
Academic Distinctions: A Podcast to Make Sense of American Education
Hosted by Stephanie Melville and Zac Chase, "Academic Distinctions" is a podcast for educators that tackles the reading and research teachers often don't have time for. With experience as classroom teachers, district administrators, and federal policy wonks, the hosts bring a unique perspective to discussions on education's "greatest hits" and current events. The podcast is committed to delivering engaging, informative, and actionable content that is relevant and responsive to the needs of educators.
Podcasting since 2025 • 13 episodes
Academic Distinctions: A Podcast to Make Sense of American Education
Latest Episodes
0012: Do we need to know more about cybersecurity than a re-watch of Hackers and Sneakers?
Zac and Stephanie talk with Senior Director for Preparedness and Response at the Institute for Security and Technology, Michael Klein about the importance of cybersecurity for school systems, what families can do to help studen...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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42:25

011: A Conversation with Former Secretary of Education John King, Pt. 2
In this conclusion of our conversation with former U.S. Secretary of Education John King, we ask how we can build community and conversations with folks with whom we feel we have nothing in common. Secretary King offers his example ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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14:53

010: A Conversation with Former Secretary of Education John King, Pt. 1
Zac and Stephanie welcome former U.S. Secreatary of Education John King to the show to discuss his new book Teacher by Teacher. In this first part of the conversation, we discuss where we can find hope as public educat...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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36:24

009: What might be the power in doubting our own self doubts?
Almost 20 years ago, Carol Dweck's work on mindsets set the education world ablaze. Not long after that, the field started using Dweck's work in some helpful and not-so-helpful ways. In this episode, Zac and Stephanie sit down with ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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42:00

008: Where's our money, Linda?
The Supreme Court says it's okay for the Trump Administration to shutter the U.S. Department of Education while they wait for the case to formally reach them. AND, the Office of Management and Budget withholds BILLIONS of Title funds from state...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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33:48

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