Join the conversation

In our exclusive interviews, hear what some extraordinary public education advocates have to say about what it takes to give all children the opportunity for success in the 21st century.

The views expressed in these interviews do not necessarily represent those of the Learning First Alliance or its members.

Interviews with

• Leading Educators
• Best-Selling Authors
• Top Researchers
• Other Advocates

Leading Educators

Hear educators discuss what they are doing, and what needs to be done, to ensure all children the chance to succeed in school:

• 2013 NASSP Digital Principal Ryan Imbriale shares his thoughts on how school leaders can promote digital learning and the challenges they face in doing so, as well as what it looks like in his building. (March 26, 2013)

• Teacher Educator Elizabeth Bondy describes the University of Florida's clinical approach to teacher preparation. (December 14, 2010)

• Wagner Superintendent Susan Smit discusses how her district is using technology to overcome the challenges of teaching and learning in a rural environment. (November 3, 2010)

• Everett School District Chief Academic Officer Terry Edwards shares how his district significantly raised graduation and college-going rates over the past few years. (August 27, 2010)

• 2010 School Counselor of the Year Barbara Micucci talks about the importance of the counseling profession and her strategies for reaching kids. (July 15, 2010)

• Two Boston Educators give the insiders' view of City Connects (CCNX) incredible work. (July 1, 2010)

• Michigan Principal Von Washington speaks about what gave his school the edge in the "Race to the Commencement." (June 7, 2010)

• Colorado District Official Linda Gann shares the secrets to partnering with the community to ensure student health. (May 28, 2010)

• Educators at Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School talk about the success that comes with a shared vision and a supportive environment. (May 20, 2010)

• Principal Greg Alexander describes how consistency in leadership and programming has helped his school improve.  (May 3, 2010)
• Environmental Science Teacher Mike Town tells us how he and his students dramatically shrank their school's carbon footprint, saved the school over $100,000 in three years, and raised student achievement in science.  (April 22, 2010)
• Principal Melissa Glee-Woodard talks about how she and her staff transformed their school by focusing on a new vision, data and professional development.  (April 7, 2010)
• Members of the Carstens Elementary School Community discuss their school's turnaround and continued success over the last decade.  (March 17, 2010)
• Principal Ted Appel sees English language learners as an asset.  (March 10, 2010)
• Principal Stephanie Smith shares her school's triumphs and struggles in the era of No Child Left Behind.  (March 5, 2010)
• Principal Cindy Goodman describes how her school has evolved to meet the needs of all its students. (February 18, 2010)
• Principal Eileen Santiago talks about how meeting the whole child's needs can help turn around a struggling school. (February 5, 2010)
• Long Beach Superintendent Chris Steinhauser shares the secrets to his district's continued success. (January 15, 2010)
• New Haven Assistant Superintendent Garth Harries and Chief Operating Officer William Clark describe the groundbreaking collaboration that made the district's new teacher contract possible. (December 16, 2009)
• New Haven Federation of Teachers President David Cicarella talks about the reform-minded new teacher contract in his district. (December 15, 2009) 
• Aldine Superintendent Wanda Bamberg talks about the steady progress her district has over the past decade, which resulted in the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education. (December 10, 2009) 
• Superintendent Jerry Weast discusses how Montgomery County (MD) schools has sustained strong and steady gains over the past eleven years. (December 2, 2009)
• Principal Beth Madison shares her thoughts on accountability, shaped by her experiences leading a school that is thriving by common-sense measures but failing by official ones. (October 26, 2009)
• Former Principal Ricardo LeBlanc-Esparza talks about parent engagement in public education. (September 30, 2009)
• Teacher Educator Nancy Bacharach describes St. Cloud State University's innovative "co-teaching" model of student teaching. (September 8, 2009)
• Washington Principal Paul Chartrand talks about sustaining a school turnaround. (August 31, 2009)
• Turnaround Principal John O'Neill shares his secrets to transforming low-performing schools. (August 27, 2009)
• Delaware Principal Duncan Smith talks about maintaining a high-performing, high-poverty school. (August 21, 2009)
• Washington Principal Sharon Collins describes how an ambitious de-tracking effort has impacted achievement at Interlake High. (July 31, 2009)
• Educators from Alabama's George Hall Elementary discuss the strategies that have helped their nearly 100% low-income school reach almost 100% proficiency. (July 24, 2009)
• Texas Superintendent Daniel King talks about the development of a program in his district to steer struggling students from dropout to graduation. (July 15, 2009)
• Alabama Principal Jacqueline Zeigler describes how her school has used integration of the arts and community engagement to narrow the achievement gap. (July 13, 2009)
• Bremerton School District's Director of Special Programs Linda Sullivan-Dudzic describes her district's effort to improve early childhood education. (June 23, 2009)
• South Carolina Superintendent Steve Hefner talks about the state of civics education and how his district promotes effective civic engagement by students. (January 26, 2009)
• Montana Teacher of the Year Sally Broughton describes the stunning results of her middle school students' civic engagement efforts. (January 7, 2009)
• High School Principal and Think Tank Leader George Wood shares recommendations for more constructive federal involvement in public schools. (November 17, 2008)
• Kentucky Superintendent Dr. Sheldon Berman describes how civic education and how schools in Louisville are closing the "Empowerment Gap." (October 31, 2008)
• Award-Winning Civics Teacher and City Council Member Cheryl Cook-Kallio talks about the importance of civic education and what she does to help her students become engaged citizens. (October 28, 2008)
• John Stanford International School Teachers share the secrets of their Spanish and Japanese language immersion programs' success. (October 10, 2008)
• Georgia Principal Jill Goforth stresses the importance of content knowledge in developing critical and higher-order thinking skills -- particularly for disadvantaged children. (August 28, 2008)
• 2007 National Superintendent of the Year Krista Parent describes how community engagement, a district-wide focus on literacy, and powerful professional development have transformed South Lane School District. (August 4, 2008)
• National Teacher of the Year Michael Geisen discusses issues including the support teachers receive (or should receive) and how he personalizes teaching to foster a life-long love of learning while increasing standardized test scores. (July 16, 2008)
• Retired National PTA Executive Director Warlene Gary reflects on her 35-year career in education, her commitment to equity, and the "paralysis of analysis" that hampers education reform discussions. (July 11, 2008)
• Retired AASA Executive Director Paul Houston reflects on his legacy at AASA and shares his thoughts on the good, bad and ugly of school reform. (July 1, 2008)
• Former Boston Superintendent Tom Payzant speaks about the importance of "A Broader, Bolder Approach to Education" and shares his conviction that all sectors of society must work together to ensure all children have access to quality educational experiences. (June 20, 2008)
• All-Star Teacher Luajean Bryan describes her innovative work with hands-on learning projects and shares her strategies for overcoming common challenges to bringing such projects into the classroom. (June 17 and 19, 2008)
• Award-Winning Principal Tamala Newsome describes her school's eco-friendly construction and its integral place in the low-income community it serves. (May 5, 2008)
• Environmental Science Teacher Gary Swick describes how he uses the outdoors to engage his students in both science and active environmental protection. (April 18, 2008)
• West Philadelphia High School Teacher Simon Hauger describes a program that has inner-city high-schoolers outperforming MIT graduate students as builders of eco-friendly cars. (April 11, 2008)
• New Jersey Principal Mimi Bair talks about her successes in using arts education to raise student achievement. (March 20, 2008)
• Port Chester Educators Carmen Macchia and Michael De Vito tell the remarkable story of how middle school educators turned their school around by transforming its climate, academic program, and professional culture. (March 11, 2008)
• Alaska Educator LeeAnn Galusha discusses the Chugach School District's nationally recognized personalized approach to education. (February 25, 2008)

Best-Selling Authors

Authors describe their ideas for improving public education:

• New York Times best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis talks about the updated anniversary edition of his book, Don't Know Much About History, the role of history in creating informed citizens, and how to teach history in an engaging way. (August 22, 2011).

• Education authors Charles Schwahn and Bea McGarvey discuss their book which outlines a system for altering current outdated practices in schools by utilizing customizing technologies to meet individualized student needs. (May 6, 2011)

• Best-Selling Author Dan Ariely talks about his work (which lead to Predictably Irrantional and The Upside of Irrationality) and its implications for teacher compensation and school choice policies. (September 29, 2010)

• Nurture Shock Author Ashley Merryman talks about "The Creativity Crisis" and what we can do to stop it. (July 21, 2010)

• Education Historian Diane Ravitch discusses her new book and her growing disenchantment with testing and choice. (March 16, 2010)
• Acclaimed Children's Author Katherine Paterson discusses her platform as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. (February 11, 2010). 
• Best-selling Author Dan Pink talks about his new book Drive and its implications for school reform. (January 3, 2010)
• Nurture Shock Author Ashley Merryman discusses the received wisdom about issues such as self-esteem, self-control and IQ. (November 18, 2009)
• National Board Certified Teacher and former school administrator Dr. Robyn Jackson talks about her new book Never Work Harder Than Your Students, in which she defines what it means to be a master teacher and offers several principles to help educators get there. (May 7, 2009)
• Celebrated Children and Young Adult Author Walter Dean Myers speaks about his new novel Dope Sick, personal responsibility, and the importance of giving at risk youth a second chance. (January 31, 2009)
• Former Assistant Education Secretary Susan Neuman discusses how to improve the odds for students at risk. (December 12, 2008)
• Teacher and Author Dan Brown speaks about the policy implications of his experience teaching low-income students in the Bronx. (December 11, 2008)
• Former Urban League President and Author Hugh Price urges educators to involve communities in sustained efforts to celebrate the academic achievements of all students. (July 23, 2008)
• Celebrated Author Dave Eggers talks about his community-based writing tutorial programs, strategies for motivating reluctant writers, and his plans to advocate for public school teachers through film. (May 20, 22, and 27, 2008)
• Best-Selling Author Richard Louv argues that adults neglect of the outdoors has spawned "nature deficit disorder" in children and offers suggestions for getting young people outside. (April 22, 2008)
• Children's Literature Laureate Jon Scieszka speaks about his efforts to encourage boys to read, as well as about his plans as the first national laureate for children's literature. (March 6, 2008)
• Top-Selling Children's Author Joseph Bruchac discusses strategies to help struggling readers and combats stereotypes of American Indians in children's literature. (March 3, 2008)
• Acclaimed Author Dan Pink argues that the requirements of the new "conceptual age" require schools and communities to develop the right-brains of students. (February 27, 2008)

Top Researchers

Learn what leading researchers believe works - and doesn't work - in educating our most vulnerable students:

• Dr. Maria C. Paredes from WestEd discusses her Academic Parent-Teacher Team (APTT) model, where more meaningful parental and family involvement is contributing to improved student outcomes. (November 13, 2012)

• Stakeholders discuss Advancing High-Quality Professional Learning Through Collective Bargaining and State Policy (an in-depth look at the professional learning policies of six states) and its implications. (September 14, 2010)

• Epidemiologist Marc Lipsitch talks about what we can expect from the H1N1 flu this year. (September 16, 2009)
• Brookings Institution's Brown Center on Education Policy Director Russ Whitehurst questions the wisdom of championing innovation for innovation's sake. (June 15, 2009)
• Harvard Scholar Meira Levinson warns of a civic achievement gap and discusses what schools can do to close it. (October 30, 2008)
• International Assessment Guru Andreas Schleicher reveals common education policies and practices among nations that top comparisons of international achievement. (September 24, 2008)
• Nobel Prize-Winning Economist James Heckman discusses the influence of non-cognitive skills on student success both within and beyond school. (June 27, 2008)
• Duke University Professor Helen Ladd argues that policymakers must create both in-school and out-of-school supports for improving educational opportunities available to disadvantaged youth. (June 24, 2008)
• NYU Professor Pedro Noguera talks about the need for a "Broader, Bolder Approach" to education. (June 16, 2008)
• Leading Adolescent Literacy Expert Don Deshler urges schools to make adolescent literacy a priority and offers ideas on how to address the needs of struggling adolescent readers. (March 13, 2008)
• Distinguished Michigan State Professor Yong Zhao speaks about the skills youth need in a global society and the danger of uncritically following China's educational lead. (February 20, 2008)

Other Advocates

Hear what other advocates say about specific issues in public education today:

• Sherry Morgan, President of the Knox County Education Association, and Jon Dickl, Director of School Nutrition for Knox County Schools discuss the importance of ensuring every child begins the school day on a full stomach when it comes to student achievement. (August 28, 2012)

• Center on Education Policy Founder Jack Jennings shares what he believes will bring about major improvement in education in the United States: A focus on curriculum, teacher quality, and funding. (June 5, 2012)
• National PTA President Betsy Landers discusses the organization's priorities, advocacy efforts and resources.  (October 10, 2011)
• Virginia District Officials talk about their district's three-pronged approach to energy management--a strategy that has saved over two million dollars since 2004. (October 12, 2010)
• Louisiana Administrator John Swang shares how his district has saved over six million dollars in energy costs over the past four years. (August 18, 2010)
• Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Danielson gives us a look at the day-to-day work of an innovative school-based health clinic. (August 4, 2010)
• Lieutenant General Benjamin Freakley talks about the promise of greater collaboration between the military and schools. (July 29, 2010)
• City Connects Leaders Dr. Mary Walsh and Patrice DiNatale share their organization's model and incredible results, emphasizing the value of personalized, community-based interventions for students. (June 18, 2010)
• Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich talks about the need for a federal infusion of funds to stave off massive job losses and program cuts that could have dire consequences for the nation’s youth. (May 5, 2010)
• National PTA President Chuck Saylors talks about the national PTA's work to make parent and family enagement a national priority.  (April 14, 2010)
• Ready by 21 Stakeholders describe the program's efforts to build community partnerships that support children from birth to adulthood, in school and out of school.  (April 2, 2010)
• National Staff Development Council Executive Director Stephanie Hirsh and Federal Policy Advisor René Islas argue for better use of professional development dollars.  (March 29, 2010)
• Strategic Learning Initiatives President John Simmons shares his organization's (successful) approach to turning around Chicago Public Schools.  (January 29, 2010)
• Technology and Design Legend David Kelley talks about his work to help teachers and students master "design thinking." (January 20, 2010)
• American Productivity and Quality Center Chairman Jack Grayson urges education reformers to focus on process, not just outcomes and innovation. (November 2, 2009)
• First Amendment Scholar Charles Haynes tells us how schools can create ground rules for respectful dialogue on issues of sexual orientation. (October 13, 2009)
• Actress, Mathematician and Author Danica McKellar talks about girls and math. (October 5, 2009)
• National PTA President Chuck Saylors discusses the PTA policy agenda. (September 22, 2009) 
• Former Assistant Education Secretary Diane Ravitch talks about the about the Broader, Bolder Approach to Education campaign's new accountability recommendations. (June 26, 2009)
• Former Assistant Education Secretary Christopher Cross speaks about the Broader, Bolder Approach to Education campaign's new accountability recommendations. (June 25, 2009)
• Parents and Community Members in Miami dicuss ENCHOR AKOR, a parent education program for immigrant families designed to serve their specific needs as they adjust to life in this country. (May 13, 2009)
• Explorer/Environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau makes the case for better education about the oceans: "If you protect the ocean, you protect yourself." (April 21, 2009)
• Adventurer/Filmmaker Jon Bowermaster explains why schools should pay attention to environmental problems in places as remote as the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. (April 20, 2009)
• Say Yes to Education President Mary Anne Schmitt-Carey shares her organization’s model and its incredible results, emphasizing the importance of rallying many community partners around common achievement goals. (April 2, 2009)
• Young Filmmaker Isaac Schrem describes how his school's arts programs, together with filmmaking opportunities through Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, shaped his professional aspirations. (March 30, 2009)
• Reel Works Teen Filmmaker Jasmine Britton talks about the impact of documentary filmmaking on her education and her life. (March 27, 2009)
• The Honorable Lee Hamilton discusses the significance of civic education at a time of political change and economic upheaval. (February 17, 2009)
• Teachers TV's CEO and Creative Director Andrew Bethell describes the accomplishments of Teachers TV (a popular and influential British television channel devoted solely to education 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and the efforts afoot to help something similar take root in American soil. (February 8, 2009)
• Civil Rights Activist Congressman John Lewis reflects on the inauguration of Barack Obama and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.
• President Scholar Richard Norton Smith offers his thoughts on the state of civics and history education as we inaugurate a president whose election marks a critical chapter in the nation's long struggle towards its founding ideals. (January 12, 2009)
• Economist Rick O’Sullivan speaks about the causes and consequences of the economic downturn. (December 19, 2008)
• First Amendment Scholar Charles Haynes helps public schools and districts deal with religious content during the December holidays. (December 15, 2008)
• Canadian Education Leader Dr. Raymond Theberge discusses the reasons for his country's success on international education assessments. (November 7, 2008)
• UAE Education Minister Dr. Hanif Hassan describes his country's massive education reform project and emphasizes the need to teach tolerance in a land of diversity. (October 6, 2008)
• Finnish Education Expert Reijo Laukkanen discusses the factors behind his country’s success on international education assessments. (September 29, 2008)
• Core Knowledge Foundation Chair E.D. Hirsch describes a new K-2 reading program that focuses on both phones and content knowledge. (September 2, 2008)
• Harvard Professor and Cultural Critic Henry Louis Gates, Jr. describes his idea to revolutionize the way we teach history and science to African American students by having them trace their family histories through genealogy and DNA research. (August 19, 2008)
• Record-Breaking Polar Explorer Will Steger argues that the surprising pace of global climate change offers an unparalleled opportunity to motivate students on environmental science issues. (April 15, 2008)
• Emmy Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker Robin Smith talks about her film "Come Walk in My Shoes" and argues that the history of the civil rights movement reminds young people that they can change the world. (April 4, 2008)
• Fitness Legend Richard Simmons discusses the importance of physical education and his campaign to get it back into schools. (March 27, 2008)