Lessons Learned
A WBUR Education series featuring personal stories of education
'They Were Always There': The Power Of Including Indigenous Perspectives
As teachers consider ways to create more inclusive curriculum, one Amherst professor details the power and importance of the experience of indigenous tribes when teaching history.
Students Say Race Belongs In The Classroom — And Not Just History Class
Following the death of George Floyd, some high school students are pushing for discussions about systemic racism and inequality to be a cornerstone of every classroom.
Class Of COVID-19: Receiving Diplomas With A Mix Of Sadness And Pride
Three college seniors reflect on graduating college during a pandemic.
Learning To Lead: Why One Principal Puts Student Voice And Identity At The Center
Arria Coburn learned how important student voice and identity can be, after a dispute over students using the N-word in class two years ago. It still informs her leadership today.
Showing Up: A Special Bond Between A Persistent Caseworker And A Troubled Student
Elias Perea's connection to one of his caseworkers in school, Makeeba McCreary, showed him how to support young people struggling with trauma like his.
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'I Wanted To Talk About It Forever': Two Hearts And A Moment Of Clarity
Elizabeth Co knew she loved biology but didn't know how to translate that into a career. Until she held two human hearts in her hands.
Dorm Life Offered This Student Greater Stability, Giving Him Space To Give Back And Thrive
For years, Timothy Scalona and his family struggled with food and housing insecurity. Now a senior at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Scalona is working to ensure others who face...
Beyond Paint: How One Teacher Uses Art To Foster Community
Amanda Davis' mission is to demonstrate to high school students that art is about more than just the technical skills of painting and drawing, but also a tool to learn...
How Racial Tensions At School Helped This Student Discover The Power Of Her Voice
Meggie Noel reflects on her struggles -- and triumphs -- at Boston Latin School at a time when racial tensions were heightened across the U.S. and inside her prestigious exam...
'The World Is Open To Me Now': A Scientist With Dyslexia On How Learning To Read Changed Her Life
In first grade, Catherine Drennan hit a major stumbling block. Drennan couldn't make sense of books. She was later diagnosed with dyslexia. Finding a way to decode text opened new...
How A Poor School District Provided This Student The Resources He Needed The Most
While money can buy a school things like computers and new facilities, David Jones says an experience in elementary school taught him that not all the necessary resources can be...
'I Lived Through These Characters': An English Teacher's Life-Changing Impact On A Student
Reading and a chance encounter with a former English teacher helped Dan Wise through what he called the scariest time in his life.
'Like Going To Church': How A Boston Chef Found School Success Through Food
Jamie Bissonnette describes himself as a late bloomer. Today he is the chef-partner of well-known area restaurants. But his road to success wasn’t always straightforward.
How A Disruptive Student Taught His Teacher Patience And Perseverance
Adam Stumacher struggled to connect with a student who went to great lengths to disrupt his English as a second language class. Until they bonded over music.
A First-Year Teacher Clashed With A Student. Then She Learned Where He Was Coming From
A clash between a first-year teacher and a student leads both to learn how their perspectives shape their interactions.
How Struggling Through Calculus Taught This UMass Professor To Push Her Limits
When Catherine McCusker was 17, she had her sights set on art school. Then she bumped into math teacher Jamil Siddiqui.
'I'm Tired Of Justifying My Admissions Letter To People'
Anthony Jack's path from Miami to Harvard has been dotted with people who questioned whether his successes were solely a result of affirmative action policies, rather than hard work. Here's...
Education As A Way To Find Freedom In Prison
Meet José Bou, who went from solitary confinement to college professor and youth mentor.
Lessons Learned: Personal Stories Of Education
Edify brings you a new series of stories of change in education. Send us your stories and then check them out.