PODCAST · education
Education Insight
by Growing Inland Achievement
Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.
Episodes
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Why Good Teachers Leave and What Schools Can Do About It
Schools across the country are struggling to keep classrooms staffed, but what if the teacher shortage isn't just about finding more teachers? Dr. Richard Ingersoll of the University of Pennsylvania joins Education Insight to unpack what's really driving teachers out of the profession and what it...
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Preparing Future Leaders Through Wildlife and Conservation
What can teenagers learn when education takes them beyond the classroom and into the wild? Dr. Anna Young, Vice President of Learning and Impact at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, joins Education Insight to explore how the Zoo Teens program is giving young people hands-on experiences with...
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Beyond Test Scores: Preparing Students for Life
What if the things we measure in education aren’t the only things that matter? Dr. Yong Zhao joins Education Insight to explore what students need beyond academics and why preparing young people for life may require us to rethink how we define success.
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What Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a School
What really makes a school the right fit for a child? In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Ashley Rogers Berner of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy joins us to unpack what school choice really means, what parents should look for beyond school rankings when comparing schools,...
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Why Strong Writers Become Strong Thinkers
Why do so many students struggle to put their thoughts into writing? In this episode of Education Insight, author and education journalist Natalie Wexler, co-author of The Writing Revolution 2.0, explains why strong writing begins at the sentence level, and why writing should be taught across…
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Why Digital Literacy Is the New Essential Skill
How can you tell what's true online when misinformation is everywhere? In this episode of Education Insight, Stanford education professor emeritus Dr. Sam Wineburg shares practical strategies for evaluating online information, spotting misinformation, and becoming a more informed digital citizen....
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What Happens When Nature Becomes the Classroom?
What if the classroom didn't have four walls? In this episode of Education Insight, Lacey Kendall speaks with Chris Bessonette, Head of School at Mountain Academy in Wyoming, where students learn through hands-on experiences in forests, mountains, and national parks. Discover how outdoor…
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What is the Montessori Education Model?
You've probably driven past a school with "Montessori" on the sign — but what does it actually mean, and who is it really for? Sara Cotner, Executive Director of Montessori for All, joins Education Insight to break down the Montessori method, its century-long history, and why it may be more...
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Why More Students Are Choosing a Gap Year
More students are rethinking the traditional path from high school to college by taking a gap year. In this episode of Education Insight, Aaron Slosberg, Director of Programming and Co-Owner of Where There Be Dragons, discusses how immersive travel, cultural exchange, and real-world experiences…
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How Screens Are Changing the Way Kids Learn
How are screens reshaping childhood and learning? In this episode of Education Insight, nationally recognized screentime expert Emily Cherkin joins the show to discuss the growing role of technology in schools and homes, the impact of screens on child development, and what families and educators...
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What 20 Years of Data Reveals About College Success
What does two decades of data tell us about college success in America? This episode explores why more students are enrolling, but not finishing, and what needs to change to help more learners reach the finish line.
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Mock Trials Bringing the Courtroom to the Classroom
This episode takes listeners inside the world of high school mock trials, where students step into real courtrooms to argue cases, build arguments, and develop confidence. Through hands-on experience, they gain critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the legal system.
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Math Education for Today’s America
What does math education need to look like in today’s world? Dr. Dave Kung joins Education Insight to challenge outdated ideas about who math is for and why it matters, exploring how we can move from anxiety and exclusion to confidence, curiosity, and real-world understanding.
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How Direct Admission Is Changing Who Goes to College
What if getting into college didn’t require an application at all? In this episode, we explore how direct admission is removing barriers, expanding access, and changing who sees college as a real possibility.
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Why Human Rights Education Matters for Every Student
What happens when girls are given the space to ask questions, explore their identities, and take action on issues that matter to them? In this episode, Ashley Steimer-King of Girls Learn International shares how young women are developing confidence, leadership skills, and a global perspective to...
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The Disengaged Teen and What Adults Miss
Dr. Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution joins Education Insight to discuss why so many teens feel disconnected from school and what adults often misunderstand about disengagement. She explains the different “modes” of teens, from Passengers to Achievers to Resisters, and shares…
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Student Protests and a District Focused on Safety First
In this episode of Education Insight, Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza discusses how the Coachella Valley Unified School District responded to recent student walkouts tied to national immigration protests. The conversation explores student voice, civic engagement, and how schools can prioritize...
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Recognizing Twice Exceptional Students
In this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey Kendall speaks with Emily Kircher-Morris, counselor, educator, and expert on twice-exceptional learners. Together they explore what it means when students are both highly gifted and neurodivergent, why these children are often misunderstood in...
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Supporting Students from the Classroom to Their First Career
In this episode of Education Insight, we learn about the Give Something Back organization and its mission to support students facing homelessness, family instability, and trauma. Through mentorship, coaching, and long-term guidance, Give Back helps students build confidence, navigate college, and...
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Building Belonging for Rural Students in Higher Education
Dr. Karen Schreder of Chico State joins Education Insight to discuss how the North State Student Ambassadors Program empowers rural students to find their voice, build belonging on campus, and serve as bridges to their home communities. This conversation explores the unique challenges rural...
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Inside the Classroom of California Teacher of the Year Heather Povinelli
California Teacher of the Year Dr. Heather Povinelli joins Education Insight to reflect on what truly makes a teacher exceptional. A second-grade instructor at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, Dr. Povinelli shares how relationships, trust, and lived experience—including her perspective as an...
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The Rise of Homeschooling in Modern Education
Why are more families stepping away from traditional schools and choosing homeschooling? In this episode of Education Insight, Jamie Heston, Director of Outreach for the Homeschool Association of California, discusses the real reasons parents make the switch, the challenges they don’t expect, and...
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How Brenda Payne Is Bringing Invention Education to Classrooms Across California
On this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey Kendall is joined by Brenda Payne, Executive Director of the California Invention Convention, for a conversation about the power of invention education and its impact on students across California. Drawing on her experience as a teacher, school...
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Why All-Girls Schools Still Matter Today
Why All-Girls Schools Still Matter Today explores the educational and developmental needs of adolescent girls through a conversation with Dr. Barbara Ostos, Head of School at Santa Catalina School in Monterey, California. Hosted by Lacey Kendall, this episode examines how all-girls learning...
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Inside Army and Navy Academy: A Modern Approach to Educating Boys
In this episode of Education Insight, we take a closer look at why boys across the country are struggling in school—and whether gender-specific education can make a meaningful difference. Host Lacey Kendall sits down with President Barry Shreiar of Army and Navy Academy to discuss how an…
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Beyond the Classroom: How Faith and Community Programs Support Struggling Students
In this episode of Education Insight, we explore how faith and community-based programs can play a powerful role in supporting students who are struggling in school. Host Lacey Kendall sits down with Professor Rafael Cardona, Director of KidReach, to discuss how community partnerships can...
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Who Helps Our Teachers Learn?
In this episode of Education Insight, we sit down with Dr. Al Solano, founder of the Continuous Learning Institute, to explore a powerful idea: students can’t grow if their teachers stop learning. A former teacher and higher education leader, Dr. Solano helps colleges build systems that keep...
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Milken Educator Awards Honors the Next Generation of Outstanding Teachers
Brookside Elementary School’s Joel Hudec just received one of the highest honors in education — the Milken Educator Award, often called the “Oscars of Teaching.” In this episode of Education Insight, Joel takes us inside the unforgettable moment he learned he had won, the leadership practices…
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The Rise of the ANDer Student
Meet the students who do it all — working adults, parents, service members, and lifelong learners redefining what college looks like today. In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Mark David Milliron, President and CEO of National University, shares how the ANDers Movement is transforming…
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Stronger Classrooms Begins with Parents at the Table
This episode of Education Insight features Marissa Lazo-Necco, Project Manager for Family and Community Engagement at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Drawing from her own journey as an English learner and decades of work across more than thirty districts, Marissa shares how...
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Reimagining Math Education in America
In this episode of Education Insight, we sit down with Latrenda Knighten, President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), to explore the state of math education in America. With more than 30 years of experience helping students and teachers fall in love with math, President...
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Preparing Students for the Future of Work
The future of work isn’t on the horizon, it’s already here. As technology, automation, and new ways of working reshape industries, educators are being called to prepare students for a world of opportunity that looks nothing like the one before. In this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey...
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How Student LunchBox Is Nourishing Minds and Futures
College students shouldn’t have to choose between buying food and paying for school. In this episode, Education Insight host Lacey Kendall talks with Karlen Nurijanyan, founder of The Student Lunch Box, a nonprofit ensuring students in Los Angeles County have access to free food, toiletries, and...
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Understanding the Story Behind the 2025 Nation’s Report Card
In this episode of Education Insight, we’re joined by Dr. Iwunze Ugo, Research Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, to unpack the latest findings from the Nation’s Report Card on Education. Dr. Ugo explores where students across the country are making progress—and where they...
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Lifting the Academics of Foster Kids
In this episode of Education Insight, we speak with Amanda Corridan, Chief Academic Officer for the Riverside County Office of Education, about the Foster Youth Success Initiative—a powerful program helping students in foster care move from surviving to thriving. Amanda shares the real challenges...
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Bringing Dropout and Stopout Students Back to College
Colleges across the country are facing an enrollment cliff—but what about the millions of adults who never started college in the first place? Education Insight host Lacey Kendall talks with Sarah Ancel, Founder and CEO of Student-Ready Strategies, about how higher education can better reach and...
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Advising for Equity: How Strong Networks Help Students Succeed
Dr. F. Janelle Hannah Jefferson, Director of Network Services and Development for the Advising Success Network at NASPA, joins Education Insight to explore how effective, equity-focused advising can transform student outcomes. In her national role, Dr. Jefferson leads efforts to build strong...
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Growing the Next Generation of Teachers in Barstow
Discover how Barstow Community College and Barstow USD are tackling teacher shortages through the innovative Grow Your Own Teacher program. In this episode of Education Insight, Carrie O'Neal and Dr. Jennifer Rodden share how local partnerships, financial support, and hands-on training are…
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From Sobriety to Higher Education
Education Insight sits down with Shelley Mattazaro, Executive Director of the Veterans’ Alcohol Rehabilitation Program (VARP). For over four decades, VARP has helped thousands in San Bernardino rebuild their lives through recovery. Now, under Shelley’s leadership, the program is partnering with…
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Voices Behind Bars: How Chaffey College Is Teaching Journalism at the California Institution for Men
Education Insight explores how Chaffey College is breaking barriers with its new journalism program inside the California Institution for Men. Professor Robert Ian Jones shares how a Scripps Howard grant is connecting incarcerated students with Chaffey journalism students, while third-year…
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Rethinking College Pathways: A First-Gen’s Journey to Transform Higher Education
First-generation student turned higher ed leader Nikolas Huot shares how his own journey—changing majors, facing financial challenges, and finding his passion—drives his mission to make college pathways clearer and more equitable. Hear how institutions can break down barriers, support first-gen…
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AI and the American Teacher
On this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Jeff Oldfield, Executive Director of Innovation and Competitive Advantage at the Riverside County Office of Education, unpacks the promises and pitfalls of AI in K–12 education. From easing teacher workloads and closing learning gaps to tackling ethical...
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Supporting Dreamers Through Education and Advocacy
In this episode, Gaby Pacheco, CEO of TheDream.US, and Fermin Vasquez, Director of Communications, join us to discuss the mission and vision of TheDream.US, the largest organization supporting Dreamer students with college and career opportunities. They share insights into the challenges they…
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Navigating the Future of Student Loan Forgiveness
In this episode, Betsy Mayotte, founder of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, joins us to discuss the current state of student loan forgiveness under the Biden administration, and the potential risks to borrowers. We dive into key changes to programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness...
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How Young Leaders are Shaped by Mentorship and Publishing Their Own Books
In this episode of Education Insight, we sit down with Roy Juarez, an award-winning speaker, activist, and entrepreneur, to discuss his groundbreaking leadership program for students. Roy shares his insights on how his program empowers young people, many of whom have been overlooked as…
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From Spelling Bees to College Degrees: Stories of Young Achievers
In this episode of Education Insight, we meet two incredible young achievers: Alisa Perales, a 10-year-old who is about to graduate from Crafton Hills College with two associate degrees in mathematics and multiple sciences, and Victoria Li, a 6th grader from Riverside County who just became the...
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California’s Effort to Teach Soft Skills to Middle Schoolers
In this episode of Education Insight, we dive into The Amazing Shake competition with Jacqui Dobens, founder of Much More Than Mentorship and Prep Team Director for the event at San Gorgonio Middle School. Jacqui shares the story behind this unique competition where middle schoolers develop and...
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Childhelp's Mission to Protect Kids in Every Classroom
In this episode of Education Insight, we’re joined by Michael Medoro, Chief Operating Officer at Childhelp U.S.A., to discuss their Speak Up Be Safe program, which helps children learn how to protect themselves from predators and bullies. Michael shares the inspiration behind the program, its...
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Empowering Students with Disabilities to Thrive Academically
In this episode of Education Insight, we explore school programs that support students with disabilities, highlighting the impact they have on academic success. We also feature a remarkable La Quinta High School student, Amber Trieu, who excels despite her hearing disability. Amber shares how she...
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Understanding the Role and Impact of DEI in Education
In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Kevin Cokley, Associate Chair for Diversity Initiatives at the University of Michigan, discusses the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in education. He explores how DEI initiatives shape campus climate, improve student outcomes, and the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.
HOSTED BY
Growing Inland Achievement
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