School's In
Stanford Graduate School of Education
Unlock the future of learning with School’s In, your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education. Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (Stanford GSE), this podcast is hosted by Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope. They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.
This season on School’s In, we delve into a variety of pressing topics with the help of our fellow Stanford experts. Discover how AI is transforming classrooms and personalizing learning experiences. Learn effective strategies to tackle chronic absenteeism and summer learning loss, and explore solutions for addressing educational inequality and supporting youth mental health. Additionally, we examine the role technology plays in reshaping learning environments. Join us as we discuss the incredible research being done in education today.
Dan Schwartz is a recognized expert in human learning and educational technology. As dean of Stanford GSE, he has led numerous initiatives to advance effective teaching strategies and technologies. He also serves as faculty director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, which aims to advance the science and design of learning to bring effective and equitable solutions to the world.
Denise Pope specializes in student well-being and engagement. A senior lecturer at Stanford GSE, her research focuses on academic stress and its consequences on students' mental health and learning. She is the author of several books and articles that support parents and teachers in creating more positive learning environments, including Doing School: How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students. Pope is also co-founder of the education nonprofit Challenge Success, which promotes equitable practices for balanced lives.
Together, they offer valuable observations and practical advice for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone connected to the learning community. With a commitment to educational equity and innovation, they bring you expert perspectives and engaging conversations on the critical issues facing learners today.
Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. The school’s dedication to preparing educators and researchers through interdisciplinary approaches ensures its lasting impact on the field.
“We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and stay ahead of the learning curve” says Schwartz, “so join us as we discuss practical solutions to some of education’s most challenging issues.”
Don't miss out on insightful discussions meant to keep you ahead of the learning curve! Subscribe to our newsletter now, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and visit our School’s In website for more updates and episodes. School’s In promises to be an essential resource for anyone passionate about learning.
This season on School’s In, we delve into a variety of pressing topics with the help of our fellow Stanford experts. Discover how AI is transforming classrooms and personalizing learning experiences. Learn effective strategies to tackle chronic absenteeism and summer learning loss, and explore solutions for addressing educational inequality and supporting youth mental health. Additionally, we examine the role technology plays in reshaping learning environments. Join us as we discuss the incredible research being done in education today.
Dan Schwartz is a recognized expert in human learning and educational technology. As dean of Stanford GSE, he has led numerous initiatives to advance effective teaching strategies and technologies. He also serves as faculty director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, which aims to advance the science and design of learning to bring effective and equitable solutions to the world.
Denise Pope specializes in student well-being and engagement. A senior lecturer at Stanford GSE, her research focuses on academic stress and its consequences on students' mental health and learning. She is the author of several books and articles that support parents and teachers in creating more positive learning environments, including Doing School: How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students. Pope is also co-founder of the education nonprofit Challenge Success, which promotes equitable practices for balanced lives.
Together, they offer valuable observations and practical advice for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone connected to the learning community. With a commitment to educational equity and innovation, they bring you expert perspectives and engaging conversations on the critical issues facing learners today.
Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. The school’s dedication to preparing educators and researchers through interdisciplinary approaches ensures its lasting impact on the field.
“We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and stay ahead of the learning curve” says Schwartz, “so join us as we discuss practical solutions to some of education’s most challenging issues.”
Don't miss out on insightful discussions meant to keep you ahead of the learning curve! Subscribe to our newsletter now, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and visit our School’s In website for more updates and episodes. School’s In promises to be an essential resource for anyone passionate about learning.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 20, 2025 • 27min
Financial literacy in school: Skills for the 21st century
What should the average adult know in order to achieve financial literacy? And what role should schools play in helping students get there?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Professor Annamaria Lusardi to discuss the financial skills young people need to make wise decisions and fully participate in society. We also unpack a new bill passed in California to require financial literacy education for high school graduation. Lusardi covers several topics, including:(02:25) What is financial literacy for students?(07:36) The complexities of financial decision making(12:50) The new financial literacy graduation requirement in California(15:38) Equity issues in financial learning(18:06) The effects of financial literacy on well-being and wealthAnnamaria Lusardi is a professor of finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), where she studies the effectiveness of financial education programs on individuals’ financial decisions. Her research focuses on financial literacy and personal finance, and she has designed measurements of financial literacy that have been used around the world.She is also the faculty director of the Initiative for Financial Decision-Making, a collaboration between the GSB, the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and Stanford's economics department. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Mar 6, 2025 • 26min
Cell phones in schools: Is banning the answer?
What are the positive and negative effects of cell phones in the classroom? And how might teachers and parents support thoughtful and constructive use of cell phones by students?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Associate Professor Antero Garcia to discuss cell phone bans in schools and opportunities for educators to integrate technology in the classroom. Garcia covers several topics, including:(02:45) The ongoing debate about cell phone bans(05:02) Balancing the pros and cons of different cell phone policies (09:27) Practical classroom strategies(11:32) Teen mental health and social connection(17:54) California's cell phone policy: Preparing teachers to support student engagementAntero Garcia is an associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education, where he explores the possibilities of speculative imagination and healing in educational research. His recent books include All Around the Town: The School Bus as Educational Technology and Civics for the World to Come: Committing to Democracy in Every Classroom.He is also the president-elect of the National Council of Teachers of English, and was formerly a longtime English teacher in South Central L.A. To learn more about his work, visit his profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Feb 20, 2025 • 26min
Public service for a new generation, with Tom Ehrlich
Why is public service a critical part of education in a democracy? And what are some barriers and pathways for students to engage in public service?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Adjunct Professor Tom Ehrlich to discuss civic participation, public service, and the role teachers play in American democracy. Ehrlich covers several topics, including:(01:01) What is public service?(04:33) What are the qualities of a good public servant?(06:29) How can higher education institutions create pathways for students to engage in public service?(15:22) The importance of role models in public service(23:35) General advice and reflectionsTom Ehrlich is an adjunct professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education. He was formerly president of Indiana University, provost of University of Pennsylvania, and dean of Stanford Law School. Ehrlich also held leadership roles in government during six presidential administrations. He is the author of multiple books on leadership, public service, and higher education. To learn more about his work, visit his profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Feb 6, 2025 • 29min
Lessons for the future: How past practices help reimagine education
What positive tools, foundations, and concepts can educators pull from the past? And how might they be applied to create a better future for educators, students, and school systems?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Maisha Winn to discuss historical insights into education, the importance of establishing identity to student success, and how parents can help children connect to themselves and their communities. Winn covers several topics, including:(02:44) The Black student experience and historical insights(05:35) Identity, purpose, and direction in education(10:22) The role of identity in education(15:56) The futuring for equity lab and the institute for the future(21:11) Practical tools for parents and childrenMaisha Winn is the Excellence in Learning Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), and her research examines how under-resourced communities create practices, processes, and institutions of their own. She is also the faculty director of the Equity in Learning Initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, where she spearheads projects that address disparities in educational outcomes. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Jan 23, 2025 • 27min
Passion and persistence: Lessons from an education entrepreneur
What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur in education? And how does one create an educational product or service that is profitable?On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Joy Chen, entrepreneur in residence at Stanford Graduate School of Education, to discuss entrepreneurship in education – its challenges, rewards, and impact. Chen covers several topics, including:Her entrepreneurial journey, and what others can learn from her experienceQuestions entrepreneurs should ask themselves before launching a company or productThe importance of hiring and valuing great people, and how to balance risks and rewardsHow to create an educational product or service that is both profitable and meaningful to societyWhat investors look for in educational startups, and how these factors should shape entrepreneurs’ thinkingJoy Chen is an entrepreneur-in-residence at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), where she collaborates with GSE professors, researchers, students, technologists, and innovators by leveraging her expertise to explore new ideas and opportunities in the education space. Previously, she worked for top consulting and Fortune 500 companies such as Ernst & Young, Verizon, and Microsoft, where she designed and developed digital learning, knowledge management, and professional development systems. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education. Presented by the GSE, School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope. They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Jan 9, 2025 • 26min
Starting a startup: What it takes to innovate in education
How is the world of entrepreneurship driving innovation in education? And how can business strategies and creative thinking make learning more accessible for everyone?On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome venture capital investor Sergio Monsalve to discuss the skills and dispositions that make great entrepreneurs, and how great ideas can be applied to education to create lasting change. Monsalve covers several topics, including:Bringing people from education, business, and engineering together to create edtech solutions to educational challengesCreating a good pitch and what investors typically look forBalancing the pace of academic research and speed of iterative entrepreneurshipNavigating the tension between making a profit as a business and creating a product that is beneficial for studentsEnsuring educational tools are affordable, scalable, and sustainableSergio Monsalve is a venture capital investor and a co-founder of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE). He is a founding partner of Roble Ventures, an early-stage technology venture capital fund where he enables entrepreneurs interested in helping people achieve economic mobility. School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education. Presented by the GSE, School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope. They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Dec 19, 2024 • 27min
Supporting students: Housing, health, and education
How does unstable housing affect student success? And how can schools identify students in unstable housing and partner with community organizations to support them?On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Amy Gerstein, executive director of Stanford’s John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, to discuss how unstable housing affects educational outcomes and why it’s imperative that schools look to the larger community for help. Gerstein talks about several topics, including:The effects of unstable housing on students’ academic performance, attendance, and high school completionUnderreporting of unstable housing by students and families due to stigma, fear of repercussions, and lack of awareness of resources and support How different definitions of homelessness complicate identification and resource allocationWhat kinds of resources schools, districts, and community organizations should provide to have the most impactHow the community school model can be effective in integrating services like healthcare and housing supportTraining to ensure school staff can identify and sensitively support at-risk youth.Amy Gerstein is the executive director of the John W. Gardner Center for Youth and their Communities, which conducts research in partnership with school districts, nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies to advance equity for young people and the people around them. In her role, she provides strategic direction and works with community members across sectors. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education. Presented by the Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope. They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Dec 5, 2024 • 24min
The AI Tinkery: A sandbox for educators
How do creativity, tinkering, and hands-on learning support education? And can AI expand the possibilities for cultivating creativity in the classroom?On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Senior Lecturer Karin Forssell to discuss AI and how Stanford is helping students navigate the technology through the GSE’s new AI Tinkery, a maker space focused on the use of AI in education. Forssell covers several touch points, including:What goes into creating a successful makerspaceThe learning outcomes that come as a result of creating thingsHow generative AI can be used to create classroom tools and lesson plansThe importance of learning how to collaborate and creatively think through problemsHow to discuss and teach the ethics of using AI in classroom settingsKarin Forssell is a senior lecturer and the director of the GSE’s Learning Design and Technology master’s program. She also directs the GSE’s Makery, a Stanford maker space where students and faculty learn to make, and make to learn. In her courses, she teaches students to use research from the learning sciences and learning-centered design processes to create effective digital tools. To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education. Presented by the GSE, School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope. They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Nov 21, 2024 • 30min
The education marketplace: How to make edtech more effective
Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, discusses the evolving edtech landscape and its impact on education. She explores the challenges schools face with new technologies, like low adoption rates and equity gaps. Hau delves into the balance between profit and public good, stressing the importance of evidence-based decisions. She shares insights on how startups can innovate effectively and highlights future opportunities for equitable access and AI-driven solutions in classrooms.
Nov 7, 2024 • 24min
Chatting about chatbots: How AI tools can support teachers
What role will AI tools play in the classroom? And how can the technology be used to support teachers?On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Assistant Professor Dora Demszky to discuss using artificial intelligence as a tool for giving feedback to teachers, with the goal of supporting continuous improvement in their practice. Demszky covers several ways in which AI can be used to empower teachers, including:Highlighting moments in a teacher’s lesson for them to revisit and reflect uponReinforcing practices that help develop a growth mindset in studentsStrengthening the practice of building on student ideas to help students feel heard Providing examples from other instructors to create a shared community for professional learningLeveraging future applications to support multilingual learnersDora Demszky is an assistant professor of data science and her research centers on developing natural language processing methods to support equitable and student-centered instruction. She has developed tools to give feedback to teachers on dialogic instructional practices, to analyze representation in textbooks, among others. To learn more about her research, visit her faculty profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education. Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope. They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.
