Education Insight

We have more information at our fingertips than ever before, but are we actually learning more? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Daniel Willingham joins Education Insight to explore the difference between consuming information and truly understanding it, and what it takes to turn what we hear, watch, and read into knowledge that lasts.

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When disagreements over identity, values, and belonging enter the classroom, how can schools move forward without making anyone feel unheard? Dr. Liza A. Talusan joins Education Insight to explore how educators and school leaders can navigate difficult conversations, understand where conflict comes from, and create communities where disagreement can lead to greater understanding.

Schools across the country are struggling to keep classrooms staffed, but what if the teacher shortage isn't just about finding more teachers? Dr. Richard Ingersoll of the University of Pennsylvania joins Education Insight to unpack what's really driving teachers out of the profession and what it might take to keep more of them in the classroom.

What can teenagers learn when education takes them beyond the classroom and into the wild? Dr. Anna Young, Vice President of Learning and Impact at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, joins Education Insight to explore how the Zoo Teens program is giving young people hands-on experiences with wildlife while building confidence, compassion, and skills that extend far beyond the zoo.

What if the things we measure in education aren’t the only things that matter? Dr. Yong Zhao joins Education Insight to explore what students need beyond academics and why preparing young people for life may require us to rethink how we define success.

What really makes a school the right fit for a child? In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Ashley Rogers Berner of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy joins us to unpack what school choice really means, what parents should look for beyond school rankings when comparing schools, and how families can navigate a growing number of educational options. From neighborhood schools and pr...

Why do so many students struggle to put their thoughts into writing? In this episode of Education Insight , author and education journalist Natalie Wexler , co-author of The Writing Revolution 2.0 , explains why strong writing begins at the sentence level, and why writing should be taught across every subject, not just English. We explore how writing strengthens learning and critical thinking, wha...

How can you tell what's true online when misinformation is everywhere? In this episode of Education Insight , Stanford education professor emeritus Dr. Sam Wineburg shares practical strategies for evaluating online information, spotting misinformation, and becoming a more informed digital citizen. From viral social media posts and online scams to AI, digital literacy, and the future of student...

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...