Free Range Humans

Mar 06 2025 68 ep. 58 mins 15
Free Range Humans Podcast artwork

Free Range Humans is a podcast that explores "how we can make schools fit for human consumption." Hosted by Jal Mehta, professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Rod Allen, former district superintendent and Assistant Deputy Minister with the BC Ministry of Education.

  Education  Society & Culture
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Rethinking Teacher Education - A Conversation with Sarah Fine and Tori Theisen-Homer

Mar 06 2025 59 mins  
"We build relationships with students because they are foundational for human thriving—not just to get them to behave." Rod and Jal welcome educators and scholars Sarah Fine and Victoria Theisen-Homer to discuss the evolving landscape of teacher education, project-based learning (PBL), and the role of relationships in teaching.

Welcome to Season 4: Doom, Gloom and Glimmers of Hope

Feb 21 2025 49 mins  
And we are back! It's been a minute, but Rod and Jal return to kick off their fourth season of Free Range Humans. Producer Gino Beniamino emerges from behind the glass to host this episode, as the crew examines all that has changed since last spring, including personal and professional updates, and a discussion on the political implications of the recent United States election.

The Weeds of Curriculum Reform - A Conversation with Ben Jensen

Jun 28 2024 58 mins  
"Curriculum reform requires a love for the details. High-level mission statements are meaningless without practical classroom application." In this episode, Dr. Ben Jensen joins from the land down under to talk with Rod and Jal about the complexities of curriculum reform and the importance of getting in to the weeds when trying to create meaningful change.

From Student to Teacher to Leader - A Conversation with Dr. Michele Shannon

Jun 13 2024 62 mins  
Rod and Jal are joined by Dr. Michele Shannon, the Executive Director of the Deeper Learning Districts. Dr. Shannon shares her extensive experience and insights into creating educational environments that foster deep learning and equity. She discusses her journey from being a student in New York City's public school system to becoming a leader in educational reform.

Harnessing AI in Education - A Conversation with Chris Kennedy and Eric Xie

Jun 05 2024 56 mins  
"Generative AI isn't one-sided; it can be both a powerful aid and a source of challenges." In this episode we delve into the integration of generative AI in education with Superintendent of West Vancouver schools, Chris Kennedy and 12th grade student, Eric Xie. They help us explore the potential and challenges of AI, the importance of proactive leadership in educational technology,

Parallels in Policing and Education - A Conversation with Dr. Neil Gross

May 28 2024 44 mins  
Jal's former Harvard colleague, Dr. Neil Gross, joins the podcast to take us on a journey that compares the world of policing to the world of education. The conversation explores themes of leadership, culture change, and most importantly, trust through the lens of Neil's latest book, Walk the Walk: How Three Police Chiefs Defied the Odds and Changed Cop Culture.

The Importance of Purpose and Values - A Conversation with Shanna Peeples

May 16 2024 55 mins  
In keeping with our recent theme of returning guests, Shanna Peeples makes her third appearance on the podcast. She shares her thoughts and insights on the current educational climate, and what it has been like navigating the system in her home state of Texas. A central theme throughout the conversation is the idea of purpose in education, and how shared values can help us rise abo

Generative AI in Schools: Adopted vs. Arrived - A Conversation with Justin Reich

May 09 2024 56 mins  
Historically, new technologies and innovations slowly make their way into classrooms via procurement processes or pilot programs. Generative AI has simply arrived in the education space, seemingly unannounced, skipping the traditional adoption process. Newly tenured, MIT professor Justin Reich joins the podcast to talk about this trend and what it means for teachers, students, and

Craftsmanship as a Model for Education - A Conversation with Ron Berger

May 03 2024 61 mins  
Ron Berger makes his third appearance on the podcast to engage Rod and Jal in a conversation focused on the idea of craftsmanship, and how quality and tangibility can, and should be applied to education. All three share personal experiences across the fields of carpentry, woodworking, writing, and of course education, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship and critique in almo

The Bad Educational Innovations Draft - A Conversation with Alisa Berger

Apr 24 2024 57 mins  
On the eve of the NFL draft, what better way to get excited than with a little draft of our own! Rod, Jal, and returning guest, Alisa Berger, take turns "drafting" some of the worst educational innovations of all time. Each person will have an opportunity to defend their pick and then possibly face a little pushback.