Manisha Snoyer engages in a deep dive with Anya Kamenetz, an acclaimed education reporter for NPR and author of seminal books on education. They navigate a rich tapestry of topics, from the often polarizing issue of screen time for children to the significance of climate anxiety in today's world. Anya dispels myths around standardized tests, eloquently elucidating why they are far from the be-all and end-all of evaluating student capabilities. The conversation also ventures into the realm of community involvement, digital divides, and the imperative of local actions. Listeners will come away not only enlightened but empowered, armed with actionable insights to navigate the intricate landscape of modern education and parenting. Anya Kamenetz (@anya1anya) is a leading voice in the world of education, serving as an NPR reporter and advisor to esteemed organizations like the Aspen Institute and Climate Mental Health Network. Author of influential books such as "The Art of Screen Time," Anya's work transcends traditional classroom boundaries, delving into the digital landscape and its effect on children's development. In this episode, she also speaks passionately about community involvement in homeschooling, as well as the moral dimensions of educational choices. An advocate for inclusive and dynamic education, Anya brings a wealth of expertise to the topic of homeschooling and beyond.
Anya Kamenetz: Website | Newsletter | X | Instagram | Substack | LinkedIn
Teach Your Kids: Website | X | Instagram | Substack
Manisha: LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook
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Time Codes:
[00:00:20] Manisha welcomes Anya Kamenetz to the podcast and outlines Anya's diverse roles in education.
[00:01:40] The discussion shifts to Anya's book, "The Art of Screen Time." It explores the multifaceted realm of screen time, offering parents nuanced guidelines.
[00:06:20] Anya offers deeper insights into societal issues within education. She discusses the ethical dilemma parents face when choosing resources for their children, coining terms like 'opportunity hoarding.'
[00:09:20] Public schools come into focus as the pillar of equitable education. Anya defends their role in offering diverse opportunities and advocates for policies that prioritize the greater good.
[00:15:50] The issue of screen time during the pandemic gets unpacked. Anya laments how screen usage has become unbounded and urges a reevaluation of its role in children's lives.
[00:22:44] The concept of AI tutoring is examined critically. Manisha notes the limitations of technology in addressing the educational divide, particularly for under-resourced families.
[00:25:02] Community engagement in children’s education is emphasized by Manisha. She believes that a hybrid model involving local communities could be the key to successful learning.
[00:28:08] The conversation veers into the topic of climate anxiety. Manisha seeks Anya's advice on how parents can handle their own feelings while educating their kids about sustainability.
[00:30:02] Anya talks about different avenues for environmental activism. She highlights that everyone can contribute to the cause in their own unique way, whether it’s political lobbying or local community efforts.
[00:32:46] A perspective shift on the so-called 'broken' education system is introduced by Anya. She argues that the system has many strong points and suggests that public opinion should focus on those as well.
[00:34:14] Anya shares her parenting strategy focused on nurturing interests. She advocates for a more individualized approach to supporting children's natural curiosity.
[00:35:11] As the episode comes to a close, Manisha shares her inspired takeaway from the conversation. She mentions how the discussion has left her feeling hopeful and empowered.
[00:36:44] Anya provides listeners with resources for further engagement. She gives details on where her work can be found and followed.
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at
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