Fresh Perspectives

S6: E6 Creativity, Advocacy, and Lessons from Public Schools with Monica Rowley

In the season finale of our podcast, hosts Nick Monzi and Calvin Sibert are joined by Monica Rowley, an award-winning educator, poet, and lifelong learner whose journey offers an inspiring lens on the evolving purpose of education. From teaching neurodiverse students in Hawaii to leading classrooms in New York City and now Philadelphia, Monica shares what it means to truly meet children where they are and build communities with curiosity and care. She opens up about her life as a writer and how it has served as a powerful tool for reflection and advocacy. The conversation dives deep into the ever-changing learning landscape, discusses how we can reimagine academic spaces to adapt to these changes, and talks about the future. 

S6: E5 Diana Leon on Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, Diana Leon joins host Calvin Sibert to explore the importance of empathy and community within education. A first-generation Mexican American, Diana shares how her background in mental health and child welfare shaped her desire to help young people succeed, both in and beyond the classroom. Diana brings her personal experiences, creating a way to connect and understand challenges firsthand. This fuels her passion to find meaningful programs and tools that open doors - creating spaces where children can grow, thrive, and feel seen and supported.

S6: E4 Aimee Katz on The Power of Project-Based Learning

Joining the conversation this week is Aimee Katz, an inspiring educator whose lifelong curiosity has shaped her career in the classroom. From teachers who pushed her to be her best self to meaningful school experiences, Aimee now strives to create those opportunities for her own students every day. They discuss the lasting impact of COVID-19 on academics and relationships, the need to rebalance subject focus, and how project-based learning can spark creativity and address gaps. Aimee reflects on the realities of teacher burnout and the ever-growing to-do lists, while celebrating the joy of watching children grow, flourish, and find their voices.

S6: E3 From Student to Educator: George Lee on Teaching in the Neighborhood You Call Home

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, hosts Nick Monzi and Calvin Sibert sit down with George Lee, an energetic Los Angeles educator who’s transforming his community through his enthusiasm, empathy, and purpose. George opens up about his own struggles in school and how these experiences shaped his mission to make a difference. From the challenges of burnout and turnover to the joy of seeing realized potential, this heartfelt conversation highlights what it means to lead with intention and the role neighborhoods can play for teachers and students alike.

S6: E2 Brian Scott on Connecting Classrooms to Communities

Brian Scott, a dedicated science educator from Minnesota, joins the conversation to discuss the power of experiential learning. Brian shares his journey into the classroom, from a baseball coach to a teacher, channeling his passion for uplifting the youth. Swapping anecdotes, Brian discusses how his personal life guided his own teaching style by leveraging real-world experiences to engage students. From tackling stormwater pollution through art projects to empowering young scientists with field experiences and community engagement, Brian talks about the challenges in education and how creativity and collaboration can overcome them.