In this episode of Optical Allusion, host Francine Watson speaks with three first-generation doctoral students — Ángel Bonilla, Zulekha (Zully) Khamisi, and Serena Camacho — about their transformative experiences co-creating a community project with school children in a local classroom. The discussion highlights the profound learning that comes from centering relationships, cultural responsiveness, and the interconnectedness of school and community. Through their reflections on bridging personal identity, academic research, and teaching practice, they explore how blurring the lines between educators and learners can humanize education and nurture belonging. Join us for an inspiring conversation about seeing the unseen and empowering student voices.

In this episode of Optical Illusion, we sit down with Von Phothisane, a passionate high school teacher and football coach in Western Washington, to explore how he integrates Mastery-Based Learning (MBL) and culturally-responsive teaching in one of the most diverse school districts in Washington state. Von shares how he centers his practice on love and wellness, creating an inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe to express themselves and take ownership of their learning. Whether you're an educator or a parent, this conversation offers practical strategies and insights into fostering student success through community-focused, student-centered teaching approaches.

In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Guinasso to explore her transformative approach to Mastery-Based Learning (MBL) and Cultural Responsiveness and Sustaining Education (CRSE) in the classroom. Natalie shares her journey of making learning relevant by giving students a voice and agency in their education. She describes a pivotal classroom moment that led her to rethink traditional teaching methods, sparking meaningful discussions on the purpose of education and the value of skills beyond curriculum mandates. Natalie emphasizes the importance of building relationships, listening to students, and creating engaging and flexible learning environments that cater to individual needs, especially within set curricular structures. Through her experiences, she highlights how MBL and CRSE empower students as learners and community members.