Partnership is Our North Star: Family-School Partnerships with Dr. Karen Mapp

About the Episode When you were growing up, how connected were your family and your school? Did your family feel welcome at school? Did your family and your teachers make decisions about your education together? The answers to those questions may have had a real impact on your experience. Today I talk with Dr. Karen […]

Bridging Urban-Rural Divides with Joseph Bubman

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About the Episode After the 2016 presidential election, and the deep divisions in American society that it highlighted, there was a boom in efforts to build bridges and facilitate dialogue between people of different backgrounds and political beliefs. Today’s guest was similarly inspired, but the approach he took was a bit different than most. Joseph […]

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? University Partnerships with Jamilah Ducar

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About the Episode In this episode, host Paul Kuttner talks with Dr. Jamilah Ducar, Associate Vice Chancellor for Engagement and Community Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, about what it means for a university to be a good partner with its surrounding community. They explore Pitt’s listening-first approach to partnership, strategies for building (and rebuilding […]

Remixing Research with Judy Pryor-Ramirez

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About the Episode Join Paul Kuttner as he sits down with Judy Pryor-Ramirez to trace her journey as a community-based, participatory action researcher. From playful beach-themed data labs to virtual story circles, Judy shares a vision of research that shifts power, builds community, and sparks action. Judy is a Clinical Associate Professor of Public Service […]

Opportunity and Belonging with Ze Min Xiao

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About the Episode In this episode, host Paul Kuttner talks with Ze Min Xiao, President and CEO of The Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging in Utah. Ze founded the center just a few years ago, with the goal of building “a Utah where everyone can thrive and belong.” As you’ll hear, that means bringing […]

Redefining School Leadership with Ann Ishimaru

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About the Episode When we think of school leaders, we usually picture principals, superintendents, maybe the school board. My guest today says that that idea of leadership is far too narrow. The leaders we need if we’re going to make schools work for all students are not just the ones with formal titles and degrees […]