Educate U.S.

What if the missing ingredient in education isn't a curriculum but connection? John Carlos Mauw of Apex Scholars joins the show to share how genuine mentorship, personality-matched tutoring, and deep community understanding are turning struggling students into confident, capable learners. Plus, hear how Apex is navigating school partnerships and using AI ethically to scale their impact. A must-lis...

Most schools ask educators to do too much with too little. Pablo Cesar Villavicencio (CEO of Alliance College Ready Public Schools) is changing that. In this episode, he reveals how his network doubled teacher planning time—from 4.5 hours to over 8 hours a week—resulting in higher morale, better instruction, and dramatic gains in college persistence. Discover how to leverage AI, reimagine school s...

In this episode, Stacey and Patrice explore how embracing grief can transform educators and communities. They discuss insights from Brian's book,  The Optimist , and share strategies for processing grief through art therapy, movement, and more. Discover how emotional health fosters empathy and resilience, reducing burnout and bias in educational settings. Perfect for educators, families, and...

Uncover the profound resilience and optimism rooted in the act of teaching. This episode reveals how educators, from middle school teachers to life-long mentors, transform lives, even in the face of grief, exhaustion, and life's toughest transitions. Join us as Brian Platzer shares a deeply personal story inspired by his former teacher, Rod Keating, navigating the weight of grief, legacy, and the...

Stacey & Patrice are back with a discussion on changes in higher education and the public perception about whether a college degree is still the end goal for people, or are vocational schools and even enter the job field earlier, more valuable than the cost associated with getting that degree. The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC. & Positive...

We’re back to finish the conversation Lindsay Whorton started, but this time, we’re getting into the systemic "why" behind the burnout. Patrice and Stacey bridge the gap between theory and the classroom, tackling the frustrating reality that many teachers want to lead but feel trapped by outdated hierarchies. We’re deconstructing the "promotion-or-nothing" culture and looking at the real-world bar...

Is the "superhero" principal model actually destroying our schools? In this episode, we tear down the unsustainable expectation that one leader can do it all and introduce a game-changing blueprint for the future: shared leadership. Joining us is Lindsay Whorton, author of ' A New School Leadership Architecture' , to explore why current structures are failing educators and how a collaborative appr...

In this episode, Patrice and Stacey dive into the "Hidden Curriculum"—the unspoken rules and social barriers that often determine who succeeds in the college admissions race. Reflecting on their recent insights from Akil, the hosts peel back the layers of a system where the testing industry often prioritizes profit over pupils and where the FAFSA process remains a daunting hurdle. You’ll learn why...

What if the biggest barriers in education aren't found in textbooks — but in the unspoken rules no one ever teaches? In this episode with Akil Bello, advocate and entrepreneur, we dive into the hidden curriculum: the invisible lessons students absorb about social norms, expectations, and cultural values that shape their entire educational journey. Because every student deserves to know t...

In this episode of Educate US, hosts Stacey Schultz and Patrice Fenton move past the "lone hero" trope to explore the collaborative heart of their upcoming book, The Promise of Collective Leadership. By reflecting on the conversation with Dr. Luisa Ortega and the initiatives of the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, they demonstrate how shifting from individualistic models to shared responsi...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Louisa Ortega, Executive Director of the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project to explore student activism. Dr. Ortega discusses how modern students are leveraging social justice education and the 4Cs framework:Culture, Community, Civic Engagement, and College readiness to demand accountability and drive change. From historic walkouts to the halls of the Sta...

In this episode, Stacey Schultz and Patrice Fenton recap their convo with Dr. Anashay. They discuss the parallels she made to things Stacey & Patrice have written about, and also provide additional insights on their book, coming out soon! Also, Lisa Garcia, who was on the pod last spring was just named new commissioner of the city Department of Environmental Protection--check it out https...

Who really holds the keys to change in our schools? In this episode, Dr. Anashay Murphy joins Patrice and Stacey to dive into the invisible forces shaping our schools: Power Dynamics. We move beyond the surface to explore the distinctions between  power over, power with,  and  power to , and why autonomy is a myth without the resources to back it up. The Edu...

Stacey and Patrice are back! In this episode, they explore the energy of 2026—a year of "one" symbolizing new beginnings, creativity, and the launch of their upcoming book. The duo dives deep into the tension between educational technology and student mental health, the power of local microspaces, and the urgent need for relational accountability in our schools. Articles mentioned in this episode:...

Stacey and Patrice give a look back at 2025 on the show, emphasizing gratitude and the immense power of micro spaces for creating lasting change (inspired by guest Susan Sturm). The ladies reflect on critical challenges, including navigating disinformation in areas like maternal health and discussing the impact of recent funding shifts on research....

The US Department of Education has ended accountability measures for disproportionality in special education, bringing to light the systemic bias in student placement. This episode explores the critical challenges this creates: risks of misallocated resources, increased student stigma, and links to the school-to-prison pipeline.  The Educate U.S. podcast is...

Patrice & Stacey welcome back in Robert Jackson, afrofuturist & data scientist, to discuss the concept of privacy, how it is affecting generations both old and young, the ever-changing technological advancements in society today such as AI & more. The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC. & Positively Tea - Have a cup of the best ta...

How do education leaders navigate the rapid adoption of AI while ensuring student safety?  Brett Roer, founder and CEO of Amplify and Elevate Innovation, has the blueprint. In this episode, Brett outlines his mission, focused on AI literacy for all stakeholders and establishing non-negotiable policy guidelines. He shares practical examples of using AI to deepen human...

Pediatric ER doctor Dr. Bronwen Carroll joins us to discuss the child sexual abuse crisis, a devastating issue affecting 1 in 10 children. Learn critical strategies for prevention and how to foster open communication between parents and children. Dr. Carroll details a predator's most common tactics (like isolation and desensitization) and intr...

Former Mississippi State Representative Eric Fleming gives an insider's view on politics, lobbying, and leadership. He emphasizes the power of storytelling in effective campaigns and argues that citizens have the greatest freedom to drive political change and activism. Fleming shares his playbook for influence: commitment, education,...

Stacey & Patrice welcome in the Founder and CEO of Latinx Education Collaborative, Edgar Palacios, for a conversation on representation in school leaders, LEC's mission of bringing more Latinos teachers into the classroom & more. To find out more about the Latinx Education Collaborative, visit https://latinxedco.org/ The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh R...

What does it take to truly inspire the future of science and technology? Join us as we talk with Dr. Jennifer Berry, the visionary CEO of Smart Lab. She discusses why focusing on STEM identity and practical application is critical, and how her team fosters learning environments that build genuine self-belief in students. Dr. Berry also offers powerful insights on huma...

Stacey and Patrice discuss the severe impact of proposed federal education cuts to education. They highlight devastating reductions for English language learners, rural schools, and students who are homeless. These cuts perpetuate inequality and they also explore the stark differences between the political pressures on public schools and the flexibility of private ones. Jo...

Stacey & Patrice welcome in educational leader and founder of Lead to Empower, Jacob Michelman to the podcast, to discuss the biggest issues facing education today. He shares his journey from the classroom to the consultant's office, and critiques the rise of expensive, AI-based schools. We also dive into why mindset and sustainable growth are key to leadership, how unions can help foster real...

Stacey & Patrice welcome in the founder and CEO of Diversity in Leadership Institute, Laura McGowan-Robinson, to discuss the work her organization does to increase racial diversity, equity, inclusion and cultural competence among district and charter school administrators, using it as a lever to increase academic and social outcomes for TK-12 students in California. The Educate U.S. podcast is...