Dr. Lisa Hirsch has taught all over — from Israel to the Bronx to Sedona. Now she's a principal in Scottsdale, AZ.

In Part 2, we talk about behind-the-scenes aspects of being a principal, heartwarming interactions with past and present students, and big-picture challenges to education.

We also talk about her working relationship with previous ContrastEd guest Jessica Nelson!

ContrastEd host Amber Miles got her MAT and completed her student teaching in Massachusetts before returning to her home state, Arizona. She taught 4th/5th grade in Sedona, AZ, and witnessed stark differences between urban/suburban MA and rural AZ. This became the basis of ContrastEd and inspired her to expand her understanding of the U.S. education system.

Let’s connect! @ContrastEdPod [email protected] contrastedpodcast.com

Want to get involved as a guest or volunteer? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/KttD97EJ17e3B8Vc7

"Op-Ed" is a series of mini episodes exploring education-related current events. In this episode, ContrastEd host Amber Miles talks about prom during the pandemic — from a "secret prom" in New Mexico to a parent-organized prom in New Hampshire.

Find sources and further reading here: https://contrastedpodcast.wordpress.com/2021/04/17/op-ed-episode-2-nms-secret-prom-vs-nhs-parent-organized-prom/

ContrastEd host Amber Miles got her MAT and completed her student teaching in Massachusetts before returning to her home state, Arizona. She taught 4th/5th grade in Sedona, AZ, and witnessed stark differences between urban/suburban MA and rural AZ. This became the basis of ContrastEd and inspired her to expand her understanding of the U.S. education system.

Let’s connect! @ContrastEdPod [email protected] contrastedpodcast.com

Want to get involved as a guest or volunteer? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/KttD97EJ17e3B8Vc7

Dr. Lisa Hirsch has taught all over — from Israel to the Bronx to Sedona. Now she's a principal in Scottsdale, AZ.

In Part 1, we talk about her career path, socioeconomic differences and similarities where she's worked, and her views on what it takes to be a principal.

We also talk about her working relationship with previous ContrastEd guest Jessica Nelson!

ContrastEd host Amber Miles got her MAT and completed her student teaching in Massachusetts before returning to her home state, Arizona. She taught 4th/5th grade in Sedona, AZ, and witnessed stark differences between urban/suburban MA and rural AZ. This became the basis of ContrastEd and inspired her to expand her understanding of the U.S. education system.

Let’s connect! @ContrastEdPod [email protected] contrastedpodcast.com

Want to get involved as a guest or volunteer? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/KttD97EJ17e3B8Vc7

"Op-Ed" is a series of mini episodes exploring education-related current events. In this episode, ContrastEd host Amber Miles talks about Grace Church School's inclusive language guide.

Find sources and further reading here: https://contrastedpodcast.wordpress.com/2021/04/01/op-ed-episode-1-ny-private-schools-inclusive-language-controversy/

ContrastEd host Amber Miles got her MAT and completed her student teaching in Massachusetts before returning to her home state, Arizona. She taught 4th/5th grade in Sedona, AZ, and witnessed stark differences between urban/suburban MA and rural AZ. This became the basis of ContrastEd and inspired her to expand her understanding of the U.S. education system.

Let’s connect! @ContrastEdPod [email protected] contrastedpodcast.com

Want to get involved as a guest or volunteer? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/KttD97EJ17e3B8Vc7

Ángela Méndez is in her second year of teaching at a New York City charter school. In this episode, we talk about her work on the anti-racism and equity committee, her advice for new teachers, and the impact of COVID-19 on her teaching.

ContrastEd host Amber Miles got her MAT and completed her student teaching in Massachusetts before returning to her home state, Arizona. She taught 4th/5th grade in Sedona, AZ, and witnessed stark differences between urban/suburban MA and rural AZ. This became the basis of ContrastEd and inspired her to expand her understanding of the U.S. education system.

Let’s connect! @ContrastEdPod [email protected] contrastedpodcast.com

Want to get involved as a guest or volunteer? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/KttD97EJ17e3B8Vc7

Welcome back for Part 2!

Jessica Nelson has taught art in Sedona, AZ, for three decades. She's seen structural shifts in the district, tense school board meetings, and fierce community support.

Sedona is a close-knit rural town in northern Arizona. It's primarily known for scenic red-rock views, outdoor activities, and fine arts.

ContrastEd host Amber Miles got her MAT and completed her student teaching in Massachusetts before returning to her home state, Arizona. She taught 4th/5th grade in Sedona, AZ, and witnessed stark differences between urban/suburban MA and rural AZ. This became the basis of ContrastEd and inspired her to expand her understanding of the U.S. education system.

Let’s connect! @ContrastEdPod [email protected] contrastedpodcast.com

Want to get involved as a guest or volunteer? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/KttD97EJ17e3B8Vc7

Jessica Nelson has taught art in Sedona, AZ, for three decades. She's seen structural shifts in the district, tense school board meetings, and fierce community support. 

Sedona is a close-knit rural town in northern Arizona. It's primarily known for scenic red-rock views, outdoor activities, and fine arts.

ContrastEd host Amber Miles got her MAT and completed her student teaching in Massachusetts before returning to her home state, Arizona. She taught 4th/5th grade in Sedona, AZ, and witnessed stark differences between urban/suburban MA and rural AZ. This became the basis of ContrastEd and inspired her to expand her understanding of the U.S. education system.

Let’s connect! @ContrastEdPod [email protected] contrastedpodcast.com

Want to get involved as a guest or volunteer? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/KttD97EJ17e3B8Vc7

Wherever you go, kids are kids, and teachers are teachers — but teaching's different everywhere.

Curriculum standards, resources, collaboration, prep time, certifications, class sizes — the list goes on and on.

Each teacher has a unique context; each teacher has a unique story. If you hear one, you hear one. To get the big picture, we've got to hear as many as possible, and we've got to really listen. 

Join former teacher Amber Miles as she interviews K-12 educators across the U.S. Let's learn together!

Amber Miles got her MAT and completed her student teaching in Massachusetts before returning to her home state, Arizona. She taught 4th/5th grade in Sedona, AZ, and witnessed stark differences between urban/suburban MA and rural AZ. This became the basis of ContrastEd and inspired her to expand her understanding of the U.S. education system.

Let’s connect! @ContrastEdPod [email protected] contrastedpodcast.com

Want to get involved as a guest or volunteer? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/KttD97EJ17e3B8Vc7