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Richard Barrera is the elected representative for District D on the San Diego Unified School District's (SDUSD) Board of Trustees and returns as the first guest to record a second episode on the podcast. A true advocate for educational equity and a seasoned trustee, Richard discusses the intricacies of leading a major urban school district into the future. Richard reveals the strides made within San Diego schools, delving into the transformative journeys of students and the narrowing of the opportunity gap among communities within the district. The conversation details how the district is addressing upcoming budgetary hurdles, Richard's commitment to equity, and the role schools play during community crises. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of education with an inspirational leader who's been at the helm of change for over a decade and a half.

Learn more about Richard Barrera.

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Peter and Chris Sciarretta join their brother, Dr. David Sciarretta, on this special episode to discuss their family's journey through education, from childhood to careers. They reflect on attending a Waldorf school that prioritizes capacity over content, but isn't without its challenges in staying relevant amidst today's educational landscape. The brothers cap off the episode by discussing the joy of learning and being a lifelong learner as a tool for personal growth.

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Bill Melton is a retired lifelong educator, world traveler, and deep thinker. Bill shares his tale of choosing the path less traveled, leading him to the world of education. He reflects on his career that includes tenures as a high school principal and a member of the Albert Einstein Academies Board of Trustees. The conversation then shifts to the present and future of teaching, examining the role of technology and how the pandemic has reshaped classroom dynamics. His passion for education, the continual evolution of learning, and the dedication required from educators resonates throughout our conversation, inspiring us to embrace the journey of personal growth.

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Mary Shannon Heinzelmann is a long-time Arts Teacher at Albert Einstein Academies (AEA) in San Diego, CA. From her roots in a musically and artistically inclined family to her transformative teaching methods, Mary Shannon's story illustrates the serendipitous magic of pursuing a passion. This discussion includes the positive and negative impacts of the digital age on the many forms of art, how California is breathing new life into arts education, and the impact art has on all subjects in a student's education.

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Scott Mitchell is the Dean of Students and Faculty Affairs at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. Scott discusses how Buddhist modernism and American culture intersect in surprising ways and the significance of Buddhism in a society that often values individual over collective experiences. He shares his personal journey and reflects on the profound impact of his brother Eric's legacy.

Learn about and donate to the Eric C Mitchell Scholarship fund.

Purchase Scott's book The Making of American Buddhism.

Watch Scott give a talk at the DharmaBum Temple.

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Jon Detra's life reads like an adventure novel, from martial arts and dance, to the cutting-edge world of mobile technology. Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, Jon experienced many twists and turns in a journey that led him to San Diego, CA as a young engineer at Qualcomm. After decades of growth being a creative problem solver and executive leader, Jon shares how his diverse passions have shaped his outlook on life, work, and the importance of staying agile in the face of change.

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Kay Hoffman is a retired teacher, school administrator, out-of-the-box thinker who also happens to be Dr. Sciarretta's mom.  This conversation, which kicks off season 2 of the podcast, touches on topics including education, medicine, school leadership, aging, and much more.

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Dr. Sciarretta shares his review of Chris Joffe's new book, "All Clear: Lessons from a Decade Managing School Crisis." The book ventures beyond typical safety protocols, uncovering the layers of complexity in crisis management and the power of community unity in fortifying our educational institutions. This includes multifaceted strategies that Chris illustrates through his Swiss cheese model of school safety, emphasizing the need for comprehensive methods that connect security technology, training, and community engagement. This episode will give you a sneak peak to the books insights that promise to arm you with knowledge and inspire a collective commitment to safer schools.

Order Chris Joffe's book:  "All Clear: Lessons from a Decade Managing School Crises"

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Corie Julius, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator and Teacher Librarian at Albert Einstein Academies (AEA), shines a light on IB educators' mission to cultivate informed, compassionate global citizens. She shares her life's journey and how these experiences have forged her educational philosophy centered on peace, humanity, and acceptance. We discuss the merits of innovative teaching methods like looping and multi-age classrooms, and how the evolving role of libraries impacts today's education. We navigate the complexities of IB education, the significant role of California in the IB education landscape, and the unique challenges IB coordinators face. Join us for an episode filled with personal triumphs, professional growth, and the transformative power of embracing change in the world of education.

Learn more about the International Baccalaureate.

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Join us as we welcome our guest, middle school PE teacher and lacrosse coach, Matt Vozzolo, for a spirited chat about his unique journey from humble beginnings in a Connecticut wood cabin to his current life in sunny San Diego, revealing how his past has shaped his approach to physical education, nutrition, and leadership in schools. Matt shares his passion for lacrosse, discusses the changing trends in physical fitness, and the critical role of nutrition and sleep in connection to physical activity. We wrap up with Matt's personal advocacy for the Movember charity, highlighting its impact on men's health. Be prepared to be inspired, educated, and entertained in this exciting episode.

Contribute to Matt's Movember Fundraiser for Men's Mental Health

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If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.