Education Podcast with John Merrow | PBS

A glimpse into the life of a college provost, the chief academic officer on campus. Dr. Barbara Burch of Western Kentucky University has to struggle to balance the needs of 19,000 students, the demands of faculty, economic pressures, and pressures from interest groups (like sports fans!). Duration: 44:56

The continuing dramatic story of one man's effort to fix a failing middle school in Richmond, Virginia. Parke Land is one of two dozen veteran public school principals selected for two weeks of business school training and then assigned to some of the state's toughest schools. (VIDEO) Duration: 10:08

Recently John Merrow attended the 40th reunion of the class of 1966 at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, NY where he was an English teacher fresh out of college. The renuion was an opportunity to discover what interesting, complex and valuable humans these young people have become, as well as a reminder of the power teachers have over the lives of the young. Duration: 5:17

Eight remarkable teachers from some of the poorest schools in Chattanooga show no fear of speaking openly about teaching in the inner city. AUDIO Duration: 45:26

When a list of the worst elementary schools in Tennessee came out in 2000, Chattanooga was stunned to find that nine of its schools were in the bottom 20. Embarrassed, the community decided it had to act. (VIDEO) Duration: 11:11

College freshman Matt Morris is making the move from a small country town to a large state university. Matt Morris tells us how appearing to be a hillbilly appeals to coeds, how he balances his party life with his schoolwork, and other secrets. Duration: 26:53

Olympic gold medalist Donna de Varona on the continuing struggle for gender equality in sports and what she sees as a coming train wreck in college sports. It's the anniversary of Title IX. Duration: 36:16

This week's podcast is a conversation with a college professor who challenges his students and expects them to challenge each other...and him. An interview with Austin Sarat, professor of jurisprudence and political science at Amherst college for over 30 years. Duration: 45:21

Can a school be 'outstanding' AND 'in need of improvement' at the same time? Apparently so. A visit to a highly praised New York City public school that, according to the federal law known as No Child Left Behind, is not making the grade. (VIDEO) Duration: 12:58

While other full time college students are studying, partying or sleeping, Ceylon Hollis is processing hundreds of car parts until the sun comes up. How long can she keep this up? Duration: 8:48

A conversation with a college professor who seems to accept student mediocrity as inevitable. Paulette Kurzer, a professor of political science at the University of Arizona and teacher of over 20 years, discusses how she deals with students who don't pay attention or do the work. Duration: 35:57

A young adjunct professor would like nothing more than a full time teaching position that would put him on the long road towards tenure, but most of his requests for job interviews go unanswered. Duration: 29:46

Inside college residence hall life. A Resident Assistant at a large public university reveals how students deal with sudden freedom from parental supervision, drinking, dating and becoming an adult. (VIDEO) Duration: 10:45

Americans know the situation in our public high schools is bad, but it may be far worse than they think. (VIDEO) Duration: 10:28

Former college president Richard Hersh discusses the difference between a college degree and a college education. Duration: 45:31