Behind the Scenes of Learning

What happens when small constraints stack up over time — and quietly reshape what's possible inside a classroom? In this episode, host Chris Huizenga explores the accumulation of pressures that narrow teacher agency: growing class sizes, shrinking planning time, input that’s invited but doesn’t always shape decisions, and the impossible math of responsibility without capacity. Through unfiltered i...

What happens when the pressure to prove learning starts reshaping the emotional climate of school? In this episode, host Chris Huizenga examines a pattern that emerged across interviews, observations, and school leader conversations: the toll of constant measurement on students, teachers, and families. You'll hear educators describe grading expectations that prioritize throughput over feedback, st...

What happens when the world students live in moves faster than the classroom can keep up? In this episode, host Elle Sarkisian explores one of the most consistent themes from the field: the tension between rising demands for rigor and a generation whose baseline for stimulation has fundamentally shifted. Through candid interviews with K–8 educators across the country, we hear how teachers are navi...

What does it really feel like to be a public school teacher today? In this episode, "Doing It Alone," host Elle Sarkisian brings us into the lived experience of K–8 educators across the country as they speak candidly about a pervasive, often invisible challenge: isolation. Through powerful, unfiltered interviews, we explore how this sense of disconnection shows up across curriculum mandates, plann...

What does it really feel like to teach today? The "Behind the Scenes of Learning" podcast shares raw, real stories from public school educators, revealing what’s working, what’s breaking down, and where change is needed. It explores what it takes to create systems that center connection, not just compliance. We hope this podcast sparks conversation amongst teams and inspires listeners to help shap...