Katie Benner
New York Times correspondent and author of Miracle Children: Race, Education, and a True Story of False Promises, with deep reporting on education, justice and institutional accountability.
Best podcasts with Katie Benner
Ranked by the Snipd community
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 9min
Katie Benner on Meritocracy, Race, and American Education Reform
Katie Benner, a New York Times correspondent and author of 'Miracle Children,' discusses the pitfalls of a charter school that boasted a 100% college acceptance rate. She reveals how the pressure for success led to unethical practices and harmful outcomes. The conversation delves into the complexities of meritocracy, exploring its history and contradictions. Benner also critiques how elite educational paths shape social perceptions and discusses the importance of redefining success to include civic roles outside traditional college routes.
Jan 5, 2026 • 49min
The School of Misery: The Children of a Manufactured Miracle
In this enlightening conversation, Erica L. Green, a New York Times education reporter and co-author of *Miracle Children*, teams up with investigative journalist Katie Benner. They delve into the troubling realities of T.M. Landry, a school once hailed as a miracle but marred by exploitation and deceit. Topics include the manipulation of student narratives in college applications, the racial dynamics at play, and the complexities surrounding the school's founders. Their insights challenge conventional notions of success in education and illuminate the systemic issues that need urgent reform.
