Education Insight

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 social-emotional development, find out how this approach is expanding into public schools and diverse communities.

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 them.

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.

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 Dave Kung joins Education Insight to challenge outdated ideas about who math is for and why it matters, exploring how we can move from anxiety and exclusion to confidence, curiosity, and real-world understanding.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 the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and whether schools may be moving too fast without the right foundations in place.