In this episode, I spoke to Dr. Laurie Rousseau Nepton, the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a PhD in astrophysics. Laurie, the principal investigator of the SIGNALS project, shares her journey from observing the night sky on an Indigenous reservation to mapping 50,000 star-forming regions in nearby galaxies. The conversation delves into her unique perspective on life, shaped by both her scientific pursuits and her cultural heritage, highlighting the rich cultural practices shared across Indigenous communities in Canada.We explore the potential impact of the moon cycle on human energy levels, emphasizing the broader interconnectedness of all things in nature. Laurie recounts her experiences of learning to hunt and being in tune with nature's rhythms, illustrating the importance of reconnecting with the natural world. We discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing academic paths, advocating for a systems-based approach to education that incorporates traditional knowledge and community connections. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Laurie's Website:  https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/about/glance/new-faculty/2023-24/laurie-rousseau-nepton

In this episode, I sat down with Ana María García Blanco, a trailblazer in Montessori education reform in Puerto Rico. We delve into her journey from her time at Harvard to her relentless commitment to transforming deteriorating public schools in Puerto Rico. She highlights the stark contrasts between Montessori and traditional schooling, with a focus on the former's emphasis on child-led learning, independence, and the development of critical thinking skills. We then discuss the transformative power of community involvement in education, highlighting successful strategies such as door-to-door meetings, involving parents in school governance, and fostering a sense of collective purpose. This episode provides a detailed exploration of the challenges and triumphs of implementing the Montessori method in public schools and the broader implications for education reform. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

I finally mustered up the courage to do one of these all by myself. Here are some of my biggest educational findings and lessons from my time in Puerto Rico. I had such a lovely time on the island, and I am so thankful to the people I met there. I hope you enjoy this conversation! Let me know what you think.

In this episode, Julia Keleher, the former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, returns to the podcast to continue the discussion of her journey through education reform in Puerto Rico. She candidly shares her experiences in Puerto Rico, detailing the challenges of closing 450 schools, implementing controversial reforms, and navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. She then opens up about her legal troubles, including her decision to accept a plea deal for wire fraud, and the harsh realities of the US criminal justice system.

In the first part of this two-series conversation, Julia Keleher, former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, shares her transformative journey through the educational and criminal justice systems. Julia recounts her experiences with the Puerto Rican education system, including the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the controversial school closures. She opens up about her legal troubles, detailing her indictments, offering a unique perspective on her experience.

In this episode, Dr. Larissa Parrilla, a former computer technology teacher turned Montessori educator, delves into the transformative potential of educational technology in enhancing the learning process. We explore how tools like ChatGPT can be used to personalize vocabulary acquisition, particularly for English as a second language learners. Larissa shares her innovative approach of using technology in her Montessori classroom to significantly improve her students' ability to use new words in daily conversations, emphasizing the importance of aligning tech use with learning objectives rather than treating it as an end goal.
The discussion transitions into the Montessori method of education, with Larissa highlighting its focus on the developmental needs of the child and the individualized approach it promotes. We examine the challenges teachers face when shifting from a self-centered to a student-centered approach, underscoring the importance of self-reflection, empathy, and seeing each child as a teacher. The episode concludes with insights into creating supportive learning environments, the role of technology in classroom administration, and the unique dynamics of managing large class sizes within a Montessori framework. I hope you enjoy it!

Join us today in a conversation with Dr. Ricardo Nazario where we explore identity, belonging, and the complex political landscape of Puerto Rico in this episode. Dr. Nazario shares his personal journey from rural Puerto Rico to the South Bronx, reflecting on the cultural contrasts and the strong sense of community that shaped his identity.

In today’s episode Angel Laureano and I explore the complexities of identity, politics, and resilience. From naming conventions to family structures, we explore the cultural tapestry that shapes Puerto Rican identities, offering insights into the island's rich heritage.

In today’s episode, I spoke with Dr. Ron Sundstrom, a professor of philosophy at the University of San Francisco. We begin by discussing the importance of avoiding assumptions about others and the role of humility in fostering understanding and respect. Dr. Sundstrom highlights the concept of 'racial ignorance' and its detrimental effects on social interactions, emphasizing the need for critical reflection to combat stereotypes and discrimination.