
School's In
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.
Latest episodes

Aug 29, 2024 • 21min
Educational inequality: Post-pandemic patterns and trends
Who was hardest hit by learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic? And what can states, teachers, and parents do to help students recover? On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Professor Sean Reardon as they discuss educational inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic, and what’s needed to chart a path forward. Sean’s research sheds light on key issues, including:The impact of poverty and inequality on educational opportunitiesWhat subject showed the most learning loss in during the pandemicHow learning recovery has looked in low- and higher-income communitiesHow parents can can work with teachers to advocate for their childrenWhat states can do to step in and support learning recoveryProfessor Sean Reardon is the Professor of Poverty and Inequality in Education at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and Professor, by courtesy, of Sociology. His research focuses on the causes, patterns, trends, and consequences of social and educational inequality. To learn more about his research, visit his 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), GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope 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.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to School’s In on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Aug 15, 2024 • 26min
Post-pandemic learning: Where are the kids?
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected student learning and school attendance? And how can parents, teachers, and schools help students recover?On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Professor Tom Dee as they tackle these challenges of the post-pandemic learning world. Tom’s research sheds light on key issues, including:The substantial learning loss during the pandemic, especially in mathThe possible effects of pandemic disruption on our youngest learners, who are still outside testing windowsWhat factors are driving persistent chronic absenteeism among studentsLow-cost, scalable strategies to improve school attendanceThe importance of using targeted, evidence-based strategies and teaching methods to improve student achievementProfessor Thomas S. Dee is the Barnett Family Professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education. His research focuses on the use of quantitative methods to inform contemporary issues of public policy and practice. To learn more about his research, visit his 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), GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope 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.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to School’s In on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Aug 1, 2024 • 2min
School's In Trailer
Welcome to School’s In: Insights on Education! Whether you're a long-time listener or new to our podcast, we're excited to have you join us. School's In returns August 15th, bringing you the latest research and cutting-edge insights into all things learning.This season we dive into some of the most pressing topics in education today. From AI in education to youth mental health to chronic absenteeism in post-pandemic school communities, we've got it covered. Hosts Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope welcome expert guests to provide fresh perspectives and practical advice for educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone passionate about learning. Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), we invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to School’s In on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Aug 23, 2022 • 28min
Homelessness and learning, with guests Dion Burns and Naomi Ondrasek
Dion Burns and Naomi Ondrasek, researchers with the Learning Policy Institute, talk about the challenges of identifying and supporting students facing housing insecurity.

Aug 3, 2022 • 28min
Online therapy for autism, with guest Grace Gengoux
Grace Gengoux, director of the Autism Intervention Clinic at Stanford, talks about an effective approach to therapy for children on the autism spectrum.

Jul 19, 2022 • 28min
The anniversary of Title IX, with guest Tara VanDerveer
Tara VanDerveer, head coach of the Stanford women’s basketball team, discusses the anniversary of Title IX and its impact on girls in sports.

Jun 25, 2022 • 28min
Supporting kids from cradle to career in Central Harlem, with guest Geoffrey Canada
Child advocate and researcher Geoffrey Canada talks about the Harlem Children's Zone, a model program he founded to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Jun 16, 2022 • 28min
Making space for variations in language, with guest Anne Charity Hudley
Anne Charity Hudley talks about how Black students navigate the designated parameters of language in higher education.

May 12, 2022 • 28min
The impact of the early years, with guest Jonas Miller
Jonas Miller, a researcher focused on brain functioning in young children, talks about the long-term effects of early childhood experiences.

Apr 9, 2022 • 28min
Talkin' About My Generation, with guest Roberta Katz
Stanford anthropologist Roberta Katz shares some good news about the generation that grew up alongside the internet.