Always Learning

Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of "The Disengaged Teen," educate us on the pressing issue of disengagement among teens in education. They share personal stories, research findings, and the importance of agency and engagement modes. Jenny and Rebecca discuss the impact of societal pressures, the role of teachers, and the need for structural changes in education to foster a more engagi...

Todd Dickson, co-founder of Valor Collegiate Academies, joins Chris Stewart to talk about his schools' balance between academic rigor and social-emotional learning. He discusses the influence of parenting styles on education, the necessity of restorative justice, and the challenges of alternative education solutions. Todd advocates for 'Diverse by Design' schools that foster inclusivity and critic...

Bill Jackson discusses the evolution of education, the importance of data in school selection, and the challenges faced in urban education. Chris and Bill explore the impact of Great Schools, the legacy of No Child Left Behind, and the need for innovative models in education. Bill shares his vision for the future of education, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the role of may...

Lacey Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd , discusses the importance of positivity in education, the impact of trauma and resilience, and the critical role of community and libraries in fostering academic success. She emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to education that acknowledges the unique experiences of Black children and the importance of equity.  The discus...

Summer Schneider, Founder and Executive Director of Legacy College Preparatory Charter School discusses the challenges and rewards of leading a school, the importance of college preparation, and the innovative approaches her school takes to support students. Summer also addresses the impact of the pandemic on education, the need for inclusive environments, and the significance of social-emotional...

Dr. William Jackson discusses the importance of building community power through education, particularly focusing on the role of Black parents in creating culturally affirming learning environments. He emphasizes the need for a growth mindset, critical thinking, and the creation of knowledge as a means of empowerment. The conversation also touches on the impact of entertainment on community engage...

Karega Rausch, President & CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) , discusses the importance of education and the need to amplify the brilliance of young people. He shares his personal mission to create systems that can identify and bring out the brilliance in students. Rausch emphasizes the importance of innovative and engaging education while maintaining high expec...

Author Ashley Berner discusses the concept of educational pluralism and its potential to improve public education. She highlights the need for a diverse range of schools, both public and private, that offer different approaches and philosophies. Berner explores how successful democracies around the world have implemented educational pluralism and the lessons that can be learned from them. She emph...

In this episode of Always Learning, host Chris Stewart talks with Karyn Parsons, well known for her role as Hillary Banks on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and now a children's author and founder of Sweet Blackberry, a media company making Black history accessible to kids. They discuss the inspiration behind her work,, and the importance of representation in children's literature. Parsons also refl...

Ralph Farquhar, a seasoned TV and film writer and producer, opens up about his life and career. Ralph talks about the grit it took to push through being underestimated, especially as a young black man facing societal doubts. He shares his story from writing for the much-loved "Happy Days" to being the creative mind behind hit shows like "Moesha" and "The Parkers." Ralph credits his supportive pare...

As a founding board member of Education Post, Emma Bloomberg reflects on a decade of growth for our non profit as well as sharing her insights on the changing landscape of education advocacy, the importance of elevating parent and student voices, and the necessity of local engagement.  The conversation also delves into Emma’s journey, the role of data in grassroots organizing, and the importance o...

Rebecca Sibilia, Executive Director of EdFund, schools us on the complexities and inequities in school finance. Host Chris Stewart and Rebecca delve into the disparities in funding between predominantly white and predominantly black school districts, the inefficiencies in the current allocation system, and the critical need for more research on how educational funds are raised and spent. Rebecca a...

In this episode of Always Learning, we sit down with Chef John Hall, an accomplished chef with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants across the United States and Europe. Chef Hall shares his journey from a high school student who saw a culinary school billboard to becoming a celebrated chef. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of working in renowned establishments, the cultural and busin...

In this episode of Always Learning, host Chris Stewart welcomes Assata Moore, a math educator, and founder of 'Black Math Genius,' to discuss the systemic issues in math education and how they particularly affect Black students. They delve into topics such as math anxiety, the cultural implications of mathematics, and how current teaching methods often fail to make math relevant or engaging.  Assa...

Kelly Smith, author of 'A Fire to Be Kindled,' discusses his journey from traditional education to developing innovative micro schools that foster lifelong learners. He shares his insights on the importance of rekindling the love for learning, both in children and adults, by shifting from the traditional 'cup to be filled' mindset to igniting a 'fire to be kindled.' Kelly explains the principles o...

Dr. Bettina Love and  host Chris Stewart dive deep into the systemic issues plaguing the education system and its impact on Black children. Dr. Love shares insights from her new book, "Punished for Dreaming," discussing how past and present school reform efforts have fallen short and detailing her framework for meaningful change. Key takeaways include the importance of acknowledging historical wro...

Education Post was founded with the vision of amplifying the voices of parents, teachers, and students in the education conversation. It aimed to provide a platform for these voices to be heard and treated as equals alongside politicians, educators, and union leaders. 10 Years after its inception, our current CEO, Chris Stewart speaks with the man who started it all, founder Peter Cunningham.  The...