School's In

By Stanford Graduate School of EducationEducation

School's In episodes

October 01Small boards, big decisions: Who runs our schools?
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We’ve all heard of school boards, but what do they actually do? Who runs for them, how much power do they really have, and how can we make our voices heard?
On this episode of School’s In, Dan and Denise sit down with Stanford Associate Professor Beth Schueler to unpack how school boards work and why they matter. They explore who serves on school boards, how members are elected, what kind of training they receive, and how much power they have over local education and student learning. Schueler also explains what happens when states take over struggling districts, why representation and participation in school board elections matter, and how parents and community members can play a more active role in shaping their local schools. She covers several topics, including:
(2:53) Who actually runs our schools?
(9:01) What does it take to serve?
(12:26) The politics of school board elections
(16:14) When the state steps in
(23:48) Making an impact on your school board

Beth Schueler is an associate professor at Stanford's Graduate School of Education and faculty director of The Politics of Education Lab, a group of interdisciplinary scholars studying the political dimensions of educational policymaking. Her research focuses on education policy, politics, and school district governance, with particular attention on efforts to improve low performing schools and districts. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
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29 min
September 17Rethinking the way we teach math: Beyond right and wrong
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Why do so many students believe they're "not a math person?"
On this episode of School's In, Dan and Denise are joined by Stanford Professor Jo Boaler, one of the world's leading voices in mathematics education. Together, they explore why students develop math anxiety, how creative problem-solving can transform the learning experience, and why helping students understand patterns can unlock a lifelong appreciation for mathematics. Boaler also shares practical advice for parents and teachers looking to build confidence, curiosity, and joy in math. She covers several topics, including:
(04:54) Why do we learn math?
(06:58) Moving beyond "drill and kill"
(09:20) Teaching math through real-world problems
(13:59) Helping students and parents overcome math anxiety
(16:44) Becoming "math-ish"
(23:54) Why different ways of thinking matter

Jo Boaler is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education and the founder of Youcubed, a Stanford center that develops research-based mathematics curriculum and professional learning for educators. Her work focuses on helping students develop mathematical competence and confidence through engaging, creative, visual, and conceptual approaches to learning. She is the author of Math-ish: Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics. Learn more about Professor Boaler’s work on her faculty profile and about Math-ish here.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
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28 min
September 03AI in the classroom: Lessons from the field
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What have we learned about AI in education? What questions are we still trying to answer?
On this special compilation episode of School's In, Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope revisit some of the show's most memorable conversations about artificial intelligence in education. Featuring insights from Stanford faculty across education, psychology, computer science, and learning sciences, they reflect on how the conversation around AI has evolved, from classroom applications and writing tools to digital literacy, bias, and the enduring importance of the human touch. Along the way, Dan and Denise share fresh commentary on what has changed, what has surprised them, and what educators and parents should be paying attention to next. In this episode, you'll learn about:
(02:41) AI as a tool for teacher reflection
(07:22) Supporting writing with AI
(13:43) Keeping humans in the writing process
(17:44) Understanding AI bias and hallucinations
(20:58) Why digital literacy matters more than ever
(26:11) Keeping the human touch in education
(27:44) Using AI to build immersive learning experiences
(29:56) Guardrails for responsible AI use
(32:28) Building the world we want for our kids

This episode brings together insights from a wide range of Stanford faculty and researchers whose work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, learning, and education. Featured voices in order of appearance include Dora Demszky, Hari Subramonyam, Victor Lee, Sam Wineburg, Christopher Piech, Judith Ellen Fan, and Karin Forssell. Together, they examine how AI can support teaching and learning while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, creativity, ethics, and human connection in the classroom. Learn more about each guest and their work through their Stanford faculty profiles.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
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35 min
August 06Back to school: Expert tips when little kids make big transitions (re-broadcast)
How can families make the transition back to school a little easier? And what should parents think about when supporting their child through those first few weeks?
On this episode of School’s In, originally recorded in 2018, we’re revisiting a conversation with Stanford Graduate School of Education professor Ira Lit on preparing children, and schools, for the start of a new school year. As students, families, and educators head back to the classroom, Lit shares practical advice on building strong family-school partnerships, teaching the teacher how to welcome students, and supporting children as they develop at their own pace. He covers several topics, including:
(06:00) What it means to have access to a great school
(12:00) School readiness: Preparing educators, not just students
(14:49) Building strong family-teacher partnerships
(17:42) Reading readiness: when to reach out to the pro’s
(21:30) Supporting every learner in the classroom
(24:30) What great elementary schools have in common

Ira Lit is a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and director of the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). At the time of the recording, Lit was director of the elementary STEP program where he prepared future educators to teach in kindergarten through sixth-grade classrooms. Drawing on deep expertise teaching students from preschool through fifth grade, his research focuses on teaching, learning, equity, and the experiences of children and families in schools. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Mentioned in this episode:
Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school
30 min
July 09The future of children’s health (from The Future of Everything)
What does air quality have to do with learning, health, and childhood? And how should families respond as environmental risks grow?
This week, we’re sharing an episode from Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast, hosted by Russ Altman. Originally released in 2025, this episode features Stanford pediatrician Lisa Patel discussing how pollution, wildfire smoke, plastics, and environmental policy are shaping children’s health. Patel explores both the science behind these growing concerns and practical steps families, educators, and communities can take to create healthier environments for kids. She covers several topics, including:
(02:32) The air we breathe: Protecting young lungs
(10:02) How to support kids during poor air quality events
(13:18) Asthma and allergies: Tackling environmental triggers
(19:11) Confronting climate change: How to’s for healthier homes
(23:48) Food choices, family health, and environmental impacts
(28:09) Practical actions for families and schools

Lisa Patel is an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford University and a physician specializing in children’s environmental health. Her work focuses on how climate change, pollution, and environmental exposures impact children and communities, with an emphasis on practical solutions that support healthier futures. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.
The Future of Everything explores how technology, science, and medicine are shaping our lives. Host Russ Altman speaks with researchers and innovators working to create the future… of everything. Learn more about this episode on the show’s website.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
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33 min
June 11Raising lifelong readers: Why access and role models matter (re-broadcast)
How do we teach kids not just how to read, but to enjoy it? And what inspires a young person to pick up a book on their own?
On this episode of School’s In, originally recorded in 2018, we’re revisiting a conversation with Stanford Graduate School of Education senior lecturer Jennifer Wolf on cultivating a love of reading. We’re bringing this episode back as a timely touchpoint for anyone looking to build summer reading habits with the young people in their lives. Wolf explores the difference between teaching reading skills and fostering genuine enjoyment, along with what makes young adult literature so powerful. She covers several topics, including:
(04:45) Why reading for pleasure matters
(09:16) Independent reading drives academic success (no reading groups needed)
(11:32) What counts as “reading” (and the case against gold stars)
(14:56) Access & diversity: From Little Free Libraries to award winners
(18:00) Banned books: Why YA literature gets censored
(23:02) Approaching classic books through a modern lens

Jennifer Wolf is a senior lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE). A former high school English teacher, her work centers on helping young people develop a lasting love of reading, with a particular focus on young adult literature and literacy development. She directs the undergraduate minor program at the GSE and leads “teach-ins” and other programs that engage undergraduates and raise the profile of education research and knowledge across Stanford. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Mentioned in this episode:
Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school
29 min
May 14Getting down to facts: Education policy at scale
How does research change how schools work at scale? And how do you turn data into decisions that actually improve classrooms?
On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Graduate School of Education Professor Susanna Loeb discusses Getting Down to Facts III, a major California report that uses research to evaluate the state’s education system. Through large-scale studies and collaboration with policymakers, educators, and communities, the project aims to identify what’s working and where systems are falling short. She covers several topics, including:
(03:29) What Getting Down to Facts III is and how it works
(07:04) How large-scale education research is conducted
(11:54) Key findings and maintaining objectivity
(21:17) Addressing new challenges, including AI
(23:16) Takeaways for educators, parents, and policymakers

Susanna Loeb is a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and a leading expert in education policy. Loeb started the National Student Support Accelerator which translates research about the role of high impact tutoring in improving student success. She has led major research initiatives such as the Getting Down to Facts project aimed at expanding educational opportunity, addressing achievement gaps, and reforming the way schools are funded in California. Her work focuses on how policy, governance, and data can be used to improve education systems at scale. Learn more on her faculty profile.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Mentioned in this episode:
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30 min
April 16How we learn to read (and why some struggle)
Why does learning to read come easily for some students but feel like an uphill battle for others? Can the science of the brain teach us how to better support young readers in this effort?
This week, we’re sharing an episode from Stanford’s Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s podcast From Our Neurons to Yours, hosted by Nicholas Weiler. Originally released in August 2025, this episode features Stanford Graduate School of Education professor Bruce McCandliss, who studies how the brain learns to read. He explores how reading reshapes the brain, why some students struggle to reach fluency, and what educators can do to support that process. McCandliss covers several topics, including:
(01:28) How the brain learns to read
(07:12) How reading reshapes the brain and builds expertise
(12:43) Word recognition, phonics, and the path to fluency
(19:05) Why some students struggle
(29:28) What educators can do: instruction, support, and outcomes

Bruce McCandliss is The Pigott Family Graduate School of Education Professor and a leader of the Stanford Educational Neuroscience Initiative. His research focuses on how the brain learns to read and how insights from neuroscience can inform classroom instruction and educational practice. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.
From Our Neurons to Yours explores the frontiers of brain science and brings listeners into conversations with researchers studying how the brain shapes how we think, learn, and experience the world. Learn more about this episode on the show’s website.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
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41 min
March 19Cultivating lifelong learners: The power of mindset
Growth mindset is everywhere, but does it really work? Can we turn buzzwords into lasting change in education?
On this episode of School’s In, Dan and Denise sit down with Stanford Professor Eric Bettinger to explore the research and real-world applications of growth mindset. They dive into what a growth mindset is, what kinds of interventions work, and how those lessons can help students succeed. Bettinger shares evidence from a large-scale study in Norway that reveals surprising long-term benefits for students exposed to growth mindset concepts. He covers several topics, including:
(03:47) Inside the growth mindset study
(08:53) Long-term impact: Tracking students over time
(13:11) The support system behind lasting change
(17:25) AI, the easy button, and growth mindset
(20:04) Measuring growth beyond the classroom
(25:50) Takeaways for parents and teachers

Eric Bettinger is the Conley DeAngelis Family Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. His research focuses on improving educational outcomes for students, particularly through the lens of economics, decision-making, and policy design. He has conducted extensive research on college success, financial aid, and interventions like growth mindset. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Mentioned in this episode:
Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school
30 min
March 05Kindergarten readiness: Bridging the gap
What would it look like if pediatricians and early childhood educators worked hand in hand to prepare every child for kindergarten?
On this episode of School’s In, Dr. Lisa Chamberlain joins the hosts to explore how health and education systems can work together to support young children and their families. Drawing from her work as both a pediatrician and researcher, Dr. Chamberlain examines what kindergarten readiness means and how pediatric care can play a critical role in early learning and development. They cover several topics, including:
(02:59) The role of pediatricians: Beyond check-ups
(06:24) What does kindergarten readiness look like?
(11:00) Creating a learning environment: Innovations in clinics
(18:50) Funding and sharing data across systems
(24:17) A family-centered approach: Advice for parents and providers

Lisa Chamberlain is a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine and a practicing pediatrician. Her work focuses on early childhood development, health equity, and improving policies and systems of care for children and families. Through research and practice, she explores how healthcare settings can better support learning, development, and family well-being during the critical early years of life. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.
School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.
Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.
Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Mentioned in this episode:
Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school
29 min

About School's In

From the publisher's feed

Unlock the future of learning with School’s In, your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education. Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (Stanford GSE), this podcast is hosted by Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope. They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

This season on School’s In, we delve into a variety of pressing topics with the help of our fellow Stanford experts. Discover how AI is transforming classrooms and personalizing learning experiences. Learn effective strategies to tackle chronic absenteeism and summer learning loss, and explore solutions for addressing educational inequality and supporting youth mental health. Additionally, we examine the role technology plays in reshaping learning environments. Join us as we discuss the incredible research being done in education today.

Dan Schwartz is a recognized expert in human learning and educational technology. As dean of Stanford GSE, he has led numerous initiatives to advance effective teaching strategies and technologies. He also serves as faculty director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, which aims to advance the science and design of learning to bring effective and equitable solutions to the world.

Denise Pope specializes in student well-being and engagement. A senior lecturer at Stanford GSE, her research focuses on academic stress and its consequences on students' mental health and learning. She is the author of several books and articles that support parents and teachers in creating more positive learning environments, including Doing School: How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students. Pope is also co-founder of the education nonprofit Challenge Success, which promotes equitable practices for balanced lives.

Together, they offer valuable observations and practical advice for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone connected to the learning community. With a commitment to educational equity and innovation, they bring you expert perspectives and engaging conversations on the critical issues facing learners today.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. The school’s dedication to preparing educators and researchers through interdisciplinary approaches ensures its lasting impact on the field.

“We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and stay ahead of the learning curve” says Schwartz, “so join us as we discuss practical solutions to some of education’s most challenging issues.”

Don't miss out on insightful discussions meant to keep you ahead of the learning curve! Subscribe to our newsletter now, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and visit our School’s In website for more updates and episodes. School’s In promises to be an essential resource for anyone passionate about learning.

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School's In episodes

About School's In