Arts Educators Save the World

In this engaging discussion, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Robert Lopez, both acclaimed composers and former students of Barbara Ames, reminisce about their elementary music teacher's profound impact. They share how Barbara transformed student theater and inspired original musicals, sparking their passions for songwriting. Listen as they recount vivid memories of early performances, discuss the evolution of their creative talents, and highlight the importance of collaboration and confidence learned in her classroom. It's a heartfelt tribute to the power of arts education!

To round out the summer and mosey back into the school year over the next few weeks, we'll be revisiting a few of our favorites episodes from prior seasons. For any new listeners, be sure to check out our back catalogue -- we've got some DOOZIES!! In this episode, Broadway's reigning Tony-award winner for Best Actor, Jonathan Groff (Merrily We Roll Along, oh yeah, and Frozen, oh yeah, and Hamilton), and his elementary school music teacher, Linda Tough, talk about music-making, education, and their shared passion for "I Love Lucy."

Join Sarah Becker, an experienced early childhood educator, as she shares insights on the transformative power of early childhood principles in education. Discover how emergent and project-based curricula can enrich learning at any level. Sarah introduces the concept of 'professional love,' emphasizing respectful connections that enhance teacher-student relationships. Learn practical tips like observing one student to forge deeper connections and creating moments for self-care to stay present in the classroom. This conversation is a treasure trove for educators seeking to foster meaningful interactions!

Live and in person! Arts Educators Save the World kicks off our new series of super hero interviews, in partnership with the Comic-Con Museum, with a live recording at The Con with Marvel comics writer Gerry Duggan (X-men, Deadpool) and DC comics writer Heath Corson (Justice League, Bizarro). Listen to them discuss their creative evolution, their mentors, and how those lessons forged them into the artists they are today!

Teaser for our upcoming episode that we recorded Live at Comic-Con!!

Sweet home Chicago! Join us for this love letter to arts education in Chicago with the amazing Professor-poet-comics-author-bookstore-owner Eve Ewing and her mentor, poet laureate and performance artist avery r. young. Arts education creates families!

Part 2 of our conversation with comedian, actor, and writer Billy Eichner continues, as we delve into how acting teacher Mary Poole’s approach to mentoring shaped all of our lives. Find Part I in your podcast feed!

It’s Billy on the podcast! This episode features comedian, actor, and writer Billy Eichner alongside guest co-host Jamie Salka (CEO of Story Pirates) as we talk with the college acting teacher we all shared: Mary Poole. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, it’s better than Cats.

Part 4 of our ongoing mini-series "Erica & Alek Chats," where our hosts take a deep dive into a specific aspect of arts learning-and-teaching from Erica's book, How the Arts Can Save Education.

What does it take to be the Artistic Director of a major theatre company? And how do you recognize someone’s potential to succeed in this kind of a leadership role? You will not want to miss the answers to these and other questions about leadership in theatre in our conversation with two grandes dames of the American theatre world, Molly Smith and Wendy Goldberg!