PODCAST · education
The Wheelhouse
by Dr. Grant Chandler
The Wheelhouse exists to create an inclusive community of empowered educators who believe that, together, we can disrupt the transactional herding nature of schooling to create districts, schools, and classrooms where each student feels confident, optimistic, capable, well-supported, and emboldened to be and to become who they are meant to be. Guiding Principles1. We are steadfastly committed to each learner and each educator believing they are distinctive and irreplaceable.2. We believe that educating our children should be a humanizing, relational, and transformational endeavor. All else is secondary.3. We believe that dignity is a birthright; it is not earned. Each child deserves a future filled with open doors and unlimited possibilities. Our work is in service to this central aspiration.4. We believe that each human life is unique and precious; as such we are compelled to remove aspects of schooling that disregard any student’s dignity.
Episodes
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The Wheelhouse Hiatus Special: From Ecosystem to Alliance
What if schools and districts did not have to do the hardest work of coherence alone? That question sits at the center of this Wheelhouse Hiatus Special—and it is where our three Reorientations have been leading us. We began with drift: the slow movement away from what schools and systems say...
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The Wheelhouse Reorientation: Sustaining Coherence
Coherence is easy to believe in when things are calm.The real test comes when the pressure arrives. Urgency. Politics. Accountability. Fatigue. Competing priorities. Adult behavior. All of them have the potential to pull a system away from what it says matters most. This is a Wheelhouse...
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The Wheelhouse Reorientation: Designing for Coherence
What happens after we recognize drift? That is where this conversation begins. In our last Wheelhouse Reorientation, we returned to the idea of drift—the slow movement away from what a school or system says matters and what students actually experience. But naming drift is only the beginning....
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The Wheelhouse Reorientation: The Quiet Cost of Drift
Drift rarely announces itself. Schools and systems don’t usually lose their way all at once. It happens slowly. Quietly. Sometimes almost invisibly. The meetings still happen. The initiatives keep moving. People stay incredibly busy. But somewhere along the way, the work can begin moving further...
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What We Can No Longer Ignore
For the Season 13 finale, we’re not looking back just for the sake of looking back. We’re asking a harder question: After everything we’ve heard this season, what can we no longer afford to ignore? Over the course of this season, we’ve talked about belonging, curiosity, neurodiversity, identity,...
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No One Should Have to Shrink to Belong
What does it cost to walk into a room and wonder whether all of you is welcome there? For many LGBTQIA+ people, that question is not theoretical. It can shape how we move through schools, workplaces, families, communities, and relationships. How much of ourselves do we reveal? Who is safe? What...
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How Many Students Will It Take
How many students have to tell us the exact same thing before we decide to do something about it? That question sits at the center of this episode. Throughout Season 13, we have heard students, educators, and advocates describe many of the same experiences in different ways. Students want to be...
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Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
We spend a lot of time talking about what schools need to become. More innovative. More responsive. More future ready. But before we add another initiative, another technology, another pathway, or another reform, maybe we need to ask a more fundamental question: Have we kept the main thing the…
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Navigating AI in Education: The Human Element
Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, create, communicate, and learn. But it is not arriving in schools on neutral ground. Schools are already wrestling with lack of alignment, drift, fragmentation, dehumanization, instructional erosion, and uncertainty about the future. So the real...
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Cultivating Student Curiosity and Wonder: The Secret Sauce
Curiosity is not something schools have to manufacture. Students arrive with it. They ask questions. They explore. They test ideas. They try to make sense of the world around them. And yet, somewhere along the way, too many begin to experience learning as something to complete rather than…
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From Recipients to Contributors: What Happens When We Stop Telling Students to Wait
We tell students they matter. We invite them to share their voices, describe them as future leaders, and assure them that their ideas are important. But too often, we also ask them to wait. Wait until they graduate. Wait until they earn the right credentials. Wait until the adults have made the...
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Distinctive, Not Deficient: What Neurodivergent Students Experience in Our Schools
Too often, schools treat difference as a problem to manage rather than a part of our shared humanity to understand and value. In this episode, Chiara Latimer, Dr. Tanya Manning-Yarde, and Kari Elizabeth Brown join us for a deeply personal and challenging conversation about neurodiversity,...
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What Happens When the System Defines the Student Experience?
The discourse presented in this podcast episode elucidates six pervasive conditions afflicting educational institutions: lack of alignment, drift, fragmentation, dehumanization, instructional erosion, and future confusion. It posits that these conditions extend beyond theoretical constructs,...
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Six Real Conditions Schools Can No Longer Ignore: Staying Oriented in Season 13
The Wheelhouse has recently garnered recognition from Tal Gur and Elevate Society, an acknowledgment that resonates profoundly with our mission to uphold the essential tenets of human-centered education. We contend that schools ought to be sanctuaries where each student is not only seen and…
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Navigating Fragmentation: What It Takes to Achieve Coherence
The essence of sustaining a coherent human system amidst the pressures of contemporary educational environments is the focal point of our discussion. We delve into the intricacies of what disciplined coherence truly entails for leaders, particularly in navigating the complexities that threaten to...
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The Four Pillars of Educational Coherence: A Students Matter Approach
The Students Matter Ecosystem is predicated on the critical necessity of coherence within educational systems, emphasizing the vital alignment between leadership, instruction, innovation, and student experiences. The discussion transcends mere identification of systemic drift; it delves into the...
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Drift Detected: Unpacking the Hidden Challenges in Education
Drift is one of the most dangerous forces in education because it rarely announces itself. Schools do not usually drift all at once. They drift slowly. Quietly. Almost invisibly. The system keeps moving. Meetings still happen. Initiatives still launch. Adults stay busy. But over time, the work…
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The Student Perspective: Unfiltered Voices from the Classroom
The essence of this podcast episode revolves around the critical inquiry: how often do we genuinely place students at the center of our educational discourse? To culminate Season 12, we have invited four insightful K-12 students—Sasha, Athena, Isiah, and Malaki—to share their unfiltered...
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Intentionality Over Busyness: A Deeper Look
We named it last episode: drift. Not as a theory. but as a reality in schools. The slow, quiet slide away from what actually matters for students. This episode pushes the question further. If we know it’s happening, why do we keep allowing it? Because the truth is, drift doesn’t survive on...
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Drift, Theatre, and the Lie We Tell Ourselves
The central theme of this discussion revolves around the notion of educational drift—specifically, the disconcerting disparity between what we profess to value in education and the actual practices that unfold within our classrooms. We assert that students and relationships matter, and we claim…
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Building Authentic Classrooms: Future Teachers Share Their Perspectives
The discourse presented herein engages with a critical inquiry: What transpires when aspiring educators candidly articulate their perceptions of the educational framework they are poised to navigate? This episode features the insights of two teacher candidates from Siena University, Halise…
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Exploring the Unspoken: The Emotional Landscape of Education with Dr. Tanya Manning-Yarde
The central theme of our discourse with Dr. Tanya Manning-Yarde, veteran educator and host of the podcast, Who Needs Shoes, illuminates a critical yet often overlooked aspect of education: the emotional landscape of the school experience. We delve into the profound impact that feelings of...
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A Principal's Journey to Elevate Student Voices
The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the imperative for educational leaders to genuinely engage with student voices, as articulated by our distinguished guest, Rhonda Simley, a middle school principal. She emphasizes that students are not merely seeking to be acknowledged in…
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The Future of Schools: Listening to the Voices of Our Students
In this discourse, we delve into the imperative of prioritizing the voices of students in the educational paradigm. Our esteemed guests, three college-age individuals, share their reflective experiences navigating the K-12 system and transitioning into higher education. They articulate the…
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Building Schools Where No Student is invisible
The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the critical inquiry into the phenomenon of student invisibility within educational systems, a matter of grave concern that often arises not from negligence but from systemic incoherence. We delve into the ramifications of adult decisions...
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Testing Coherence: The Reality of Daily Decisions
This podcast episode delves into the concept of coherence within human systems, particularly in educational environments, emphasizing that genuine coherence manifests not in strategic documents but in the daily decisions made by educators. We assert that coherence is often compromised under...
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Season 12 Premiere: Exploring Coherent Human Systems
The twelfth season of The Wheelhouse commences with a critical inquiry into the essence of building coherent human systems in educational environments. We delve into the pivotal question: what does it truly mean to create such systems, and why is this endeavor of paramount importance for…
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Charting a Human-Centered Future for Education
The Season 11 Finale of The Wheelhouse delves into the imperative of a radical humanization of educational institutions, asserting that the future of education hinges upon creating environments that cultivate hope, foster innovation, and prioritize the humanity of every individual within the...
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What Do Students Truly Seek from Educators?
The main thrust of our discussion today centers around an imperative inquiry: what do students genuinely desire from the adults who serve them? We are joined by James Van Nada, a distinguished leader in Student Support Services, who possesses a profound understanding of the multifaceted realities...
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Prioritizing Humanity-Centered Learning: Insights from Season 11 of the Wheelhouse
The future of education necessitates a profound humanization of our schools, where hope is cultivated and opportunities are created to serve humanity. In this episode of The Wheelhouse, we reflect on the enlightening conversations of Season 11, emphasizing the imperative of centering humanity in...
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Empowering Students: The Role of Technology in Humanizing Education
The discourse presented herein delves into the imperative of humanizing educational environments, as articulated by Dr. Janice Gobert, a distinguished professor at Rutgers University and the lead visionary behind the Inquiry Intelligent Tutoring System. Central to our dialogue is the assertion…
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Exploring the Profound Belief Gap in Education with Dr. Franklin CampbellJones
The salient point of today's discourse revolves around the concept of the belief gap, a critical theme we explore with our esteemed guest, Dr. Franklin CampbellJones. This episode delves into the intricate relationships between identity, belief, and the educational environments we cultivate. Dr....
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Teach Brother Teach: Transforming Education Through Representation
Today, we engage in a profound discourse with S. Neal Currie, Jr., who has dedicated his life to the imperative endeavor of cultivating black male educators through the Teach Brother Teach initiative. This episode underscores the critical necessity for representation within educational...
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Stop and Pause: Innovation with the Neurodivergent Learner in Mind
The salient point of this podcast episode revolves around the imperative of recognizing and embracing neurodiversity within educational environments. We delve into the notion that future-ready schools must prioritize not merely the standardization of thought but the comprehensive understanding of...
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Exploring the Human in the Loop: The Role of AI in Education
The salient point of our discussion centers on the imperative of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) within the educational sphere in a manner that remains profoundly human-centered. We explore the concept of the 'human in the loop,' elucidating how technology, rather than supplanting...
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Harnessing Joy: The Key to Human-Centered Learning
Joy serves as a pivotal force in the realm of education, transcending mere outcome to become the very engine that propels learning. In this episode of The Wheelhouse, we engage in a profound discourse on the significance of joy-filled learning for both students and educators. We examine how...
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Innovation Rooted in Humanity: A New Educational Paradigm
Future readiness in education transcends mere technological advancements; it is fundamentally about fostering a profound human connection within our schools. As we embark on this new season of The Wheelhouse, we assert that innovation must be rooted in humanity, emphasizing that effective...
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The Wheelhouse Encore: The Role of Allyship in Education: Insights from James VanNada
Production of The Wheelhouse is in hiatus and new episodes return on October 28th. In the meantime, we wanted to revisit some of our favorite episodes from season 9 as we prepare for season 11, “Future Ready Schools: Innovation Rooted in Humanity.” This is episode 09 from Season 9 – “The Role of...
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The Wheelhouse Encore - The Lifeblood of Education: Exploring Equity and Inclusion
The Wheelhouse is currently in hiatus and returns on October 28th. In the meantime, we wanted to revisit some of our favorite episodes from season 9 as we prepare for season 11, “Future Ready Schools: Innovation Rooted in Humanity.” This is episode 11 from Season 9 – “The Lifeblood of Education:...
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The Wheelhouse Encore - Navigating Spaces of Belonging: A Conversation with Mel King
Season 10 is in hiatus and returns on October 28th. In the meantime, we wanted to revisit some of our favorite episodes from season 9 as we prepare for season 11, “Future Ready Schools: Innovation Rooted in Humanity.” First up is episode 10 from Season 9 – “Navigating Spaces of Belonging: A...
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Unlocking Potential: What Lies Beyond Open Doors for Students?
Summary The crux of our 100th episode revolves around the pivotal inquiry: once the doors of opportunity are flung open, what awaits the students who traverse them? As we culminate this season's exploration of "Open Doors and Unlimited Possibilities for Each Student," we engage in a profound...
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Beyond Metaphors: Guaranteeing Opportunity for Every Student
Summary The salient point of this episode revolves around the imperative to examine the systems, mindsets, and leadership strategies that must be embraced to ensure that every student perceives and experiences a realm of possibility. We engage in a profound discourse with a cadre of distinguished...
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Cultivating Success: The Journey of Novice Black Educators
Summary The retention of novice Black teachers is central to our discourse in today's episode, where we delve into the systemic factors influencing their inaugural years in the educational profession. I am honored to welcome Dr. Keisha Chandler, an esteemed executive education leader and...
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Inspiring Exceptionalism: A Deep Dive into Transformational Leadership
Summary Transformational leadership is defined by Terri Perez as the capacity to "inspire others to achieve exceptional things" transcending their own preconceived limitations. In this enlightening episode, we engage with Terri Perez, the 2024 inaugural recipient of the ISTE + ASCD…
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Leading with Purpose: Insights for Principals in 2025
Summary In this enlightening continuation of our dialogue with Dr. Shervita West and Dr. Opal Davis Dawson, we delve into the paramount significance of authentic and meaningful feedback within educational leadership as the 2025-2026 academic year commences. Our esteemed guests elucidate the…
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Humanizing Education: The Principal's Vision for Student Success
Episode Summary The principal's role in articulating a vision that emphasizes the humanization of the educational experience for every student is of paramount importance. This episode delves into the distinction between merely implementing initiatives and fostering a genuine, relational culture...
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Empowering Multilingual Learners: Practical Strategies for Educators
Summary Humanizing the classroom experience for multilingual learners is a pivotal focus in our discussion today. We delve into practical strategies aimed at fostering an environment where each student feels valued, seen, and safe. The distinction between conversational and academic language is...
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Building Community in Education: The Human Connection
Summary The salient point of this podcast episode revolves around the imperative that education must be a humanizing, relational, and transformative endeavor, a principle we are privileged to explore in conversation with our esteemed guest, Rich Ognibene, a distinguished educator and recipient of...
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The Belief Gap: Understanding Our Impact on Student Success
Summary The central theme of today's discourse revolves around the necessity of addressing the belief gap that significantly impacts educational equity, particularly for our black and brown students. In this engaging conversation, we are honored to host Dr. Dwayne Chism, a distinguished educator...
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Unpacking the Invisible Backpack: A Deep Dive into Student Experiences
Summary This podcast episode elucidates the pressing matter of the "invisible backpack," a metaphorical representation of the myriad burdens that students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, carry with them into educational settings. We engage in a profound discourse surrounding…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Wheelhouse exists to create an inclusive community of empowered educators who believe that, together, we can disrupt the transactional herding nature of schooling to create districts, schools, and classrooms where each student feels confident, optimistic, capable, well-supported, and emboldened to be and to become who they are meant to be. Guiding Principles1. We are steadfastly committed to each learner and each educator believing they are distinctive and irreplaceable.2. We believe that educating our children should be a humanizing, relational, and transformational endeavor. All else is secondary.3. We believe that dignity is a birthright; it is not earned. Each child deserves a future filled with open doors and unlimited possibilities. Our work is in service to this central aspiration.4. We believe that each human life is unique and precious; as such we are compelled to remove aspects of schooling that disregard any student’s dignity.
HOSTED BY
Dr. Grant Chandler
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Wheelhouse have?
The Wheelhouse currently has 140 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Wheelhouse about?
The Wheelhouse exists to create an inclusive community of empowered educators who believe that, together, we can disrupt the transactional herding nature of schooling to create districts, schools, and classrooms where each student feels confident, optimistic, capable, well-supported, and emboldened...
How often does The Wheelhouse release new episodes?
The Wheelhouse publishes regularly with 140 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Wheelhouse?
You can listen to The Wheelhouse on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Wheelhouse?
The Wheelhouse is created and hosted by Dr. Grant Chandler.
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