Experience Matters with Steve Shapiro

09/01/2023

Honored to be interviewed on the Better Learning Podcast about the four reasons American schools need to change. Did a deep dive on number four, the youth mental health crisis.

40% of children are struggling deeply with mental health - some even to the point of contemplating the unthinkable. But why? What pressures are pushing our children to such extremes? Steve Shapiro, host of the education podcast Experience Matters, drops by to discuss the multifaceted causes - from t...

06/06/2023

Check out my new podcast episode featuring international expert Dr. Russ Qu***ia on how to expand student voice and build authentic community in schools. Super interesting stuff.

Humans, young and old, share a basic need to have some authorship in our own lives. Dr. Russell Qu***ia has built his entire career around how to bring students’ voices into focus in classrooms and schools across the world. The result is happier students who learn more.

05/30/2023

If you're committed to creating culturally responsive learning spaces that honor and value all students, you will definitely want to check out my new podcast conversation with Dr. Michelle Pledger from High Tech High.

Michelle Pledger confronted the internalized oppression from her experiences as a Black girl in a predominately white school; then she converted her newfound wisdom into a commitment to promote culturally relevant teaching practices that honor and support the lived experiences of all students. Her s

01/24/2023

If you care about a teen who is struggling with the intense pressure to achieve in school, please listen to this and share with others. It is important.

We are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis, especially among kids in “high achieving” schools. Neuropsychologist William Stixrud has a front row-seat to the crisis, with unique insight into emerging research on the impact that “achievement-culture” related chronic stress and anxiety...

11/18/2022

Here's a powerful conversation about how schools can expand kids' social networks in order to expand their life possibilities. Also, it is a powerful strategy for increasing equity.
Check it out.

In our race to cover state content standards and prepare students for high-stakes tests, many educators are overlooking a powerful strategy for transforming students’ futures and making serious strides toward equity. Policy analyst and author Julia Freeland Fisher preaches the game-changing impact...

08/29/2022

I've gotten some really positive national press about my newest episode. I hope you'll give it a listen.

https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/teenage-takeover-with-sam-levin

Today Sam Levin is the 29-year-old Oxford PhD CEO of a biotech company. Thirteen years ago he was a high school junior exasperated at his friends’ disengagement and unhappiness at school. So he did something about it! Now students, teachers, and parents are taking note of his bold vision.

06/08/2022

I hope this 15 second clip from my conversation with national thought leader Tony Wagner inspires you to listen to the full episode at https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/tuned-in-to-the-future-with-tony-wagner

05/31/2022

*He was the founder of Educators for Social Responsibility
*He was an Expert in Residence at the Harvard Innovation Lab
*He was the founder/co-director of the Change Leadership Group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
*His books about school reform have been read across the globe

***And this week, Tony Wagner will be a guest on my podcast, Experience Matters! Details coming soon.

https://www.tonywagner.com/bio

A globally recognized expert in education, Tony Wagner is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute. Tony held positions at Harvard University, Harvard Innovation Lab and the Change Leadership Group at HGSE. High school teacher. K-8 principal. University professor. Educator

03/07/2022

New episode: The Secret To College Admissions

And great news: it's good for teenagers' mental health and happiness too!

https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/the-secret-to-college-admissions-with-julie-kim

Julie Kim is an L.A.-based college admissions counselor who helps young people gain entrance into America’s most selective colleges. In this conversation Julie pulls back the curtain on the college admissions process and shows young people how they can not only get into selective colleges, but how...

09/26/2021

Great interview with Gavin Levine about his year as an exchange student in Taiwan. You're gonna love this young man- so personable and insightful!

https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/crossing-cultures-with-gavin-levine

Gavin Levine spent his junior year of high school as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Taoyuan, Taiwan. This engaging conversation reveals the enormous growth young people can experience when they leave their comfort zones to enter new cultures, whether across the globe or close to home.

05/28/2021

If you have or love a teenager, you need to check out this conversation with recent grad Emmy Huefner. Every student and parent needs to hear her message about how to have a happy teen school experience AND best prepare yourself for college!

https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/a-letter-to-my-younger-self-with-emmy-huefner

Emmy Huefner did what everyone told her to do so she could get into a “good college.” In 2017 she graduated burned-out and lost. Emmy’s reflective insights will resonate with young people trying to navigate the high school experience. Every American teenager and parent should hear her story.

04/19/2021

What's a teacher to do with that squirrelly kid who can't seem to sit still or be quiet? This episode has the answer! Check out this great conversation with that squirrelly kid who's all grown up.

Also, be sure to click "follow" to get updates about new episodes when they drop.

https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/from-troublemaker-to-ringmaster-with-chad-hemmelgarn

Chad Hemmelgarn was an energetic kid for whom school just didn't work, until some visionary teachers found a way to identify and develop his creative gifts. Their utilization of experiential learning helped Chad develop into a beloved high school teacher who provides similar opportunity and inspirat

03/25/2021

I love this interview with one of the special people in the world. Eric Acton is an amazing guy. Check out the wisdom from a guy who is truly "kid first" in every way!

https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/an-unlikely-teacher-with-eric-acton

Eric Acton has been a beloved teacher and coach for more than three decades. As an 18-year-old custodian at the Columbus science center, he could never have dreamed of the life he was about to lead. That all changed because of the Girl Scouts and a guy named Jarvis. Eric's story is an inspiring remi

03/10/2021

How can a single classroom experience transform an aspiring teacher into a superstar teacher? Give you a hint: it involves OWL PELLETS.

Check out the newest episode of Experience Matters featuring Stacy Bell.
https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/owl-pellets-with-stacy-bell

Stacy Bell was preparing to become a teacher when an experiential lesson in one of her education classes transformed her approach to teaching and learning. Her encounter with owl pellets has impacted countless elementary and middle school students during her nearly three-decade teaching career.