Top 5 Most Memorable What the World Needs Now Podcasts
Hosted by Josh Monroe and Tom Whisinnand, 5th Grade Teachers from Omaha, Nebraska
In collaboration with Harmony Academy, we hosted 18 podcasts with educators, school leaders, and changemakers this past year — all focused on how we can make education a better place for educators, leaders, and most of all, our students.
Here’s our countdown of our top 5 favorite guest moments of What the World Needs Now. We thank our podcast guests for joining us this year and making the world a better place.
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5. Melody Hawkins
Why it is memorable:
Melody Hawkins, Ed.D. shared her journey as an educator and advocate for Black girls in education. She discussed the challenges faced by middle school students, particularly Black girls, and the impact of adultification bias on their experiences. Dr. Hawkins emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments, confronting biases, and encouraging future educators to enter the profession. The conversation highlighted the need for intentionality in education and the role of educators in shaping the future.
4. Val Alves
Why it is memorable:
Val Alves, a passionate English teacher from São Paulo, Brazil, shared her insights on the challenges of English education in Brazil, and her experiences as a cancer survivor, offering a powerful narrative about perseverance and hope in the educational landscape.
3. Anderson Manuel
Why it is memorable:
Anderson Manuel talked about his journey in education, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s purpose, building relationships with students, fostering compassion in teaching, and leveraging AI to enhance the teaching experience. Anderson highlighted the importance of creating a joyful learning environment and the impact of educators on students’ lives.
2. Mai Xi Lee
Why it is memorable:
Mai Xi Lee, Ed.D. discussed the importance of social, emotional, and academic learning, emphasizing that it is foundational to equity and not just an add-on. She shared her journey in education, the significance of belonging for students, and how educators can create inclusive environments. The conversation explored reframing educational success, the impact teachers can have within their classrooms, and the role of community in fostering a supportive educational ecosystem. Dr. Lee also highlighted the need for empathy and human connection in education, and offered insights on reigniting passion in teaching.
1. Christina Cipriano
Why it is memorable:
Christina Cipriano, Ph.D. shared her journey from being a first-generation high school graduate to becoming an Associate Professor at Yale. She emphasized the importance of social, emotional, and academic learning in education, advocating for a shift in how educators and parents communicate and collaborate. Dr. Cipriano discussed the need for systemic change in education, particularly in supporting neurodivergent students and their families. She introduced the concept of ‘calling in’ rather than ‘calling out’ in educational settings, promoting a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The conversation concluded with a call for compassion and understanding in the face of challenges in education and society.
