The What & Who of Edu

Recent Episodes

Beyond the Bubble Sheet: What Authentic Assessment Looks Like in Practice

In this episode of The What and Who of EDU, we go beyond the buzzword to explore authentic assessment: what it is, where it came from, and whether it actually works. With insights from education researcher Sarah Gray, we dig into what authentic assessment looks like in practice, how it holds up in the AI era, and what the research really says about deeper learning, academic performance, and workforce readiness.

Episode 18 · October 8, 2025

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This Is Not a Test: 10 Ways Instructors Measure Learning Beyond Grades

Is an “A” really the best indicator of learning? Or is it just proof that a student figured out the system? In this episode of The What and Who of EDU, we explore 10 creative, surprising, and inspiring ways educators are measuring learning beyond the gradebook. Because the real story of learning is bigger, messier, and far more meaningful.

Episode 17 · September 24, 2025

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The EDU-niverse: Meet the Team Behind the Mic

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, we’re flipping the mic to spotlight the trio that brings the EDU-niverse to life. Together, we talk about what brought us to education, how podcasting reshaped our approach to storytelling, and what we’ve learned from the incredible educators we’ve featured. Expect laughter, reflection, shoutouts to students and librarians, and maybe a Gator reference or two. Plus, we share our dream segments (confession cams? classrooms in the field? students on the mic?) and what we’re hoping to explore in future episodes.

Episode 16 · September 10, 2025

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10 Ways to Create Accessible Classrooms that Lower the Barriers (Not the Standards)

In this episode of The What and Who of EDU, we’re talking accessibility. Not just ramps and captions (though those matter), but the small shifts, the flexible paths, and the “you can sit with us” energy that make learning possible for every student. We’re counting down 10 ways real instructors are making their classrooms more accessible: strategies you can borrow, adapt, and make your own.

Episode 15 · August 27, 2025

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About Us

Welcome to The What and Who of EDU. Join us as we talk with thought leaders, educators, and experts to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices shaping education today. Whether in the classroom or beyond, we equip educators with the tools and insights to support student learning anytime, anywhere. The What and Who of EDU is a podcast by Macmillan Learning.

Your Hosts

Marisa Bluestone (she/her)

With more than 20 years of experience shaping conversations and telling brand stories, Marisa Bluestone is an award-winning communications leader passionate about the power of education, learning, and publishing. As Senior Director of Communications at Macmillan Learning, she helps elevate voices that inspire learning and spark change. When she’s not crafting compelling narratives, you’ll find her attempting Pilates, traveling, or getting lost in the Cosmere and other literary worlds. In The What and Who of EDU, Marisa brings her storytelling expertise to the mic—leading insightful conversations with thought leaders, educators, and innovators shaping the future of learning.

LaShawn Springer (she/her)

LaShawn Springer is the Director of Inclusive Pedagogy at Macmillan Learning, sitting on the newly formed Pedagogical Design Group Team (PDG). PDG aims to shape a future where education is transformative, equitable, and accessible for all, a thru thread in LaShawn's career. With over 15 years of experience in higher education and secondary schools (and a brief stint in the tech space), she has served in a variety of administrative roles, organizing, leading and facilitating workshops, training and symposia for students, faculty and staff. A central question for LaShawn has always been what kind of young person are we graduating into the world, making it imperative that we think about not just the content we endeavor to teach but also what type of learning environments we're cultivating for our students. She's excited to bring these conversations to listeners as she digs into a range of pedagogical practices educators are employing to support their students' development. LaShawn is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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Your Producer

Derek Lambke (he/him)

While you may not hear Derek Lambke’s voice in every episode, he is present in every one. As our podcast’s producer, Derek weaves each episode together from start to finish, creating cohesive and compelling narratives for our listeners. As Senior Communications Specialist at Macmillan Learning, he is passionate about ensuring that all voices are heard because he believes that the best stories are the ones that haven’t yet been told. Derek earned his master’s degree from Yale University with an emphasis in Film and Media Studies.

The What & Who of EDU

Latest

The Psychology of Psychology: Drs. Dave Myers & June Gruber Discuss Emotion, Happiness & Students' Wellbeing

Recent Episodes

Beyond the Bubble Sheet: What Authentic Assessment Looks Like in Practice

This Is Not a Test: 10 Ways Instructors Measure Learning Beyond Grades

The EDU-niverse: Meet the Team Behind the Mic

10 Ways to Create Accessible Classrooms that Lower the Barriers (Not the Standards)

Listen to More Episodes

About Us

Your Hosts

Marisa Bluestone (she/her)

LaShawn Springer (she/her)

Host Firstname Lastname

Host Firstname Lastname

Your Producer

Derek Lambke (he/him)

Producer Firstname Lastname

Producer Firstname Lastname

Producer Firstname Lastname

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