Education Insight

What if the classroom didn't have four walls? In this episode of Education Insight , Lacey Kendall speaks with Chris Bessonette, Head of School at Mountain Academy in Wyoming, where students learn through hands-on experiences in forests, mountains, and national parks. Discover how outdoor education is helping students build academic skills, solve real-world problems, and develop a deeper conne...

You've probably driven past a school with "Montessori" on the sign — but what does it actually mean, and who is it really for? Sara Cotner, Executive Director of Montessori for All, joins Education Insight to break down the Montessori method, its century-long history, and why it may be more relevant than ever for students navigating today's challenges. From self-paced learning to...

More students are rethinking the traditional path from high school to college by taking a gap year. In this episode of Education Insight , Aaron Slosberg, Director of Programming and Co-Owner of Where There Be Dragons, discusses how immersive travel, cultural exchange, and real-world experiences are helping young people build confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of the world around...

How are screens reshaping childhood and learning? In this episode of Education Insight , nationally recognized screentime expert Emily Cherkin joins the show to discuss the growing role of technology in schools and homes, the impact of screens on child development, and what families and educators should consider as digital devices become more embedded in everyday life.

What does two decades of data tell us about college success in America? This episode explores why more students are enrolling, but not finishing, and what needs to change to help more learners reach the finish line.

This episode takes listeners inside the world of high school mock trials, where students step into real courtrooms to argue cases, build arguments, and develop confidence. Through hands-on experience, they gain critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the legal system.

What does math education need to look like in today’s world? Dr. Dave Kung joins Education Insight to challenge outdated ideas about who math is for and why it matters, exploring how we can move from anxiety and exclusion to confidence, curiosity, and real-world understanding.

What if getting into college didn’t require an application at all? In this episode, we explore how direct admission is removing barriers, expanding access, and changing who sees college as a real possibility.

What happens when girls are given the space to ask questions, explore their identities, and take action on issues that matter to them? In this episode, Ashley Steimer-King of Girls Learn International shares how young women are developing confidence, leadership skills, and a global perspective to become the next generation of changemakers.

Dr. Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution joins Education Insight to discuss why so many teens feel disconnected from school and what adults often misunderstand about disengagement. She explains the different “modes” of teens, from Passengers to Achievers to Resisters, and shares practical steps parents and educators can take to help young people re-engage. The conversation also explores t...

In this episode of Education Insight , Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza discusses how the Coachella Valley Unified School District responded to recent student walkouts tied to national immigration protests. The conversation explores student voice, civic engagement, and how schools can prioritize safety while navigating complex and emotional moments.

In this episode of Education Insight , host Lacey Kendall speaks with Emily Kircher-Morris, counselor, educator, and expert on twice-exceptional learners. Together they explore what it means when students are both highly gifted and neurodivergent, why these children are often misunderstood in school, and how educators and parents can better support their unique strengths and challenges.

In this episode of Education Insight , we learn about the Give Something Back organization and its mission to support students facing homelessness, family instability, and trauma. Through mentorship, coaching, and long-term guidance, Give Back helps students build confidence, navigate college, and create pathways to a more stable future.

Dr. Karen Schreder of Chico State joins Education Insight to discuss how the North State Student Ambassadors Program empowers rural students to find their voice, build belonging on campus, and serve as bridges to their home communities. This conversation explores the unique challenges rural students face in college—and how intentional support can transform invisibility into leadership.

California Teacher of the Year Dr. Heather Povinelli joins Education Insight to reflect on what truly makes a teacher exceptional. A second-grade instructor at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, Dr. Povinelli shares how relationships, trust, and lived experience—including her perspective as an educator with dwarfism—shape the way she reaches students. This powerful conversation explores love, eq...

Why are more families stepping away from traditional schools and choosing homeschooling? In this episode of Education Insight , Jamie Heston, Director of Outreach for the Homeschool Association of California, discusses the real reasons parents make the switch, the challenges they don’t expect, and the surprising benefits many families discover along the way. From socialization concerns to academic...

On this episode of Education Insight , host Lacey Kendall is joined by Brenda Payne, Executive Director of the California Invention Convention, for a conversation about the power of invention education and its impact on students across California. Drawing on her experience as a teacher, school leader, and statewide education advocate, Payne shares how invention education encourages students to ide...

Why All-Girls Schools Still Matter Today explores the educational and developmental needs of adolescent girls through a conversation with Dr. Barbara Ostos, Head of School at Santa Catalina School in Monterey, California. Hosted by Lacey Kendall, this episode examines how all-girls learning environments support academic confidence, leadership development, and whole-student growth—and why these mod...

In this episode of Education Insight , we take a closer look at why boys across the country are struggling in school—and whether gender-specific education can make a meaningful difference. Host Lacey Kendall sits down with President Barry Shreiar of Army and Navy Academy to discuss how an all-boys, structured learning environment can support students academically, socially, and emotionally at a ti...

In this episode of Education Insight , we explore how faith and community-based programs can play a powerful role in supporting students who are struggling in school. Host Lacey Kendall sits down with Professor Rafael Cardona, Director of KidReach, to discuss how community partnerships can complement schools by filling academic, social, and emotional gaps. From the impact of one-on-one tutoring to...

In this episode of Education Insight , we sit down with Dr. Al Solano, founder of the Continuous Learning Institute, to explore a powerful idea: students can’t grow if their teachers stop learning . A former teacher and higher education leader, Dr. Solano helps colleges build systems that keep educators learning, adapting, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. We dive into the real cha...

Brookside Elementary School’s Joel Hudec just received one of the highest honors in education — the Milken Educator Award, often called the “Oscars of Teaching.” In this episode of Education Insight , Joel takes us inside the unforgettable moment he learned he had won, the leadership practices that have driven major academic gains at Brookside, and the creative programs that are shaping a strong,...

Meet the students who do it all — working adults, parents, service members, and lifelong learners redefining what college looks like today. In this episode of Education Insight , Dr. Mark David Milliron, President and CEO of National University, shares how the ANDers Movement is transforming higher education to meet the needs of modern students. Discover why this shift matters for our workforce, o...

This episode of Education Insight features Marissa Lazo-Necco, Project Manager for Family and Community Engagement at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Drawing from her own journey as an English learner and decades of work across more than thirty districts, Marissa shares how schools can build authentic relationships with families—especially those who have historically felt unhe...

In this episode of Education Insight , we sit down with Latrenda Knighten, President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), to explore the state of math education in America. With more than 30 years of experience helping students and teachers fall in love with math, President Knighten shares what’s capturing her attention nationally, how students are recovering post-pandemic, a...