What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous

Stride, Inc.
  • 4.9 (156)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous

Welcome to ‘What I Want to Know’, one of the most downloaded K-12 education podcasts in the country! Listen in with our host, Kevin P. Chavous, as he connects with innovators and leaders who share practical, transformative solutions to the biggest challenges in education today. As America rethinks the future of schooling, Kevin explores emerging needs and possibilities, for students and educators alike, through short, stimulating conversations. Subscribe to ‘What I Want to Know’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and leave a rating and review so we can bring you more of the topics you want to hear about!

  1. 6D AGO

    Can AI Tutors Fix What Schools Can’t? With Vida C. Williams

    In this episode, Kevin sits down with Vida Williams, Chief Data Officer at Stride, to explore the promise—and risks—of artificial intelligence in education. From personalized tutoring to curatorial learning, they dive into how AI is reshaping what it means to teach, learn, and build trust in a digital world. They discuss how AI can reduce teacher overload, personalize instruction, and expand access—but also unpack why how we build it matters as much as what we build. And in a world where machines are getting better at guiding student learning, they ask a fundamental question: What’s the role of the human in the future of education? If education is a shared journey, should machines walk with us? This might be what you want to know.     What You’ll Learn 01:30 – Why Vida left energy & healthcare to focus on education 03:00 – What a Chief Data Officer actually does in a K–12 company 05:00 – Why protecting student data is now non-negotiable 07:30 – AI’s real use in classrooms: less grading, more learning 09:00 – “The resurgence of library science” and curatorial learning 11:30 – How personalized AI tutors support (not replace) teachers 13:00 – Socratic learning vs. automation: can AI do both? 16:00 – What young learners really want from AI 18:30 – Guardrails, dialects & equitable access in AI design 21:00 – Why teachers must shape the future of AI tools 25:00 – Are we all becoming cyborgs? And is that a bad thing?     Go Deeper with Vida Williams Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vida-williams/ Learn about Stride Learning: https://www.stridelearning.com Explore Stride Tutoring: https://tutoring.k12.com Read more on ethical AI in education: https://www.edweek.org/technology   Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    28 min

  2. JUN 18

    The Tax Bill That Could Change American Education with John Schilling

    Public dollars. Private schools. Political firestorms. In this episode, Kevin talks with long-time school choice advocate John Schilling about what happens when education funding follows the student instead of the system. They dig into the proposed federal scholarship tax credit: what it is, who it helps, and why supporters say it's about opportunity—not ideology. Opponents fear it's the beginning of the end for public schools. Advocates say it's already helping students, especially those in underserved communities. From Florida’s model programs to Washington’s sharp divisions, this conversation reveals how political will, policy design, and real family needs are shaping the future of school choice. If education is supposed to be about students, then maybe the money should be too. This might be what you want to know. What You’ll Learn 01:30 – Why John Got Into School Choice 04:30 – State Politics vs. Federal Legislation 07:30 – What Is a Federal Tax Credit for Education? 09:00 – Florida as a School Choice Success Story 10:30 – How Federal Credits Could Expand Access Nationwide 12:00 – Will This Hurt or Help Public Schools? 15:00 – Research on Outcomes for Scholarship Students 16:30 – Can We Take the Politics Out of Education? 19:30 – What’s Next for the Legislation? Go Deeper with John Schilling 🔗 Learn about EdChoice research: https://www.edchoice.org/research/ 🔗 Explore the American Federation for Children: https://www.federationforchildren.org/ 9:30 – What’s Next for the Legislation? Go Deeper with John Schilling 🔗 Learn about EdChoice research: https://www.edchoice.org/research/ 🔗 Explore the American Federation for Children: https://www.federationforchildren.org/ ---------------------------------------------------- Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    22 min

  3. JUN 4

    Encore: How can teachers maintain their passion for the profession?

    We’re re-releasing this episode because the questions it raises are more relevant than ever. In 2025, as technology transforms how students learn and entire industries evolve, the role of educators is shifting rapidly. Classrooms are becoming more digital, expectations more complex, and the pressure to keep students engaged—and prepared for the future—has never been greater. Yet, many teachers are stepping away. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of public education employees who leave the field aren’t retiring or laid off. They’re choosing to resign. Amid ongoing challenges like burnout, staffing shortages, and shifting school environments, educators are asking: How do we keep going—and keep growing? That’s why we’re revisiting this conversation with 2023 National Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson. A math teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rebecka speaks with warmth, clarity, and an unshakable belief in the power of human connection. Her story is a reminder that joy, purpose, and sustainability in teaching are still possible—even in a time of change. Why this encore? Because Rebecka’s reflections on resilience, creativity, and care offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone invested in the future of education   Episode Highlights + Timestamps: 00:00 — Why great teachers leave (and why it matters) 01:30 — Rebecka's immigrant journey & early love for teaching 06:00 — "I'm not a math person" and the cultural damage of that phrase 09:00 — How Rebecka builds trust: "Kids spell love T-I-M-E" 12:00 — The math teacher shortage: only 25 graduates in her entire state 15:00 — The "One Good Thing" blog that saved her teaching career 19:00 — From burnout to National Teacher of the Year 24:00 — What every teacher (and school leader) should be asking 28:00 — Advice to teachers on the brink of burnout 31:00 — The power of reflection, systems, and 1% growth Meet Rebecka Peterson: Rebecka is a high school math teacher at Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the 2023 National Teacher of the Year. She uses storytelling and connection to bring math to life and help every student feel seen. K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their healthcare career journey.  Enrolment is open at K12! Join over 3 million students who have chosen a K12-powered education for tuition-free, personalized online public schooling from the safety of home. With state-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction, an innovative curriculum, and extensive family support, K12 empowers students in grades K-12 to succeed.  Our accredited program offers engaging classes that support learners of all levels, including advanced students and those with special needs. Experience more family time, engaging class connections, and the opportunity for your child to thrive academically.  Apply today to secure your spot and discover why families choose K12 for their online education needs. Explore K12's healthcare pathway options and other career-focused programs: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 Join the Conversation: Use #WIWTK on social media to share your thoughts. Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ Listen on your favorite platform: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://open.spotify.com/show/5KkzBkz... https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/013... Explore more at: stridelearning.com

    34 min

  4. MAY 21

    Encore | Can Summer Learning Programs Combat the Summer Slide?

    This is an encore episode — and with good reason. As the school year winds down and summer approaches, the “summer slide” — the loss of academic progress over the break — becomes a very real concern once again. Without intentional learning opportunities, students can lose ground they’ve worked hard to gain, making each new year harder than the last. In this conversation, Kevin revisits a timely discussion with Aaron Dworkin, CEO of the National Summer Learning Association, about how the right summer programs don’t just prevent learning loss — they help students come back stronger, more confident, and ready for what’s next. Because summer doesn’t have to be a setback. It can be a springboard. This is what I know.   Meet Aaron Aaron Dworkin is the CEO of the National Summer Learning Association, which works to ensure all young people in America, especially the most vulnerable, can access and afford a high-quality summer learning experience every year.   —----------------------------------------------- K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their healthcare career journey.  Enrolment is open at K12! Join over 3 million students who have chosen a K12-powered education for tuition-free, personalized online public schooling from the safety of home. With state-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction, an innovative curriculum, and extensive family support, K12 empowers students in grades K-12 to succeed.  Our accredited program offers engaging classes that support learners of all levels, including advanced students and those with special needs. Experience more family time, engaging class connections, and the opportunity for your child to thrive academically.  Apply today to secure your spot and discover why families choose K12 for their online education needs.  Explore K12's healthcare pathway options and other career-focused programs: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 —---------------------------------------- Join the conversation using #WIWTK on social media and be sure to leave a review!    WIWTK Twitter – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/  WIWTK Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast/  WIWTK Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/    Now Streaming:  Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5KkzBkz...  Google Podcasts – https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...  Amazon Music – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/013...

    30 min

  5. MAY 7

    How to Help Your Teen Choose the Right Career Path with Allison Danielsen, CEO of Tallo

    College. Careers. Credentials. Teens today are facing big decisions—and most don’t even know where to start. In this episode, Kevin P.Chavous talks with Allison Danielsen, CEO of Tallo, about why the old ways of guiding students—career quizzes, outdated job charts, one-size-fits-all advice—no longer cut it. Allison’s team is building a digital career co-pilot designed to help Gen Z explore real career paths, learn relevant skills, and connect directly with schools, scholarships, and employers. They discuss why most career journeys aren’t linear (including Allison’s own winding path through retail, education, and consulting), how exposure—not pressure—is the key to better decisions, and why parents are still the most influential voice in the room. This might be what you want to know. What You’ll Learn 03:00 – Why Most Career Advice Doesn’t Work Anymore 05:40 – The Myth of the One-Perfect-Path 07:20 – What Gen Z Needs That Counselors Aren’t Giving 09:00 – How the Tallo Platform Works (and Why It’s Free) 11:15 – Why Waitressing, Bowling, and Retail Still Count 13:00 – Making Career Discovery a Lifelong Process 15:45 – What Employers, Parents, and Teens All Miss 18:10 – Turning Panic into Possibility Go Deeper with Allison Danielsen 🔗 Explore Tallo’s digital career co-pilot: https://tallo.com 📊 See how students explore, match, and take action: https://tallo.com/students 👤 Connect with Allison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisondanielsen/ Redefine Learning with K12-Powered Education Help your child build the confidence, skills, and vision to thrive beyond high school. K12-powered online schools offer: ✅ Tuition-free options with flexible learning ✅ Certified teachers and personalized support ✅ Career and college prep built for Gen Z ✅ Safe, structured, home-based environments 🎯 See if a K12-powered school is right for your family: 🔗 go.k12.com/podcast 📚 Need extra help? Explore: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective or questions. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    23 min

  6. APR 30

    How to Make Your Child Love STEM | Eric Olsen

    During lockdown, a math teacher and his son 3D-printed a board game on their kitchen table. Now it’s transforming how students feel about math—and school in general. In this episode, Eric Olsen, principal of Idaho Technical Career Academy, joins Kevin to share how his creative approach to teaching, including developing innovative tools like the board game “Glyphics,” inspires students and shapes the future of education. Jump to: 03:09 – School Without Walls 04:48 – Future-Proof Pathways 05:11 – Glyphic: Born on a Kitchen Table 07:30 – Pictionary for People Who Hate Math 08:26 – TED Talks, But Make It Personal 10:55 – Students Choose the Lesson 13:04 – Outsmarting AI 15:57 – Learning From Kids 16:58 – “Not as Bad as I Thought” 17:31 – Full Circle 🎲 Learn More About Eric & Glyphic 📰 Read: Math Teacher Game Idea – Interview with Glyphic’s Designer Eric Olsen https://casualgamerevolution.com/blog/2022/10/math-teacher-game-idea-interview-with-glyphics-designer-eric-olsen 👤 Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-olsen-88250630/     Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways, including healthcare programs: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25     Join the Conversation! 📢 Use #WIWTK on social media to share your thoughts on today’s episode! 📱 Follow & Connect: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to leave a review and let us know what you think!

    19 min

  7. APR 23

    Jenny Kendall on How to Build IEPs That Truly Support Every Student

    Fluorescent lights. Constant noise. Rigid schedules. For a lot of kids with special needs, school was less a place to learn and more a daily test of endurance. In this episode, Jenny Kendall—a national leader in special education—joins Kevin to talk about what happens when you take students out of a system that was never designed for them and build something better. Virtual learning isn’t a compromise. For many, it’s a relief. They get into how online education strips away environmental distractions, how real success hinges on teamwork between families and educators, and why AI and assistive tech might be the biggest breakthroughs in special education—if outdated policy doesn’t slow it all down. How do you build an education system that actually fits the student—not the other way around? And what happens when technology moves faster than the rules meant to govern it? This might be what you want to know.   What You’ll Learn 03:12 – Why the Classroom Was the Barrier 06:05 – Success = Commitment + Customization 08:30 – Online vs. In-Person: Who Does It Better? 11:35 – How a Virtual School Day Actually Looks 14:10 – Fixing the Special Ed Teacher Shortage (Hint: Go Remote) 16:20 – Autism, Anxiety & The Safety of Learning at Home 19:00 – AI Knows Your Kid Is Struggling Before You Do 21:15 – Outdated Laws vs. Next-Gen Learning Go Deeper with Jenny Kendall 🔗 Explore Stride’s Approach to Special Education: stridelearning.com 🔗 See How Assistive Technology Powers Learning: stridelearning.com/assistive-tech 👤 Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennykendall     Redefine Learning with K12-Powered Special Education Forget one-size-fits-all. K12’s online programs are built to adapt—especially for students with exceptional needs. Join the millions of families choosing a flexible, personalized path: ✅ Certified teachers specializing in virtual special education ✅ Tailored IEP support & advanced assistive technology ✅ Safe, customized home learning environments ✅ Career-readiness programs designed for diverse learners 🔗 Secure your spot today: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/ 🔗 Need extra support? Explore K12 Tutoring: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25     Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    23 min

  8. APR 1

    How Virtual Tutoring is Making Education More Accessible with Jennifer Moore

    Since the pandemic, the demand for online tutoring has surged by 200%, with families seeking flexible, effective, and accessible academic support for their children. But does virtual tutoring truly measure up to in-person sessions? Research from the Annenberg Institute and Johns Hopkins University suggests that well-designed virtual tutoring can significantly boost student performance—often rivaling traditional face-to-face methods. So, what sets the most effective virtual tutoring programs apart? And beyond academics, can they build confidence and spark a love for learning? To explore these questions, Kevin P. Chavous is joined by Jennifer Moore, General Manager of K12 Tutoring. With firsthand experience leading K12’s nationwide online tutoring service, Jennifer shares key insights into what makes virtual tutoring successful and how it’s shaping the future of education. —-------------------- Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways, including healthcare programs: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 —------------------------ Join the Conversation! 📢 Use #WIWTK on social media to share your thoughts on today’s episode! 📱 Follow & Connect: 🔹 Twitter/X –https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to leave a review and let us know what you think!

    15 min
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4.9
out of 5
156 Ratings

About

Welcome to ‘What I Want to Know’, one of the most downloaded K-12 education podcasts in the country! Listen in with our host, Kevin P. Chavous, as he connects with innovators and leaders who share practical, transformative solutions to the biggest challenges in education today. As America rethinks the future of schooling, Kevin explores emerging needs and possibilities, for students and educators alike, through short, stimulating conversations. Subscribe to ‘What I Want to Know’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and leave a rating and review so we can bring you more of the topics you want to hear about!

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