The Harvard EdCast

Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund, reflects on the Newtown shooting, school violence, gun control--and how above all, we must continue to protect the world's children.

Jon Schnur, cofounder of 'America Achieves' and 'New Leaders for New Schools' reflects on his own education story while sharing personal insights into President Obama's education policies over time.

Rick Hess, education writer and director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, reflects on his personal story of learning and his role in the education reform movement.

Wynton Marsalis, musician and educator, opens up on how the spirit of music informs his unprecedented series of ongoing Harvard lectures.

Daniel Barnz, director of the film "Won't Back Down" reflects on why writing/directing a movie about education was just a perfect fit.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Wendy Kopp, founder and president of Teach For America reflects on 20 years of leading this national teaching corps and talks about how it has changed American (and global) education.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Assistant Professor Natasha Warikoo, Ed. M.'97, discusses her new book Balancing Acts: Youth Culture in the Global City.

Three UNESCO HIV education specialists discuss the role of teachers and schools in educating students around HIV/AIDS awareness and the importance of World AIDS Day.

World Bank Lead Economist Halsey Rogers discusses the World Bank Education Strategy 2020 and how we can make the next decade one in which all children and youth, everywhere, are in school and learning.

Charles Willie, professor emeritus at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reflects on the challenges of desegregating schools in Boston in the 1970's.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim, director of Waiting for "Superman", discusses his film and its impact on education reform.

Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association discusses the perception of unions, his personal legacy, and how to make the teaching profession more of a dream job for young Americans.

Qian Tang, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO discusses how WTD is experienced around the world.

Cevin Soling, director of the education documentary "The War on Kids" discusses his controversial views on the American school system.

Jim True-Frost, cast member of the HBO series "The Wire" discusses portraying Baltimore public school teacher Roland "Prez" Pryzbylewski and the impact his character has on education in media.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Steve Barr, founder of Green Dot Public Schools discusses progress of the charter school movement and why politics is so integral in education reform.

Taye Diggs, author and actor, along with Shane Evans, illustrator, discuss their new book "Chocolate Me!" on the Harvard EdCast.

Whitney Tilson, investor and champion of education initiatives, from KIPP to TFA, discusses genuine school reform and reflects on why he spends his free time committed to this fight.

Tony Danza, actor and author of "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had" shares experiences from his year as a rookie teacher at Northeast High.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Sir Michael Barber, head of McKinsey's Global Education Practice discusses a new international report, hope for U.S. public schools, and what is means to be a reformer.

Jack Shonkoff, director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, shares new research on the lingering effects of toxic stress during early childhood.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Warren Simmons, Executive Director of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University shares his insights on improving urban schools in America. Direct download: simmons.mp3

Educational rappers Scott Free and Shoeless Jeff discuss how they are using hip hop and 'smart songs' to effectively teach social studies both inside and outside the classroom.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Bill Symonds, director of the Pathways to Prosperity Project, discusses the project, its implications, and how the country has reacted.

Susan Sclafani, vice president of programs for the Pearson Foundation shares insight into the new digital curriculum being developed to adopt the common core standards.