The future of education is being shaped by a new set of possibilities, ones that extend beyond traditional classrooms and school systems. In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew is joined by Vriti Saraf, educator, innovator, and co-founder of Ed3 DAO, to examine how Web3 technologies are reshaping learning experiences and educational access.

Vriti brings deep insight into how AI, blockchain, and decentralized platforms are creating more flexible, personalized, and equitable models of education. They explore critical topics, including learner agency, digital ownership, and how the role of teachers is evolving in an age where access to knowledge is ubiquitous but human connection remains essential.

For educators, school leaders, and parents alike, this episode provides a grounded look at how Web3 and AI are not just changing tools but transforming the purpose and process of education itself.

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Technology is everywhere and for today’s students, it can be both a tool and a trap. In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew is joined by Robbie Torney of Common Sense Media and Ron Posner of Dwight School New York for a practical conversation on helping kids build healthier digital habits. They unpack digital citizenship, the risks of AI companions, and how schools and families can team up to set smarter screen-time boundaries. From classroom strategies to parenting tips, this episode offers real-world advice for navigating the digital age with intention.

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Student-athletes face a unique challenge: maintaining high academic standards while committing to rigorous athletic schedules.

In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew sits down with John Pelin, Head of Athletics at Dwight School New York, and Kathryn McMahan, an 11th-grade student who competes on three varsity teams: soccer, swimming, and softball. They talk about what it takes to balance sports and school life, the challenges student-athletes face, and what kind of support really makes a difference. You’ll hear about time management, motivation, dealing with pressure, and the impact sports can have on leadership and mental health.

This conversation gives a real look into how athletics shape students—not just on the field, but in how they show up in class, with their peers, and in the bigger picture of their education.

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College admissions continue to evolve in response to societal shifts, technological advancements, and changing student expectations.

In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew speaks with two experts shaping the admissions experience on both sides: Katie Korhonen, Director of Global Admissions, Evaluation, and Strategy at NYU, and Shellee Hendricks, Dwight’s Global Director of College Counseling. They break down what’s actually happening in the college application world—test-optional policies, access to international opportunities, ethical concerns, and the impact of AI. They also get real about how guidance counseling has evolved, and what parents should (and shouldn’t) be doing to support their kids through this journey. From how NYU is rethinking outreach, to what students can do now to stand out, this episode offers sharp, honest insight into the current admissions climate.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or future applicant, there's a lot to take away from this conversation.

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Great teaching goes far beyond textbooks and tests—it’s about connection, adaptability, and lifelong impact. In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew sits down with Zach Shapiro, a dedicated math teacher from Dwight New York, and Javier Sanchez, an inspiring language arts teacher from Dwight London, to explore what it truly means to be an effective educator.

Zach and Javier, the inaugural recipients of the Torchbearer Award, share their experiences on building meaningful relationships with students, mentoring the next generation of teachers, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of education. They discuss the importance of engagement, differentiation, and embracing technology—including AI—to enhance learning.

If you're an educator, parent, or aspiring teacher, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on fostering student success and creating dynamic, inclusive classrooms.

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The ability to think critically and connect dots across disciplines has never been more vital. In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew sits down with Lee Howell, Executive Director of the Villars Institute, to unpack how systems thinking and intergenerational collaboration are transforming education. From exploring real-world examples to understanding the critical role of interdisciplinary learning, this episode is filled with actionable insights for educators, school leaders, and lifelong learners. Lee shares how schools can empower students to tackle global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss while fostering a sense of agency and leadership in young learners. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s world.

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The ways we can tap into the power of AI are growing and changing every day – which raises important questions about how to best utilize and regulate its functionality in the education landscape. In the first episode of “Sparking Genius” Season 2, we are joined by Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO of AI for Education, and Christian Talbot, President of the Middle States Association. Together with our host Dianne Drew, they tackle issues like AI policy development, the challenges schools face in prioritizing AI amidst other demands, and the importance of AI literacy, safety, and ethics. Further, they touch upon real-world examples, underscoring AI's potential to inspire creativity and enhance learning experiences for students and educators alike. So press play and make sure you don’t miss this informative and fascinating episode!

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What does it take to truly inspire a student? Here at Dwight Schools, we believe it starts with recognizing the unique potential in every child. Welcome to Season 2 of Sparking Genius – where we’re continuing the journey we started in Season 1 by diving deeper into the heart of what makes education truly transformative, and examining how the latest ideas in education are reshaping classrooms around the world. Join Dianne Drew, Global Education Director of the Dwight Schools, as she engages with the most influential voices in education to uncover the ideas, practices, and stories leading the way in learning worldwide. Subscribe now to stay at the cutting edge of the education conversation.

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