reeducated

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.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Darin Gray delves into the world of STEM education and design, exploring its intersection with society, equity, and core American values. Our guest unpacks the importance of representation and access in STEM fields, particularly for black students, and examines strategies for breaking down barriers and promoting diverse talent pipelines. We discuss the role of community engagement in nurturing local talent and preventing the brain drain phenomenon, with insights from Dr. Gray’s experiences at USC and beyond. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

In today’s conversation Dr. Ricardo Nazario Colón, the Senior Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SUNY, and I dissect the importance of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational pillars of education. Drawing on his wealth of experiences and insights, Dr. Nazario offers practical strategies for creating inclusive spaces, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue, and addressing systemic inequalities within higher education. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.