Fresh Perspectives

Learn Fresh
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Dive into Fresh Perspectives: Conversations with All-Star Innovators in Education, a podcast dedicated to connecting with the visionaries and organizations driving change in education through disruptive and innovative approaches. Join Learn Fresh’s Nick Monzi and Calvin Sibert as they explore a range of topics—from racial and gender equity to social-emotional learning and the evolving educational landscape. Discover more about our work at learnfresh.org.

  1. FEB 19

    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.

    36 min

  2. FEB 19

    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.

    44 min

  3. FEB 2

    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.

    33 min

  4. JAN 26

    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.

    58 min

  5. JAN 20

    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.

    40 min

  6. JAN 12

    S6: E1 The Superpower of Showing Up with Tania Vallejo

    In the season premiere, hosts Nick Monzi and Calvin Sibert sit down with Tania Vellejo, a passionate program specialist with Communities In Schools, whose journey has been driven by one mission - to be the person she needed when she was younger. Tania shares her journey from a high school volunteer to growing into a leader who now supports students, families, and educators across 20 campuses through the ACE after-school program. She shares how these types of services play a crucial role in providing support and structure. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of today’s education landscape, from technology to social media, the lasting impact of mentorship, and a reminder that being present can change a life.

    31 min

  7. 08/28/2025

    S5:E5 Jordan Thew & Joshua McQuillan on the Power of Purpose in Youth Programs

    In this season finale, Nick and Calvin sit down with Jordan Thew and Josh McQuillan from the Boys & Girls Club of Fox Valley to explore how out-of-school-time (OST) programs are transforming student outcomes across Wisconsin. Jordan and Josh share their personal journeys into youth work, how leading with purpose brought them to the Boys & Girls Club, and what keeps them dedicated. They discuss how OST programs fill important gaps left by the school day—offering everything from educational support to enrichment activities, sports, and exposure to the arts—and how expanding that impact without losing community trust requires meaningful relationships and leadership rooted in care. Along the way, they highlight the real-world challenges OST providers face, from funding to transportation, and why personal relationships remain at the heart of educational success. Find a club near you: https://www.bgca.org/

    47 min

  8. 08/20/2025

    S5:E4 Ron Ottinger on Out-of-School STEM and a Mission to Reach 20 Million Learners

    Ron Ottinger, a pioneer in out-of-school STEM education and Executive Director of STEM Next Opportunity Fund, joins the hosts to discuss the untapped potential of afterschool programs and summer learning. From the success of the Million Girls Moonshot to the creation of community-driven ambassador programs like Flight Crew, Ron emphasizes the importance of creating environments where students can experiment, fail, and discover what makes them tick. With the launch of STEM Ready America, the conversation highlights why shifting the STEM narrative matters, especially for students historically excluded from the STEM pipeline, and how out-of-school programs are uniquely positioned to do just that. Learn more at: https://stemnext.org

    37 min
See All (39)

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Dive into Fresh Perspectives: Conversations with All-Star Innovators in Education, a podcast dedicated to connecting with the visionaries and organizations driving change in education through disruptive and innovative approaches. Join Learn Fresh’s Nick Monzi and Calvin Sibert as they explore a range of topics—from racial and gender equity to social-emotional learning and the evolving educational landscape. Discover more about our work at learnfresh.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Learn Fresh
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2023 LEARN FRESH, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  • Show Website
    Fresh Perspectives

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