The Harvard EdCast

Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund, reflects on the Newtown shooting, school violence, gun control--and how above all, we must continue to protect the world's children.

Jon Schnur, cofounder of 'America Achieves' and 'New Leaders for New Schools' reflects on his own education story while sharing personal insights into President Obama's education policies over time.

Rick Hess, education writer and director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, reflects on his personal story of learning and his role in the education reform movement.

Three UNESCO HIV education specialists discuss the role of teachers and schools in educating students around HIV/AIDS awareness and the importance of World AIDS Day.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Assistant Professor Natasha Warikoo, Ed.M.'97, discusses her new book Balancing Acts: Youth Culture in the Global City.

Daniel Barnz, director of the film "Won't Back Down" reflects on why writing/directing a movie about education was just a perfect fit.

Charles Willie, professor emeritus at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reflects on the challenges of desegregating schools in Boston in the 1970's.

Wynton Marsalis, musician and educator, opens up on how the spirit of music informs his unprecedented series of ongoing Harvard lectures.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Wendy Kopp, founder and president of Teach For America reflects on 20 years of leading this national teaching corps and talks about how it has changed American (and global) education.

World Bank Lead Economist Halsey Rogers discusses the World Bank Education Strategy 2020 and how we can make the next decade one in which all children and youth, everywhere, are in school and learning.

Qian Tang, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO discusses how WTD is experienced around the world.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim, director of Waiting for "Superman", discusses his film and its impact on education reform.

Jim True-Frost, cast member of the HBO series "The Wire" discusses portraying Baltimore public school teacher Roland "Prez" Pryzbylewski and the impact his character has on education in media.

Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association discusses the perception of unions, his personal legacy, and how to make the teaching profession more of a dream job for young Americans.

Cevin Soling, director of the education documentary "The War on Kids" discusses his controversial views on the American school system.

Educational rappers Scott Free and Shoeless Jeff discuss how they are using hip hop and 'smart songs' to effectively teach social studies both inside and outside the classroom.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Steve Barr, founder of Green Dot Public Schools discusses progress of the charter school movement and why politics is so integral in education reform.

Taye Diggs, author and actor, along with Shane Evans, illustrator, discuss their new book "Chocolate Me!" on the Harvard EdCast.

Tony Danza, actor and author of "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had" shares experiences from his year as a rookie teacher at Northeast High.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Sir Michael Barber, head of McKinsey's Global Education Practice discusses a new international report, hope for U.S. public schools, and what is means to be a reformer.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Bill Symonds, director of the Pathways to Prosperity Project, discusses the project, its implications, and how the country has reacted.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Warren Simmons, Executive Director of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University shares his insights on improving urban schools in America. Direct download: simmons.mp3

Jack Shonkoff, director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, shares new research on the lingering effects of toxic stress during early childhood.

Whitney Tilson, investor and champion of education initiatives, from KIPP to TFA, discusses genuine school reform and reflects on why he spends his free time committed to this fight.

Susan Sclafani, vice president of programs for the Pearson Foundation shares insight into the new digital curriculum being developed to adopt the common core standards.

Janet Connors, social justice activist in Dorchester, MA reflects on the unique philosophy of restorative justice and examines how it can bring peace into difficult situations.

Dan Rothstein and Luz Santana, authors of the book, Make Just One Change, explain why teaching students to ask their own questions just may revolutionize the classroom.

In this podcast, Professor Fernando Reimers, director of the Ed School's International Education Policy Program, discussed the importance of global citizenship.

Alberto Retana, Executive VP of Community Coalition in LA discusses community organizing in the context of the 2012 National Community Organizing and School Reform conference held at HGSE.

Jack Shonkoff, director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, shares new research on the lingering effects of toxic stress during early childhood.

Roland Barth, founder of The Principals' Center at HGSE reflects on the unique and evolving position of school leader.

Carnell Chosa and Regis Pecos, cofounders and codirectors of the Leadership Institute and Summer Policy Academy at the Santa Fe Indian School share a brief history of educational sovereignty and Native American education in New Mexico.

Scott Seider, author of the book "Character Compass," shares his research on how powerful school culture can point students toward success.

Paul Reville, secretary of education for Massachusetts, sheds light on the future of education policy with four more years of the Obama administration.

Alexander Russo, author of the book "Stray Dogs, Saints, and Saviors" discusses how one of the toughest schools in the country was turned around.

Rainn Wilson, actor and activist shares details of the denial of higher education rights to people of the Bahá'í Faith in Iran, while discussing the film 'Education Under Fire' at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Paul Penniman, executive director, Resources for Inner city Children (RICH), explains the plight of not being able to read in high school and what he's trying to do to help.

Rebecca Morris, assistant professor of library and information science at Simmons College, describes the evolving landscape of school libraries and reframes the perception of the 21st century school librarian.

Oprah Winfrey, media icon and philanthropist, reflects on helping Lady Gaga launch the Born This Way Foundation during her visit at Harvard on Feb 29th, 2012.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, discusses protests in Madison, the continued need for unions, and shares a bit about her own personal life outside of work.

Richard Murnane, professor of education at HGSE shares new research on how family income affects education equality.

Niobe Way, author of "Deep Secrets: Boys' Friendship and the Crisis of Connections" reveals the intense intimacy among teenage boys during adolescence yet explains as boys become men, they become distrustful, lose these friendships, and feel isolated and alone.

Michael Brown, co-founder and CEO of City Year reflects on how City Year is strengthening human capital through a year of national service in the education sector.

Nan Keohane, former president of Duke University and Wellesley College shares her story of leadership and offers insight on how gender has influenced her career.

Tim Daly, president of TNTP and his brother Brendan Daly, defensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings discuss how the teaching profession can learn from fundamentals of the NFL.

Michael Hitchcock, writer and producer of the TV show "Glee," shares his behind the scenes perspective on writing student storylines and prosocial messages for the popular school based program "Glee."

Meira Levinson, political philosopher at HGSE reflects on the challenges of teaching 9/11 in the classroom and how to explain these events as both a mother or teacher to children born after September 12th.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Mel King, educator and founder of the South End Technology Center shares his thoughts, wisdom, and perspective on education over eight decades in the South End of Boston.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, John Merrow, education correspondent for The PBS NewsHour and president of Learning Matters discusses education reporting, the influence of teachers, and changes in over 35 years covering education in the media.

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Elizabeth Thompson discusses the role of education in sustainable development, an upcoming 'Earth Summit' in Rio, and life at the U.N.