Episodes

  • Bozena Pajak of Duolingo: Building a global language learning community
    Aug 5 2022

    In this episode, Garrett sits down with the VP of Learning and Curriculum Bozena Pajak to learn about how Duolingo thinks about making language learning accessible to the global general public. A trained linguist, Bozena touches on motivating language learners, using data to guide product iterations, and what’s on the horizon for Duolingo.

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    55 mins
  • Ted Dintersmith: What School Could Be
    Jul 1 2022

    In this episode, Garrett sits down with venture capitalist, author, and filmmaker Ted Dintersmith to talk about the need for evolving performance assessments in schools. Ted also gets into student motivation in learning environments and the effect of access to technology on the curriculum that we teach.

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    55 mins
  • Alberto Arenaza of Transcend Network: Building a Global Network of Education Innovators
    Jun 3 2022
    What would it look like to have a global community of founders building the future of education and the future of work? One where founders support each other and are provided with the resources and connections to help them thrive? That’s the idea that pushed Alberto Arenaza, recently named one of Forbes 30 under 30, to start Transcend Network.
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    47 mins
  • Mike Flanagan of Mastery Transcript Consortium: Rethinking How We Measure Learning
    May 6 2022

    CEO of Mastery Transcript Consortium Mike Flanagan joins Garrett to take a look at how we measure learning. Why isn’t the traditional grades system a good model and what innovative ideas are behind MTC’s work?

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    49 mins
  • Student Spotlight: Hailey Maffett and the Importance of Teachers as Mentors
    Apr 15 2022
    In this episode, I sat down with Hailey Maffett, one of our Sora Students who joined us in September 2021. Before coming to Sora, Hailey attended many different schools from private schools to public to online. These school experiences left her feeling unmotivated, unintelligent, and lost. Since finding Sora she has found a new perspective on education, the world, and herself. In this episode, we get into how Sora has changed her feelings toward school and what she is capable of.
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    54 mins
  • Brandon Lee of Khan Lab Schools: What is Project-Based Learning?
    Apr 11 2022

    Brandon is the Director of Project-based learning at Khan Lab Schools, the famous laboratory school founded by education and Khan Academy founder Sal Khan. Brandon's educational experience started at Tuft University where he studied child development, with a focus on incorporating engineering into the elementary classroom. After getting his MA in Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston. He launched Boston Public Schools' first Engineering Program. He moved to San Diego to lead the engineering program at High-Tech Elementary school. Now Brandon leads curriculum and instructional design in his current role at Khan Lab Schools.

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    36 mins
  • Dr. Christian Bell Onyemali of 4.0 Schools: The Importance of Authentic and Equitable Data and Metrics of Success in Education
    Feb 4 2022
    Dr. Christian Bell Onyemali is the director of evaluation and learning at 4.0 schools an organization that connnects, coaches, and invests in people; to test new learning spaces and tools within their community. Prior to 4.0 schools, Christian worked at Austin Independent School District, Teach for America, and Kipp in Texas. Providing Data and Evaluative Support to increase student achievement. She is a firm believer in the power of education and achieving educational equity.
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    47 mins
  • Jennifer Carolan of Reach Capital: The Relevancy Gap in K12 Curriculum, and a Post-COVID Education System
    Jan 5 2022
    Jennifer Carolan is the Co-founder and General Partner at Reach Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in education companies that expand the reach of education. Jennifer grew up in Chicago and attended two different high schools in the city and the surburbs. Jennifer taught in traditional public schools for 7 years, pursued an MA in Education from Stanford, then went on to learn the craft of venture capital for almost a decade before co-founding Reach Capital. She found venture to be a powerful lever to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of opportunity, especially for those without a voice.
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    45 mins