What Makes a Child Well-Educated in the Age of AI? | Dr. Deborah Kenny
Release Date: 04/22/2026
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info_outlineIn this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark speaks with Dr. Deborah Kenny, founder of Harlem Village Academies and author of The Well-Educated Child, about what it means to educate for depth, agency, and purpose in the age of AI. Their conversation explores deeper learning, Montessori, International Baccalaureate, Socratic dialogue, and the kind of rigorous, student-centered experiences that help young people become thoughtful, capable contributors to the world.
Outline
- (00:00) Introduction
- (00:39) Meet Dr. Deborah Kenny & Harlem Village Academies
- (03:17) Redefining Achievement & Key Influences
- (09:22) Free Inquiry, Humility & Education's Purpose
- (12:07) Deeper Learning: Montessori, IB & Low-Tech Schools
- (28:09) Socratic Dialogue, Agency & Hopes for the Book
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