The Harvard EdCast

Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, reflects on her father’s creation of the Muppets and the family company’s continuing impact on children’s learning with shows such as “Dinosaur Train” and “Sid the Science Kid.”

Marian Wright Edelman, president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund reflects on her work defending the cause of children, her life and leadership, and preparing for countless commencement speeches over the years. Marian Wright Edelman has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life. Under her leadership, CDF has become the nation's strongest voice for children and families. The Children's Defense Fund's Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

Lisa henson edcast final by Harvard Graduate School of Education

Martha L. Minow, dean of the Harvard Law School shares her thoughts on the convergence of education and law, her new book 'In Brown's Wake', and teaching a young Barack Obama.

Martin West, assistant professor of education at HGSE shares surprising new data on the public's perception of school reform.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Lois Lowry, author of The Giver and Number the Stars discusses children's literature, reading, and her books (slowly) being made into movies.

Lawrence Blum, author of the book "High Schools, Race, and America's Future" reflects on his experience teaching a rigorous high school course on race and racism.

Lee Hirsch, director of the documentary "Bully" shares stories of the film and explains why this subject is so personally important to him.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Professor Daniel Koretz, an expert in school testing, discusses inappropriate test prep in schools and how, unfortunately, there is little parents can do about it.

John E. Roberts, author of the book "Instructional Rounds in Action" reflects on how an invaluable guide of doing 'rounds' can provide a framework for systemic improvement in schools.

Kerry Kennedy, president of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights reflects on bullying, international human rights, and whether she'd rather be a Kardashian or Osborne.

Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, shares insights into his unique style of teaching, the future of his work, and how he's dealing with celebrity.

Martha Kanter, under secretary of education, U.S. Department of Education, shares progress of President Obama's 2020 College Graduation Goal and how to improve both college access and completion.

Kim Smith, co-founder and CEO of Bellwether Education Partners discusses incubating educational entrepreneurs, the role of business and education, and the importance of balancing work with family.

Thomas Kane, deputy director of education for the Gates Foundation and HGSE professor, discusses findings from the MET Project on measuring teacher effectiveness.

Joel Klein, former chancellor of NYC schools and CEO of Amplify, shares his story and his quest on incorporating innovation and technology into the classroom.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Gary Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, shares lessons from Sesame Street, why kids (and adults) still love it, and which Muppet he calls his favorite.

Domonique Foxworth, NFL cornerback and president of the NFL Players Association shares his personal story of being a lifelong student athlete.

John Jackson, president and CEO of The Schott Foundation reflects on closing the opportunity gap in public schools across the country.

Eve Sullivan, founder and president of Parents Forum discusses how raising children connects all families, regardless of background or social status, and that all families can be strengthened by improving communication and increasing emotional awareness.

Eric Schwarz, co-founder and CEO of Citizen Schools, discusses the importance of extended learning time and the vision for his service based organization.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida, discusses educational reform, his brother's book, and what Barbara Bush read to him as child.

A conversation with three Gaza principals participating in the HGSE Programs in Professional Education institute "Leadership: An Evolving Vision."

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Professor Hiro Yoshikawa, author of Immigrants Raising Citizens: Undocumented Parents and Their Children, discusses his new book.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Adrian Fenty, former mayor of Washington D.C., shares his thoughts on reforming public education in the district, hiring Michelle Rhee, and being a movie star.

Drew Faust, president of Harvard University, discusses her time as president, the opportunities and challenges currently facing the university, and how she reflects on her own journey.

Richard Elmore, professor of educational leadership at HGSE, provides insight into the people and programs attempting to strengthen the quality of leadership in the education sector.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Anne McGill-Franzen, director of the Reading Center at the University of Tennessee talks about the importance of summer reading in low income communities.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Scott Seider, Ed.M.'04, Ed.D.'08, author of Shelter: Where Harvard Meets the Homeless discusses the role of the university in its community.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Eliza Byard, executive director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) discusses LGBT issues in K-12 education.

Nancy Lublin, CEO of DoSomething.org shares her data driven advocacy work and the organization's initiatives of preventing bullying.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, John Wood, founder and board chair of Room to Read, speaks candidly about pursuing one's dreams, fulfilling the Carnegie legacy, and finding creative ways to save money for his nonprofit.

Harvard economist Raj Chetty discusses his research on how important your kindergarten class may be when it comes to earnings potential.