Policy for the Progressive Policy Institute's Reinventing America's Schools project and founder of Mississippi First, about Mississippi's remarkable rise in K–12 student achievement and the policy reforms that helped drive it. Drawing on her experience as a former Teach For America teacher and longtime education advocate, Canter reflects on the leadership, accountability, and strategic reforms that helped Mississippi transform from one of the nation's lowest-performing states to one of its fastest-improving on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. She discusses the science of reading, the debate between phonics and whole language instruction, and what schools must do to rebuild academic rigor in literacy, STEM, and civics. Canter also explores the importance of exposing students to great literature and roots music from William Faulkner and Delta bluesmen like Robert Johnson, drawing on Mississippi's rich cultural legacy, and reflects on how lessons from Civil Rights era figures, including Emmett Till and Fannie Lou Hamer, can strengthen civics education today. She concludes by sharing policy recommendations for governors, legislators, educators, and parents seeking dramatic and lasting improvements in student outcomes nationwide.

Today our guest is Devon Wible, Vice President of Teaching and Learning at Catapult Learning. Devon works directly with schools and districts to design high-impact tutoring programs that fit inside existing MTSS systems — helping the students most likely to fall through the cracks actually get the support they need. She also explains how relationship-building sits at the center of this work, not as an add-on, but as the core driver of academic and behavioral outcomes. When students feel seen and supported in small-group settings, attendance goes up, behavior challenges go down, and learning accelerates. In this conversation, Devon offers important reminders for educators and leaders: Praising the process over the product builds resilience and strengthens relationships with both students and staff. High-impact tutoring done well produces four to six additional months of learning in just 10 to 12 weeks, and those gains tend to stick. Relationship is not something you add to the work when there's time, relationship is the work. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website   About Devon Wible:  Devon Wible serves as the Vice President of Teaching and Learning at Catapult Learning, where she leads the design, development, and implementation of high-impact academic programs and instructional initiatives. She oversees curriculum development, instructional quality, special education, and academic services—driving efforts that empower educators and improve student outcomes. Devon is passionate about ensuring equitable access to rigorous instruction and has championed initiatives in literacy and math intervention, high-dosage tutoring, professional development, and data-informed teaching practices.  Under her leadership, Catapult has expanded its use of evidence-based programs, adaptive technology, and educator training models that support measurable academic growth. Most recently, her teams contributed to a 5% year-over-year increase in students meeting national growth benchmarks in reading and math. Devon partners across teams to align strategy, execution, and innovation in service of Catapult's mission to close learning gaps and create brighter futures for all students. Devon began her career as a high school teacher and Teach For America corps member in Camden, NJ. She holds a bachelor's degree in history from Princeton University and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas.

Education systems around the world are under pressure to evolve faster than ever, especially for underserved communities. In the U.S. alone, millions of students in low-income households still lack access to STEM resources and career pathways—fueling a widening opportunity gap. For more than 30 years, the TGR Foundation, founded by Tiger Woods, has worked to close that gap—and is now expanding its impact through hands-on learning labs that connect students to real-world skills and career pathways.What does it look like when one of the most iconic athletes in history channels decades of influence into building hands-on learning environments for at-risk students—and how is that effort already reshaping education?Welcome to DisruptED. In the first episode of this three-part series, host Ron J. Stefanski sits down with Hrag Hamalian, CEO of the TGR Foundation, the nonprofit founded by Tiger Woods. Together, they take a closer look at the foundation's evolving work to intentionally design and scale innovative learning labs—environments built to deliver real-world skills, meaningful mentorship, and clearer pathways to opportunity for underserved youth.The main topics of conversation…How TGR Foundation is building and scaling immersive learning labs that connect STEM education to real-world career pathways for underserved students.The role TGR plays beyond funding—actively designing education models that are community-driven, relationship-based, and focused on measurable outcomes.Why urgency matters in education reform, and how TGR is prioritizing immediate, tangible impact for students instead of waiting for long-term systemic change.Hrag Hamalian is an entrepreneur and education leader specializing in workforce development, STEAM education, and building scalable systems that expand opportunity for underserved learners. As CEO of the TGR Foundation, he leads strategy and growth for innovative learning labs that connect students to real-world career pathways, following a decade of transformational leadership as CEO of Bright Star Schools, where he scaled a high-performing charter network serving thousands of students. He began his career as a Teach For America educator and founded Valor Academy at age 23, later expanding his impact through ventures and advisory roles at the intersection of education, technology, and economic mobility.

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anna sit down with Democratic Congressional candidate Dr. Everton Blair, who's running for Georgia's 13th district. He is 13th district through and through, having grown up in the area, and spent much of his career in education, ranging from Teach For America, to working in the Obama administration on Education initiatives, to most recently being the youngest Chairman of the Gwinnett County School Board, the largest school district in the state. And further complicating this Democratic primary is the fact that longtime incumbent Rep. David Scott suddenly passed away last week, throwing a new wrinkle into this important race. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!In this episode of the Square Pizza Pod, Greg welcomes Jacob Adams, Founder and Executive Director of Inner Spark Learning Lab, for a powerful conversation about what happens when schools stop asking students to fit the system and start redesigning the system to fit students. Drawing from his own journey as a first-generation college student, student athlete, Teach For America educator, and nonprofit founder, Jacob shares how his lived experience pushed him to challenge compliance-driven models of education and build something more human, adaptive, and deeply rooted in student voice.Jacob also opens up about the real work of building Inner Spark from the ground up, from taking the leap on his first school contract to designing learning environments where students help shape curriculum, choose resident teachers, and explore issues that actually matter to them. Along the way, he offers a compelling vision for why belonging, relevance, and flexibility are not extras in education, but essential conditions for real learning and long-term change.In this episode, you'll learn more about:Why Jacob believes schools should adapt to students more than students should be forced to adapt to schoolHow his own experiences as a first-generation college student, athlete, and teacher shaped the vision behind Inner Spark Learning LabWhat he saw inside high-performing schools that made him question whether test scores alone tell the full storyHow Inner Spark creates learning spaces where students help shape projects, select teachers, and drive more meaningful engagementWhat it looks like to build a nonprofit from scratch while staying focused on depth, belonging, and real systems change Support the show

The biggest problem facing Chicago Public Schools is they're focused on a pension crisis, and not whether second graders can read.   In this episode, Lissa & Thom are joined by Jessica Biggs — a candidate for CPS board president. Jessica is a CPS parent, former principal, and veteran educator with a practical vision for serving students instead of the system's debt. You'll hear how Jessica plans to engage communities to take ownership in their schools, and why her experience with Teach For America drives innovation in the classroom.

Host John Duffin welcomes Josh Klaris, Executive Director of North 10 Philadelphia, to discuss leadership, nonprofit strategy, and place-based community revitalization in Hunting Park/East Tioga (often a neglected neighborhood in Philadelphia). I've personally attended several North 10 Philadelphia events and have seen firsthand the critical work being done. While I interviewed Josh, you'll hear the passion, mission, and purpose in Josh's voice. You'll also hear just how difficult (and gratifying) it is to wear ALL of the hats of the Executive Director. Klaris traces his path from volunteer mentoring in rural St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, where teaching kindergarten to Vietnamese refugee children shaped his worldview and led him to earn a master's in teaching English as a second language. He later helped build Dream Charter School in Harlem with a holistic, co-teaching model and learned the operational realities of hiring, metrics, and sustainability. In Philadelphia, the opportunity arose to implement a neighborhood-improvement blueprint inspired by Purpose-Built Communities and Harlem Children's Zone, emphasizing disciplined strategic planning, saying no, surrounding yourself with the right people, and building trust-based collaborations. Place Matters.The conversation highlights North 10's fight and the ongoing need for sustainable funding and collective action- especially in neglected neighborhoods. To learn more about Josh Klaris, the critical work being done by North 10 Philadelphia, or to lend a hand, check out the links below. https://north10phl.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jklaris/00:00 Intro- Welcome, Josh Klaris00:46 Podcast Welcome And Guest Intro03:53 Why Education Chose Him06:40 Teach For America in Louisiana09:59 Back To New York And Training11:55 Work Ethic From Family And Mentors15:23 Music Lessons And Team Culture16:32 Dream Charter School Leadership20:31 Nonprofit Sales And Fundraising25:00 Moving To Philadelphia26:45 Leaving Schools For Place-Based Work27:58 North 10 Origin Story29:27 Why Place Matters31:41 Strategic Plan Discipline33:27 Design Principles Culture37:49 Dumping Fight Strategy40:47 Funding Collaboration Challenge44:53 Pushing Back With Trust47:16 Sustainability And Health Gaps52:55 How To Get Involved54:06 Closing

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!In this episode of the Square Pizza Pod, Greg sits down with Aneesh Sohoni, Chief Executive Officer of Teach For America, for a candid conversation about leadership, purpose, and why he still believes education can be one of the most unifying forces in the country. From his own path into the classroom to now leading a national organization, Aneesh shares what it means to lead with curiosity, stay close to the front lines, and keep belief alive in a moment when many have lost it.They also dig into the future of Teach For America, how today's young leaders are searching for purpose and community, and why artificial intelligence could either deepen learning or weaken it, depending on who shapes it. This episode is a sharp, hopeful, and timely conversation for anyone thinking about education, leadership, and the future of impact.Support the show

This week, we chat with Paige Hendrix Buckner!Paige is the CEO of All Raise, a nonprofit working to accelerate the success of women and non-binary venture capitalists and reshape the culture of the venture ecosystem. She previously served as All Raise's Chief of Staff and Interim CEO before stepping into the role full time.Before joining All Raise, Paige was the COO of Founder Gym, the largest online program training underrepresented founders on how to raise venture capital.Her career spans public service, entrepreneurship, and community building. She started at Teach For America, later became Policy Director for Multnomah County in Oregon, and went on to found her own venture, ClientJoy. She also developed the TIE Young Entrepreneurs program and was a founding board member of XXcelerate, initiatives focused on helping the next generation of entrepreneurs and women founders succeed.Paige has been featured in publications like Bloomberg, Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and TechCrunch, where she shares insights on venture capital, diversity in tech, and why building a more inclusive ecosystem is critical to innovation and long-term success.✨ This episode is presented by Brex.Brex: brex.com/trailblazerspodThis episode is supported by RocketReach, Gusto, OpenPhone & Athena.RocketReach: rocketreach.co/trailblazersGusto: gusto.com/trailblazersQuo: Quo.com/trailblazersAthena: athenago.me/Erica-WengerFollow Us!Paige: @PaigeHBucknerAll Raise: @AllRaise@thetrailblazerspod: Instagram, YouTube, TikTokErica Wenger: @erica_wenger

Coaching is a valuable way to help break through what is keeping you from being the leader you were meant to be. In today's episode, Melissa speaks with the founder and CEO of Piñata Possible, Laura Saldivar Luna, about how working with a leadership coach can transform your professional and personal life. About Laura: Laura Saldivar Luna is a wife, mom, and the founder and CEO of Piñata Possible, a transformational coaching practice that helps purpose-driven leaders unlock breakthroughs in their inner leadership and external impact. Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Laura spent nearly 20 years with Teach For America—serving as a classroom teacher, as an Executive Director, and as the organization's Chief People Officer. Her work is rooted in the belief that when leaders liberate their full expression, they expand their clarity, joy, power, and impact.Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Topics covered:- The story behind Piñata Possible's framework- Lessons learned from working in education- When to seek the help of a coach- What prevents people from taking action on their goals- What to know about working with a leadership coach- How cultural differences impact coaching experiences Resources mentioned: - Piñata Possible- Beyond the Bite with Eddie Aldrete: Laura Saldivar Luna on Breaking the Piñata and Finding the Potential Within- Chip Conley- Ask A Latina- "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture""Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"MVW Communications

For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic featuring an interview with a former Monitor Associate partner and Chief Learning Officer of Teach For America, co-CEO of Transcend, and the author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life, Jeff Wetzler. In this book, Jeff offers a hands-on, surprisingly effective way to find out what others really think, know, and feel. Jeff brings you a powerful method called The Ask Approach™, based on a simple premise that tapping into what other people truly think, know, and feel is a game-changing superpower. Ask leads to smarter decisions, more creative solutions, and deeper relationships.    Jeff Wetzler is co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization, and an expert in learning and human potential. Wetzler combines unique leadership experiences spanning more than 25 years in business and education, as a management consultant to the world's top corporations, a learning facilitator for leaders around the world, and as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America. Jeff earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a bachelor's in psychology from Brown University. Based in New York, he is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and is an Edmund Hillary Fellow. Get Jeff's new book here: https://rb.gy/6i05b7 Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Mike Palmer and virtual co-host Nancy are back from the podcast stage at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas. In this special update, we break down the Sweet 16 of Learning Trends and announce which four have fought their way into the Final Four. This episode explores the collective zeitgeist of the education world, from the challenges of chronic absenteeism to the futuristic potential of vibe coding and agentic intelligence. The conversation begins with a look at the trends submitted by AJ Gutierrez of Equal Opportunity Schools. AJ highlights the pressing issue of chronic absenteeism in K-12 and the need for work pathway alignment. He also makes a strong case for high-impact tutoring and the responsible integration of AI to keep humanity at the center of the classroom. Next, the duo dives into insights from Jasmine Maze and Sunanna Chand of Teach For America's Reinvention Lab. We discuss teacher efficiency not just as an operational goal, but as a relational unlock. This segment covers the rise of vibe coding, the creepy nature of the uncanny valley in AI slop, and why experimentation and play are essential for preparing learners for a rapidly changing future. Justin Serrano, CEO of Littera Education, contributes a clear-eyed look at the outcomes economy. He discusses the shift toward evidence-based contracting and the concept of human-AI interoperability, or the "Canny Centaur." Justin also warns of SaaS disruption in the EdTech space and advocates for a mindset of productive distrust. Finally, Mike shares his own trends, including strategic optimism and gentelligence. He warns of ensloppification across digital platforms and explains why unplugging is a vital restorative practice in an age of constant noise. The episode culminates in the big reveal of the Final Four trends that listeners can now vote on to determine the ultimate winner for 2026. TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and SXSW EDU history 03:00 - The future of knowledge work and human-AI collaboration 04:00 - AJ Gutierrez on absenteeism and high-impact tutoring 11:00 - Jasmine Maze and Sunanna Chand on vibe coding and teacher efficiency 21:00 - Justin Serrano on the outcomes economy and SaaS disruption 29:00 - Mike Palmer on strategic optimism, unplugging, and gentelligence 39:00 - The Big Reveal: Announcing the Final Four trends 45:00 - 750th episode milestone and closing remarks VOTE IN THE POLLS Help us name the winning trend for 2026! Follow Mike Palmer on LinkedIn to find the latest polls and cast your vote for the Final Four. https://www.linkedin.com/in/palmer-mike/ Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts or find us on YouTube to join the conversation and help us continue to make the future more evenly distributed.

In this week's episode, both storytellers explore the surprising connections between dance and science.Part 1: Learning a modern version of her childhood Indian dances puts Sumitra Mattai's brain and body to the test. Part 2: When people doubt that dance can empower girls to pursue STEM careers, Yamilée Toussaint sets out to prove them wrong. Sumitra Mattai is a writer, storyteller and textile designer. She holds a BFA in Textile Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. Her essays have been published in Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, and Lit Magazine, among others. She lives in Harlem with her family. Yamilée Toussaint is the Founder & CEO of STEM From Dance, which empowers girls with the skills, experiences, and confidence to pursue careers in STEM through the transformative power of dance. Combining her background in engineering, education, and a lifelong passion for dance, she started the program in 2012 to inspire girls of color to pursue STEM careers. Yamilée holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and a M.S. in Teaching from Pace University. She has earned numerous accolades, including the MIT MLK Leadership Award, Teach For America's Social Innovation Award, AnitaB.org's Educational Innovation Award, Falling Walls Foundation Science Engagement Breakthrough of the Year, and a 2024 Top 5 CNN Hero.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

pWotD Episode 3228: James Talarico Welcome to popular Wiki of the Day, spotlighting Wikipedia's most visited pages, giving you a peek into what the world is curious about today.With 415,813 views on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 our article of the day is James Talarico.James Dell Talarico ( TAL-uh-REE-koh; né Causey, born May 17, 1989) is an American politician, Presbyterian seminarian, and former educator who has served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives since 2018. Talarico is the Democratic nominee for U. S. Senate in 2026 and has been called a "rising star" among Texas Democrats.Born in Round Rock, Texas, Talarico graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in government. He later joined Teach For America, where he taught sixth-grade English language arts in San Antonio. Afterward, he served as the Central Texas executive director for Reasoning Mind, a nonprofit focused on bringing technology to low-income classrooms. He later graduated from Harvard University with a Master of Education degree in education policy.Talarico serves as vice chair of two bodies in the Texas House: the Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee, and the Subcommittee on Academic and Career-Oriented Education under the Public Education Committee. He also serves on the Public Education Committee and the House Administration Committee.In September 2025, Talarico announced his candidacy for the 2026 U. S. Senate race. He defeated U. S. Representative Jasmine Crockett in the primary and will face John Cornyn or Ken Paxton in the general election.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 19:02 UTC on Thursday, 5 March 2026.For the full current version of the article, see James Talarico on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Matthew.

Madeleine Niebauer is a seasoned executive with two decades of experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Madeleine spent five years as a Chief of Staff at Teach For America. She loved the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the work and the ability to truly leverage a leader's time so they could be more productive and successful. She knew many leaders could benefit from this service on a part-time basis, which inspired her to launch VChief.Prior to joining TFA, Madeleine was a strategy consultant for foundations and nonprofit organizations at The Bridgespan Group. Earlier in her career, Madeleine managed a tutoring center with SCORE! Educational Centers and served in the Peace Corps in Ivory Coast.Madeleine earned a BA with honors from Stanford University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her three children, who all share her love of globetrotting, camping, and family fun.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a scalable service business that doesn't depend on you doing all the work.Madeleine and I discuss:Madeleine's career journey and what prompted her to start VChief [02:28]How she experienced product market fit in real time [03:57]The decision to not take on more clients herself [05:01]Shifting from technician to CEO [06:41]When she decided to build a company instead of being a solopreneur [09:02]How long it took to reach financial sustainability [10:23]Her approach to marketing beyond her network [11:27]The support she brought on along the way [13:29]Hiring fractional and part-time help strategically [14:25]The trigger for rapid growth after COVID [18:46]Her experience with community and peer groups [20:19]How to stop being the bottleneck in your business [23:32]Learn more about Madeleine at https://www.vchiefs.com______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who've left corporate life to build something of their own.Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.______________________________________________________________Take the Next Step• Experience the power of community.Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

How do we build the future of learning with—and not against—the forces of innovation transforming society?In this visionary episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Mike Yates—education disruptor, creative strategist, and a national leader shaping the future of teaching through AI and learner-centered design. From leading AI innovation at Teach For America's Reinvention Lab to helping launch Alpha, one of the most talked-about school models in the country, Mike brings a rare combination of tech fluency, classroom insight, and a relentless push for equity-driven excellence.Grounding the conversation in what students truly need—schools they love, learning that matters, and life-readiness that empowers—Mike shares raw truths and bold strategies for unlocking student potential through agency, design, and affirmation. He also offers a candid look into his personal why: a student who once hated school but now champions joyful, rigorous, and radically different models of learning.Together, Dr. Conner and Mike explore how AI must be used not as a substitute for teachers, but as a tool to unleash their genius—and how reengineering teacher preparation, redefining mastery, and resisting fossilized systems are no longer optional if we want all students to thrive.What you'll learn in this episode:Bold Reimagination: How Alpha Schools deliver world-class outcomes in just two hours a day—and the deeper design thinking behind their successAI for Equity: Teach For America's radical redefinition of teacher training to prepare future-ready educators with powerful AI toolsUnlearning as Leadership: How dismantling traditional pedagogies opens space for excellence, authenticity, and cultural alignment in classrooms Design Over Directives: Why the designers of tomorrow—not just instructors—will define the future of learningPower of the Pivot: Why students need real-world, high-stakes learning models—and how systems can start small but think bigTech as Amplifier: How generative and agentic AI can elevate human connection, not replace it—if leveraged with empathy and precisionMike's work reminds us: the systems we build today decide who gets to lead tomorrow. This episode is a must-listen for education leaders ready to rise to the moment and build a future where every learner thrives. Through frameworks, lived experience, and actionable design strategies, this conversation advances Dr. Conner's mission to architect equitable, innovative, and high-performing ecosystems for all.Subscribe and share to continue driving the future of education for all.

ABOUT THIS EPISODEWho is a genetic counselor, and who should see one? How do they fit into the neuroendocrine cancer care team? In this episode, Samantha Greenberg, PhD, MS, MPH, CGC, Director of the UT Southwestern Genetic Counseling Program, demystifies genetic counseling and testing for NET patients and their families. She explains what to expect before, during, and after a consultation—and how results can impact care, family members, and future planning.TOP TEN QUESTIONSRole & Training1. What is a genetic counselor? What training is required? What's your role in the care team? Genetic Counseling & NETs2. How are genetic counselors involved in NET care? 3. Who should get genetic testing? Do all NET patients need it?What if more than one family member has NET? Do you also see family members without a diagnosis?4. How does one's age play a role?Testing Basics5. Genetic vs. genomic vs. NGS—what are these terms?How do patients know they're getting the right test?6. Walk us through a genetic counseling consultation—before, during, after.Results & Implications7. What if the results are positive? How do you guide patients and families?What if the results are negative or inconclusive? How accurate are tests?8. What is a “variant of unknown significance”?9. Can environment or toxins cause hereditary mutations?Practical Guidance10. How can patients find the right genetic counselor? Do they need to be someone who specializes in neuroendocrine cancer?ABOUT THE SPEAKERSamantha Greenberg, PhD, MS, MPH, CGCPronouns: she/her seriesDirector, UT Southwestern Genetic Counseling ProgramAssistant ProfessorSchool of Health ProfessionsSamantha Greenberg is the founding program director of the UT Southwestern Genetic Counseling Training Program. She received her Master of Science degree in genetic counseling and public health from the University of Michigan after teaching middle school science with Teach For America in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She recently completed her Ph.D. at the University of Utah. As a cancer genetic counselor, Greenberg has provided clinical care across a variety of indications and facilitated the development of multidisciplinary teams and genetics clinics for patients with prostate cancer, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma. She is the co-director of the paraganglioma program at UT Southwestern, which recently received a Center of Excellence designation from Pheo Para Alliance. Her passion for raising awareness on the genetics of neuroendocrine tumors stems from working with patients and a curiosity for how to optimize identification of patients with hereditary risk.For more information, visit NCF.net/podcast/52For more information, visit NCF.net.

Tracy St. Dic, Global Head of Talent at Zapier, discusses how her background in the arts and education influenced her approach to leading teams. She unpacks how each chapter was driven by a desire to make a bigger impact. James and Tracy also talk about what it was like to run a large TA team for Teach For America.   Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

In this conversation, Jeremy Schifeling discusses the importance of identifying personal strengths, leveraging unique human abilities, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships and community as essential elements in navigating personal and professional journeys.Key takeawaysStart with strengths to identify unique value.Unite with unique human abilities like communication and storytelling.Reinforce efforts with relevant AI tools.Avoid using AI just for the sake of it.Finish with fellowship and community support.Relationships are crucial for personal growth.Build relationships before you need them.Prepare for future challenges with a supportive network.Collaboration enhances individual capabilities.Embrace the shared journey of humanity.Guest Info: Jeremy Schifeling has devoted his career to helping others succeed in theirs. From teaching kindergarten in Brooklyn to recruiting top students at Teach For America to leading education marketing at LinkedIn, he's touched the lives of millions of people at every stage of their journeys. Along the way, he's published the best-selling LinkedIn and ChatGPT for Job-Seeking books on Amazon, served as a career coach for military veterans at Shift.org and MBA students at the University of Michigan, and produced the most-viewed video in LinkedIn's history.Website: https://www.thejobinsiders.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schifeling/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00AB7IEX2 

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In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Sunanna Chand, Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America (TFA). As the leader of TFA's future-of-learning R&D engine, Chand is tasked with a formidable challenge: bridging the gap between a 19th-century education system and the demands of the 21st-century world. The conversation explores the Lab's "Radical Departures" framework, a mental model designed to shift the paradigm of how we define the why, what, where, and how of learning. Chand challenges the false dichotomy between academic rigor and student engagement, arguing for a "both/and" approach that prioritizes community achievement over individualized test scores. From exploring "credit flexibility" policies that allow students to learn outside school walls to reimagining the role of the educator in an AI-driven landscape, Chand offers a hopeful vision for a profession rooted in human connection and the "care economy". Key Takeaways Moving Beyond the "Banking Theory": Why the traditional model of a teacher delivering information to passive students is insufficient for a world where information is ubiquitous. Reimagining Chronic Absenteeism: How "present to learning by being absent from school" models allow students to gain graduation credit for interests pursued in their communities. The AI-Proof Profession: Why teaching remains a "smart bet" for the next generation, as neurobiological learning depends on human belonging and relational intelligence. The Educator as Orchestrator: A vision for the future where educators manage ecosystems of human support and AI agents rather than just delivering a curriculum. Why You Should Listen: If you are concerned about the current state of teacher burnout and student disengagement, this episode provides more than just a critique; it offers a roadmap for structural change. Sunanna Chand explains how the Reinvention Lab uses research and development to find the "future educator" and why the most valuable skills in an automated world—judgment, ethics, and care—are precisely those honed in the classroom. It is a deep dive into how we can use technology to reinvent rather than merely optimize an outdated system. Subscribe to ⁠Trending in Education⁠ wherever you get your podcasts to stay ahead of the curve on the future of learning. Time Stamps 00:00 - Intro and Sunanna's background in Cleveland and Pittsburgh 05:45 - The Mission of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America 07:55 - Radical Departures: Redefining the "Why" and "What" of learning 12:45 - Credit Flexibility: Learning outside the four walls of the classroom 15:35 - Breaking the false dichotomy of rigor vs. relevance 19:40 - The "With Whom": Reimagining the role of the educator in the age of AI 24:30 - Why teaching is a smart career bet for Gen Z 27:45 - Combatting burnout through human connection and "Ignite" tutoring 31:45 - Closing thoughts: Building an ecosystem of reinvention

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed CEO and Co-Founder of Overtime, Dan Porter.Porter, who graduated with a B.A. from Princeton and a masters from NYU, is the CEO and co-founder of Overtime, a sports network for the next generation of fans, generating a billion views a month and backed by VC's like Andreessen Horowitz and Spark, and Kevin Durant and former NBA commissioner David Stern. Previously Porter was the head of digital at Endeavor. He also led and sold the gaming company OMGPOP for $200mm and ticketing company TicketWeb for $40mm. Porter was the creator of the Draw Something mobile game which was downloaded 250 million times. Earlier in his career, Porter led development for Richard Branson and the Virgin Group, worked twice in the music business, was a public school teacher, and was President of Teach For America, the national education non-profit. Today Porter teaches undergraduates at NYU and lives in Brooklyn with his wife, sons, and dogs.Dan Porter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danporter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfadp/?hl=enX: https://x.com/tfadp?lang=enChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Overtime and Dan Porter03:26 Overtime's Growth and League Development06:28 NIL Impact on Player Empowerment09:34 Recruitment and Global Reach of Overtime12:23 Draft Success and Player Development15:30 Media Strategy and Brand Partnerships18:32 Memorable Moments and Community Engagement21:23 Dan Porter's Personal Journey and Leadership24:23 Overtime is Born27:25 Key Videos and Content Strategy30:18 Expansion into Football and Women's Sports33:38 Leadership Lessons and Closing Thoughts

Marshall Cho is the Founder of Meadow Park Basketball offering training, camps, and clinics in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Marshall began his career as an educator through the Teach For America program, teaching mathematics in the South Bronx and Harlem and serving as the boys basketball coach at Future Leaders Institute, where he led them to a New York City Charter School Championship.Fate then led him to Mozambique, where Marshall worked as a volunteer coach and instructor with the Mozambican National Basketball Federation as well as the varsity boys basketball coach at the American International School of Mozambique, a program that he launched and developed. During his time in Africa, Marshall also served as a coach for the NBA's Basketball Without Borders Africa and led various volunteer efforts such as conducting basketball clinics with local basketball clubs and rehabilitating basketball courts through partnerships with Hoops 4 Hope and the U.S. Embassy.Returning to the U.S., Marshall worked as an assistant coach at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Md. During his time there, DeMatha won two WCAC championships, compiled an 88-19 record, and sent four players to the NBA: Victor Oladipo, Jerian Grant, Quinn Cook, Jerami Grant. He then embarked upon his next chapter back in his home state as Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Portland for the Portland Pilots.Marshall served for eight seasons as the varsity boys basketball coach at Lake Oswego High School, where he earned the distinction of being among Oregon's first Asian American varsity boys basketball coaches. During Marshall's tenure, he won the Three Rivers League title for three consecutive seasons as he was named league Coach of the Year each year.Marshall worked as the head coach for consecutive years (2024 & 2025) with the World Select team at the Nike Hoop Summit, where he had volunteered with Team USA in years past. He also worked as a court coach at USA Basketball's Men's Junior National Team Minicamp in conjunction with the NCAA Final Four and as the camp lead instructions director for the Yao Foundation Camp in China.On this episode Mike & Marshall discuss the critical need to prioritize skill development over competition in youth basketball, advocating for a shift toward a more balanced ratio of practice to games. In our discussion, we delve into the systemic issues that have led to an environment where the emphasis on winning has overshadowed the essential learning process inherent in training. We explore the significance of fostering a culture wherein young athletes can engage in meaningful practice sessions that promote skill acquisition, rather than merely participating in games for the sake of competition. The conversation also highlights the insights from Marshall's extensive coaching career and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of players. This episode ultimately highlights the essential role that coaches play in shaping not only skilled basketball players but also well-rounded individuals, ready to face the challenges of life.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.Make sure you're subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and while you're there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you're hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.Grab a notebook before you listen to this episode with Marshall Cho, Founder of Meadow Park Basketball.Website -

Host Ben Rangel sits down with Michael Nguyen, Executive Director of Teach for America (TFA) Milwaukee. They talk about the origin of TFA in Milwaukee, the work TFA does in the community, and how TFA is supporting educators during a challenging time for educators in the U.S. To learn more, visit: Teach for AmericaAction Steps:Mike's action steps include: Pay attention to your local school boardVolunteer at your local schoolLearn more about TFA Bridge the City When you're taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

Jeff Wetzler has been on a quarter-century quest to transform learning opportunities and unlock human potential. Blending a unique set of leadership experiences in the fields of business and education, he's pursued this quest as an international management consultant to executives in Fortune 500 corporations, as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America, and currently, as co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized education innovation organization. Jeff earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Brown University. He is an Aspen Global Leadership Fellow and an Edmund Hillary Fellow. Jeff lives in New York with his wife, two children, and their puppy.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Abby Smith is the President and CEO of Team Pennsylvania, where she leads statewide efforts to build strategic public-private partnerships that address long-term challenges no single sector can solve alone. With more than 20 years of experience in policy, strategy, and cross-sector collaboration, Abby has held leadership roles advancing economic development, education, and workforce initiatives in Pennsylvania and beyond. She previously served as Team Pennsylvania's Vice President of Policy & Programs and Senior Advisor to the Foundation, and earlier in her career worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Teach For America, and as a 7th grade social studies teacher. Abby holds degrees from Yale University, The Johns Hopkins University, and Carnegie Mellon University. A recipient of the Above & Beyond Award honoring Pennsylvania women of public and civic leadership, she also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg and the Jewish Community Center, where she led the acquisition of the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life. She lives in Hershey, Pennsylvania with her husband, twin sons, and dog, Comet.

ITP - 132 Tristan Reynolds beams in from Taiwan to explain how his startup school stops yappin' about “global citizens” and actually coaches students into action. Think project-based learning with real tools. Teachers act less like wind-up lecterns and more like pit-crew chiefs. The place is young, scrappy, and cosmopolitan enough to turn a literature class into a live fire exercise on language and identity. We detour through semiconductors, gym-hall ballot counting, and Taipei traffic that looks like Mario Kart with medical bills. A local cop cheerfully explains his job is to write the report after the crash, which, honestly, is the most on-brand public-sector energy we've heard in years. Between staff bouncing across continents and students mixing mother tongues like a cocktail, the through-line is simple: teach kids to actually do stuff together, then get out of the way. Also, Tristan never remembers a toothbrush, but he does remember the tiny teapot. Priorities? Just kidding! Tristan experiences countries through local-begotten, everyday items.Links from this show:Tristan's website: www.tristanreynolds.com Tristan Reynolds is an educator and writer who focuses on international best practices in education and the impacts of globalization on education. His work focuses on the importance of creating schools which support celebrating different cultures, and which cultivate a cosmopolitan attitude in students. He holds an M.S.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, serves as a mentor for the UNSDSN Global Schools Program, and is a 2021 Teach For America alum.Tristan teaches at  VIS Experimental International SchoolThe article mentioned: 'The problem with English' by Mario SaraceniAlso  mentioned PBL:  What is PBL?Chapters(00:00) International Education and Project-Based Learning(05:26) The Role of Technology and Community in Education(10:58) Teaching Methodologies and Student Engagement(16:28) The Dynamics of a New School and Its Growth(19:02) The Journey of Teaching and Student Growth(20:32) Mid-show ITP Connections(21:51) Navigating Transience in International Education(24:26) Colliding Worlds: Stories from the International Circuit(28:04) Cultural Insights from Taiwan(31:18) The Role of Language and Identity in Education(36:42) Creating a Diverse Learning Environment(42:16) Personal Connections and Cultural Artifacts(45:16) Reflections and Future ConnectionsThe International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.Additional Gems Related to Our Show:Greg's Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠Greg's Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠Books By Gregory Lemoine:⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.Partner Podcasts:Just to Know You:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513Educators Going Global: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409⁠

In this episode of the MCC Learning Institute podcast, Dr. Richard Fodor, Head of Research, and Dr. János Setényi, Director of the Institute sit down with Ian Rowe — American education entrepreneur, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies in the Bronx.Together, we explore the foundations of Ian's philosophy of education, shaped by his parents' immigrant journey and his belief in the American Dream as a source of agency for young people. We discuss the mission of Vertex Academies and its focus on the classical virtues of Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom, as well as the broader role of charter schools in the U.S. education system.The conversation also touches on major debates in history education, from the 1619 Project to Howard Zinn, and asks how teachers can balance an honest reckoning with injustice while still helping students see America as a country of opportunity. Finally, Ian reflects on his early work with Teach For America and what lessons it offers for education today.Join us for this thought-provoking conversation about classical ideas of education, the challenges of history teaching, and the future of opportunity in America's schools.Ian Rowe - cofounder of Vertex Partnership AcademiesDr. Richard Fodor - Head of ResearchDr. János Setényi - Director of the InstituteAz MCC Podcast adásaiban érdekes emberekkel izgalmas témákról beszélgetünk. Feldolgozzuk a közélet, a gazdaság, a társadalom fontosabb aktuális történéseit, de olyan kérdéseket is napirendre veszünk, mint például a művészet, a család vagy a vallás. Vendégeink között oktatóink, kutatóink, vendégelőadóink kapnak helyet. Mindenkinek kellemes időtöltést és szellemi feltöltődést kívánunk.

Tia Morris, Executive Director of Teach For America (TFA) New York, has spent nearly three decades advancing opportunity and excellence in education. She began … Read More

Jeff Wetzler is looking to revolutionize how we learn. He is co-CEO of ⁠Transcend⁠, a nationally recognized innovation organization, and an expert in learning and human potential. Before that, he worked as a management consultant to the world's top corporations, a learning facilitator for leaders around the world, and as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America. Jeff has a Doctorate from Columbia University and is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He is also the author of a new book ⁠Ask⁠, which is now available wherever books are sold. On this classic episode, Jeff joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to talk about how to ask great questions as a leader. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Shopify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Indeed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠indeed.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Found: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠found.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fabric: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠meetfabric.com/elevate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speaker, educator, and Army veteran Shaun Murphy, known as “Mister Motivation,” is hitting the national stage with a powerful new message — and a rhythm to match. His new book, “Unbreakable Valor: Triumph Through the Soul of Resilience” (May 2025), blends raw personal storytelling with a step-by-step blueprint to help readers transform failure into fuel. Alongside the book's release, Murphy is also dropping a new motivational single, marking the launch of what he calls “Motivation Music” — a genre where personal growth meets beats and bars.   Shaun's journey is anything but typical: From losing his father at age six to serving in the U.S. Army, teaching special education, leading veteran recruitment for the nonprofit Teach For America, and becoming a college professor, he has lived every word he now teaches. Today, he brings a message of hope and resilience to school assemblies, military events, corporate keynotes, and podcasts across the country.   “You don't have to be fearless to be brave. You just have to take the next step — and I'm here to help people do that.” – Shaun Murphy  

Bernard Agrest: Millions of Users, Multiple Stakeholders—The Art of Product Owner Navigation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. The Great Product Owner: The Stakeholder Navigator Bernard describes an exceptional Product Owner who managed a product impacting millions of people while navigating constantly evolving requirements from multiple stakeholders. This Product Owner excelled at understanding each stakeholder's unique needs and communicating effectively with all of them. What made this person truly great was their ability to come to the development team with a clear understanding of both the business case and user needs, having done the hard work of stakeholder management upfront. This Product Owner understood that their role was to be the bridge between complex stakeholder requirements and clear team direction. The Bad Product Owner: The Collaborative Hoarder Bernard identifies a dangerous anti-pattern: the Product Owner who adds everything to the backlog under the guise of being "collaborative." While this behavior appears inclusive and team-friendly on the surface, it actually demonstrates that the Product Owner isn't following through on delivering real value. These Product Owners become almost exclusively focused on authority rather than outcomes, making them particularly difficult to coach since they resist guidance. Bernard recommends using Cost of Delay as both a prioritization technique and a tool to help Product Owners understand why certain items shouldn't be added to the backlog at all. Self-reflection Question: Is your Product Owner truly collaborating by providing clear direction, or are they avoiding difficult prioritization decisions by adding everything to the backlog? In this segment we refer to the Coach Your Product Owner e-course that we created for everyone who needs to help their Product Owners succeed! [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Bernard Agrest: Creating Conditions for Healthy Conflict and Continuous Improvement in Agile Teams Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Bernard believes successful Scrum Masters focus on creating conditions where tension and healthy conflict can emerge naturally, rather than maintaining artificial harmony. Too many organizations remain stuck in fear-based cultures where people avoid raising important issues. For Bernard, success means ensuring people regularly surface problems and engage meaningfully with each other—it's not enough to simply monitor green dashboards. He emphasizes that real leadership involves focusing on creating conditions for teams to discuss what truly matters, moving beyond surface-level metrics to foster genuine dialogue and continuous improvement. Self-reflection Question: Are the people on your teams regularly raising issues, or are you relying too heavily on dashboard metrics to gauge team health? Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: 4L's The 4L's retrospective format is simple yet powerful, examining what the team Liked, Learned, Lacked, and Longed for. Bernard particularly values the "Longed for" category because it asks people to connect the dots between how they felt and how they performed. In one memorable session, using 4L's helped his team understand what they were missing in their regular sync work, leading them to change how they conducted meetings to better support upcoming deliveries. This retrospective format had long-term organizational impact, helping teams realize gaps in their collaborative processes and make meaningful improvements to their working relationships. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Bernard Agrest: One-on-One Insights—Building Change Strategy Through Individual Conversations Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. When faced with a tool that needed complete rebuilding rather than more "duct-tape" features, Bernard knew that disruption was inevitable—but where to start? Through extensive one-on-one conversations with employees and stakeholders, he discovered that teams didn't understand their work was cyclical, and more importantly, that the onboarding team was central to the entire process. By starting the transformation with this pivotal team and focusing on training and user adoption, the new tool provided immediate organizational impact with data-driven decision making. Bernard's approach demonstrates that successful change management starts with understanding the true workflow and identifying the critical connection points that can drive the most significant positive impact. Self-reflection Question: In your current change initiatives, have you identified which team or process serves as the central hub that could accelerate transformation across the entire organization? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Bernard Agrest: Avoiding Hard Conversations—When High-Performing Agile Teams Self-Destruct Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Bernard describes how a high-performing, fun-loving team began to unravel when a new member joined who wasn't delivering on their commitments. Instead of addressing the performance issue directly, team members started picking up the slack, avoiding the difficult conversation that needed to happen. As morale dropped and people checked out, Bernard realized the team was paralyzed by fear of confrontation and assumptions that raising the issue would be ignored. This experience taught him that individual performance problems quickly become whole-team problems when left unaddressed, and that strong relationships require the courage to have honest, supportive conversations. Self-reflection Question: What difficult conversation are you avoiding on your team, and what assumptions might be preventing you from addressing it? Featured Book of the Week: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni Bernard recommends The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni because it helps leaders understand that everyone has specific "genius" areas in different phases of work. When people work outside their natural genius zones, they feel unfulfilled and frustrated. This framework has been invaluable for Bernard in understanding team dynamics—why some teams click naturally while others struggle. By recognizing each person's working genius, leaders can better position team members for success and create more effective, satisfied teams. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

This week, our guest is Shaun Murphy — aka Mister Motivation — an Army veteran, educator, speaker, and author who's been honored with the Michelle Obama Service Award.From losing his father at six, to military service, to teaching with Teach For America, Shaun turned pain into purpose — and even created a whole new genre along the way: Motivation Music.In this raw and real conversation, we dive into:✨ What it really means to be unbreakable✨ How to keep going when life nearly breaks you✨ Tactical empathy, discipline, and creativity living side by side✨ Writing his book, Unbreakable Valor: Triumph Through the Soul of Resilience, as a blueprint for resilienceIf you've ever doubted your voice, questioned your strength, or felt stuck — this episode is for you.Check out his book Unbreakable Valor on Amazon now! Website: mister-motivation.comBook: Unbreakable Valor on Amazon Instagram: @misterm0tivati0nYouTube: @mistermotivation492LinkedIn: Shaun MurphyFacebook: Mister Motivation

Bernard Agrest: When Stepping Back Becomes Stepping Away—A Leadership Failure Story Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Bernard shares a powerful story about a critical research project where his instinct to step back and empower his team ultimately led to project failure and personal burnout. When Bernard realized his team wasn't ready for the work ahead, he made the mistake of taking everything on himself rather than building proper feedback loops and ensuring true understanding. Working overtime and feeling guilty about not supporting his team properly, Bernard learned that empowerment isn't about stepping back—it's about creating space to work together. His key insight reveals that it's through doing the work that we discover what work actually needs to be done, and that having people say they "get" the plan doesn't mean they truly understand it. Self-reflection Question: How do you distinguish between genuine team empowerment and abandonment when stepping back from direct involvement in projects? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

What if the key to transformative leadership lies not in having answers, but in asking the right questions?How can embracing curiosity over certainty revolutionize our approach to education and organizational growth?In this episode, Jeff Wetzler delves into the transformative power of asking questions and how it can unlock hidden wisdom within organizations and educational systems. He introduces the “Ask Approach,” a five-step method designed to foster deeper understanding and innovation by tapping into the insights of those around us. Jeff shares personal anecdotes and professional experiences that highlight the importance of curiosity, psychological safety, and active listening in leadership and learning. Listeners will gain practical tools to enhance their decision-making processes, build stronger relationships, and drive meaningful change in their communities.Jeff Wetzler is an expert in learning and human potential, with over 25 years of experience spanning business and education. He is the co-founder and former co-CEO of Transcend, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming learning environments through human-centered design and innovation. Prior to Transcend, Jeff served as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America and worked as a management consultant at Monitor Group, advising Fortune 500 companies. He holds a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Brown University. Jeff is also the author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life. Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ranney shares her journey from instructional coach to executive director of Lafayette Preparatory Academy. She and Jethro dive into the powerful—and sometimes delicate—dynamics of instructional coaches evaluating teachers. Dr. Ranney discusses how LPA has built a culture of continuous improvement, the role of academic rigor, and how leadership vision shapes school success.Lafayette Preparatory Academy, started k-2 and added a grade each year, K-8The reason schools exist is to educate kids. Strong academic program Inner core of St. Louis CityDiverse by design - socio-economic status and race and religious diversityWhat three words would you use to define our school? It really does take a village to raise a childParent experienceIntake conference - teachers asking parents to build relationshipsFamilies are our students' first teachers. Teachers are spending many hours with our kids. Students grew academically over the pandemic because of the relationships with parents. Designing school. Data personalizes and depersonalizes all at the same timeTeaching is a very personal project. If you think you don't have anywhere to grow, you probably should get out of the field you're in. Why their coaches do evaluations instead of the principal.How to be a transformative principal? Ask for feedback and be willing to be vulnerable to respond to that feedback.About Dr. Sarah Ranney  Dr. Sarah Ranney has been with Lafayette Preparatory Academy (LPA) since 2014 and is a proud parent to an LPA 8th grader. She believes that every child has an inalienable right to attain an excellent education no matter their economic status, residential location, or background. Sarah joined LPA after four years working as an instructional coach with Teach For America where she focused on developing Early Childhood and Elementary teachers across the metropolitan area. She supported more than 300 teachers in more than 40 schools during her tenure there. Prior to Teach For America, Sarah spent several years in the classroom in the St. Louis Public Schools and an Independent, Private School. Sarah has an Ed.D in School Administration as well as an Education Specialist and Masters in School Administration from the University of Missouri- St. Louis, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University, a Bachelor of Arts in Media Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is a certified Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent. Sarah is also a Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor. She is also an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 362 and loves helping youth develop leadership skills in the great outdoors. When not at school, you might find her playing strategic games like War Chest or Settlers of Catan or hanging out in Tower Grove park with her family. Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

How might we design AI not just to personalize learning, but to truly make it personal, enabling each learner to discover and design their own purpose? What would professional development look like if it mirrored the learning experiences we aspire to give young people—human-centered, delightful, and deeply relevant? In this rich and forward-looking conversation on The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry is joined by Sunanna Chand, Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America. Together, they explore the future of learning, focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI), human-centered design, and learning ecosystems can unlock new educational possibilities. Sunanna shares insights into Future Shock, a project-based program that equips young people with the skills to design their own futures—combining interest-based learning with strategic uses of AI. She also reflects on the need to design professional learning for educators with the same joy, relevance, and depth we desire for students. The conversation touches on AI's potential as both a partner and a risk, advocating for technology that enhances human connection rather than replacing it. Together, Louka and Sunanna unpack how we might move from standardized education to personalized, purpose-driven learning while acknowledging the real constraints educators face. They stress the power of networks, radical imagination, and equitable design in reshaping learning for the 21st century. About Sunanna Chand: Sunanna Chand is the Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America, where she leads future-focused R&D efforts to reshape education through design, equity, and innovation. With a background spanning learning ecosystems, human-centered design, and system transformation, she previously led Remake Learning, fostering district-level change through powerful cross-sector networks. A passionate advocate for learner agency and equity, Sunanna explores how tools like AI can support—not supplant—human connection in education. She is a national voice for reimagining what high-quality, personal, and purposeful learning can look like for all young people. Stay Connected with Sunanna Chand: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunannachand/ Learn more about the Reinvention Lab: reinventionlab.org Stay Connected with Louka Parry: For the latest learning innovation follow Louka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loukaparry/ Share your thoughts by visiting www.thelearningfuture.com Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

What can the iconic movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" teach us about student engagement? This episode explores the critical disconnect between students and educators, examining why students mentally and physically check out of their education. Guests Colleen Keating-Crawford, Sydney Tweedley, and Izzy Fitzgerald from The Reinvention Lab at Teach For America share personal stories that reveal a startling truth: many students are physically present but mentally absent, highlighting a deeper crisis in our education system. Our conversation emphasizes that creating meaningful connections and relevant learning experiences is crucial for keeping students engaged. We also share practical strategies teachers can implement immediately to make a difference right where they are. Learn more about the people and research they discuss att: https://www.reinventionlab.org/ We're proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html

Feel like project-based learning sounds powerful—but totally unrealistic in your packed curriculum and schedule? What if one small shift could open the door? In this episode, I talk with international educator, VIS Dean of Academic Affairs and social scientist Tristan Reynolds, who shares how he replaced a single unit test with a project—and saw student ownership, engagement, and reflection skyrocket. From rural Texas classrooms to interdisciplinary teaching in Taipei, Tristan walks us through the simple mindset and planning shifts that helped PBL work within, not outside of, school structures. It's a refreshing look at how real change happens—not through an overhaul, but through intentional, evidence-based experimentation. You'll learn: How one teacher redesigned a single assessment and sparked student agency What student data revealed about deeper learning and engagement How interdisciplinary collaboration builds momentum for school-wide change Why project-based learning can fit within your constraints—not fight against them Ready to see how one small step can unlock student-centered learning in your setting? This episode shows you the shift in action. Connect with Tristan: Instagram, LinkedIn Data Studies Around Benefits of PBL on Learning: Wide Scale Studies  Tristan's Bio: Tristan Reynolds is an educator and writer who focuses on international best practices in education and the impacts of globalization on education. As an experienced international educator, he understand the importance of creating schools which support celebrating different cultures, and which cultivate a cosmopolitan attitude in students. Tristan's work helps build a clearer picture of how to help students and teachers move beyond local limits to education. He holds an M.S.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, American and British teaching & administration licensures, and is a 2021 Teach For America alum.

Jeff Wetzler: Ask Jeff Wetzler is co-Founder Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization, and an expert in learning and human potential. His experience spans 25+ years in business and education, as a management consultant to top corporations, a learning facilitator for leaders, and as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America. He's the author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life*. We place our organizations at risk when we miss stuff. Often, the things we miss aren't what we don't know. Instead, they are the assumptions we don't even question. In this conversation, Jeff and I explore the practices that work to find what's missing. Key Points Hidden feedback cues: Repeated questions or suggestions about seemingly small details. Increased involvement in tactical decisions. Unexpected decreases in engagement. Benefits of curiosity: When We're Curious About People, They Like Us More Curiosity begets curiosity. Curiosity creates empathy. Curiosity makes us more resilient. Curiosity sparks: What might I be missing? How else might someone interpret the situation? How might I be impacting them? What can I learn from this person? Resources Mentioned Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life* by Jeff Wetzler Ask Approach How to Recognize “Hidden Feedback” (Harvard Business Review) by Jeff Wetzler The Curiosity Coach In Your Pocket (Psychology Today) by Jeff Wetzler Related Episodes How to Inspire More Curiosity, with Shannon Minifie (episode 520) How to Help Others Be Seen and Heard, with Scott Shigeoka (episode 654) Make it Easier to Discuss Hard Things, with Jeff Wetzler (episode 679) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

One of India's tragedies lies in the schooling of our children. We have let our kids down. Can we fix this problem? Shaheen Mistri joins Amit Varma in episode 413 of The Seen and the Unseen to describe her journey -- and what she has learnt about education. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Shaheen Mistri on Instagram, LinkedIn, Wikipedia and Facebook. 2. Redrawing India: The Teach For India Story -- Kovid Gupta and Shaheen Mistri. 3. Teach For India. 4. Akanksha Foundation. 5. The City and the City -- China Miéville. 6. The Rooted Cosmopolitanism of Sugata Srinivasaraju — Episode 277 of The Seen and the Unseen. 7. Teach For America. 8. Indicorps. 9. Sahil Bloom's tweet on planning and preparation. 10. Lighthouse Studios. 11. Third Space. 12. The Conference of the Birds by Teach For India. 13. Slam Out Loud. 14. Kahani Tree. 15. What Feelings Do When No One's Looking -- Tina Oziewicz and Aleksandra Zajac. 16. Charlotte's Web -- EB White. 17. Oh, The Places You'll Go! -- Dr Seuss. 18. Education in India — Episode 77 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Amit Chandra). 19. Fixing Indian Education — Episode 185 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Karthik Muralidharan). Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. Amit and Ajay also bring out a weekly YouTube show, Everything is Everything. Have you watched it yet? You must! And have you read Amit's newsletter? Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It's free! Also check out Amit's online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: ‘Learn' by Simahina.

Today Adrienne is joined by the brilliant Jeff Wetzler. Jeff has been on a quarter-century quest to transform learning opportunities and unlock human potential. Blending a unique set of leadership experiences in the fields of business and education, he's pursued this quest as an international management consultant to executives in Fortune 500 corporations, as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America, and currently, as co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized education innovation organization. In his book Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life globally recognized expert on learning and leadership, Jeff Wetzler offers a hands-on, surprisingly effective way to find out what others really think, know, and feel. Ask leads to smarter decisions, more creative solutions, and deeper relationships. Too often, we don't find out what's truly on others' hearts and minds because we don't know how to ask the right questions in the right ways. Co-founder of Transcend and former international business consultant and Teach for America executive Jeff Wetzler wants to show you how to fix that. In Ask, he brings you a powerful method called The Ask Approach™, based on a simple premise: that tapping into what other people truly think, know, and feel is a game-changing superpower. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.