The Poetics Of Education with author and educator Cynthia Shumacher

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio; I’m your host, James Navé. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to poet and educator Cynthia Shumacher, who, at 95, is still actively writing and publishing. Cynthia’s latest works, "Polished Stones" and "Soul Flowers" reveal her masterful ability to convey the emotions we all feel but often struggle to express. Through a carefully crafted combination of words, she paints a relatable and refreshing picture of the human experience. Our conversation touches not only on her poetic journey but also on her deep commitment to education. A career teacher for 33 years, Cynthia has been a champion of student empowerment and was even briefly fired in the 1960s for her courageous activism during the civil rights movement. Her insights into poetry, teaching, and the power of language are a testament to her lifelong dedication to both the arts and social justice. In this episode, I’ve paired my interview with Cynthia with a past conversation I had with poet Ocean Vuong. Together, their perspectives bridge generations and remind us of poetry's timelessness. Join us for a rich discussion that spans history, poetry, and education.