Ask the Superintendent is a podcast produced by the Worcester Public Schools (Worcester, MA) Communications Office with Worcester Educational Access Television. Students, staff, and community members can ask and answer questions with Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD, about issues facing the district and our world. Ask the Superintendent is also broadcast in video format on youtube.com/@WEATV11.
Ask the Superintendent - Vision of a Learner with Belmont Street School
Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez interviews Belmont Street Community School staff, who share their experiences implementing the Vision of a Learner framework to improve student outcomes.
22 May 2025
Ask the Superintendent - Cultural Responsiveness
Dr. Rachel Monárrez speaks with Caleb Encarnacion-Rivera, the Director of Equity and Isha Adan, a student at South High Community School about how Worcester Public Schools is adopting culturally responsive practices in teaching and learning.00:00 Intro02:15 Dr Monárrez asks: What is cultural responsiveness in curriculum and instruction, and how does it positively impact student learning and engagement?08:30 Dr Monárrez asks: What work has been ongoing and what are some goals for next couple years in regards to cultural responsiveness in school instruction?16:14 Dr Monárrez asks: What is the training that is being done with both students and staff?20:30 Mr. Encarnacion-Rivera asks: What inspired you to prioritize culturally responsive pedagogy in our district, and how do you see it shaping the future of teaching and learning in Worcester?22:48 Mr. Encarnacion-Rivera asks: What role do you think school and district leaders play in modeling culturally responsive practices27:35 Isha asks: How do you see student voices helping to shape decisions at the district level, especially when it comes to instruction and curriculum?30:37 Closing
11 May 2025
Ask the Superintendent - Burncoat Edition 2025
In this episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council at Burncoat High School came up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez. 00:00 Intro00:29 1. In a district that has so many different schools and a variety of communities within each one, how do you make sure that all of them are represented and supported by the district and its policies? In what ways do you ensure equitable distribution of resources?04:10 2. As we showcase at Burncoat, the arts are a great way to demonstrate feelings, ideas, and learn from other people. If there was a play, book, movie, or any piece of art that you want everyone in the district to see/read, what would it be?07:01 3. How do you assess the effectiveness of the current curriculum for students, and what changes are you considering, if any? How often does this re- assessment of curriculum happen?10:27 Credits
28 Apr 2025
Ask the Superintendent WTHS edition
Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.00:00 Intro00:21 What areas of the school budget do you believe need more funding?05:18 How can the district support more after-school and youth programs, both in and outside of schools? How do you ensure that students participate and engage in these programs?07:32 If you could change one thing about the school system for the future, what would it be and why?
4 Apr 2025
Ask the Superintendent - Brian Allen and FY26 Budget
In this episode of "Ask the Superintendent" Rachel invites Deputy Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, Brian Allen to talk a little about himself, the budget process and looking towards the FY26 Budget. In this expanded "Ask the Superintendent" Rachel will ask her guest 3 questions, and then they will have three questions of their own for the superintendent.
2 Apr 2025
Ask the Superintendent South High Edition
Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.
00:31 What are your thoughts on standardized tests, and do you believe this data used to improve educational outcomes rather hinders creativity in classrooms?
5:13 Here at South High, we emphasize the aspect of 'community'. What are your goals or ideas regarding bringing Worcester Public Schools together as a community?
7:48 If you could implement one unconventional subject into the school curriculum, what would it be and why?
14 Mar 2025
Ask the Superintendent - Claremont Edition 2025
Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.00:00 Intro00:28 Now that MCAS is no longer a requirement for graduation, why do students still have to spend so much time testing. For example, we spend 6 days Star Testing, 3 days Access Testing, and up to 8 days MCAS testing. What is the purpose of these tests?07:06 The new immigration policies are causing severe anxiety in some students, how does WPS plan on addressing and possibly helping students with that anxiety?11:16 Some schools struggle to retain experienced teachers and staff. How do you plan to address teacher shortages and ensure that every school has access to quality educators?17:03 Closing
12 Feb 2025
Ask the Superintendent - Doherty Edition 2025
Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.00:00 Intro00:27 How do you ensure that students' voices and perspectives are included in decision-making within the district?02:53 What is your impression of the new Doherty?04:51 If you could go back in time and have a conversation with your high school self, what would you say?08:00 How do you make the decision to have a snow day or 2 hour delay?
17 Oct 2024
Ask the Superintendent - North High Edition 2024
Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.00:00 Intro00:291. As students, there is not always transparency around what goes on at the administrative level. Do you feel the changes to the budget made the intended impact? And what benefits do you see from the changes? 03:12 2. Safety seems to be a recent concern for students and staff. Moving forward, is there a plan for more proactive prevention versus a reactive response?05:573. We’ve noticed that a lot of the new staff coming in feel more culturally competent, do you think this has anything to do with student input last year on the hiring process?
5 Apr 2024
Ask the Superintendent Burncoat High School Edition 2024
Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monárrez.In this episode students from Burncoat High School ask:1. Can you tell us about your leadership style as a superintendent? How have you motivated and inspired others to achieve your goals? (00:30)2. Burncoat High School has an expectation (Safe, Positive and Respectful) and what does that mean to you? (02:32)3. What do you believe is the most exciting thing happening in education today? (04:16)
10 Mar 2024
Ask the Superintendent - Worcester Tech Edition 2024
Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monárrez.In this episode students from Worcester Technical High School ask:1. You have had some big changes in the past few years, what has been the biggest challenge during this transition? Do you have any guidance or tips for students who are going through transitions or challenges? 2. Thinking back to when you were in high school - what advice would you give yourself?3. What did you want to be when you were little and how did that vision evolve over time?4. Who are some people who have influenced you in your life and how did they shape you as a person?
8 Feb 2024
Ask the Superintendent South High Edition 2024
Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monárrez.In this episode students from South High Community School ask:1. How do you promote a positive and inclusive school culture that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all students?2. What’s your passion behind becoming a superintendent?3. What is your New Year’s resolution for 2024?
2 Jan 2024
Ask the Superintendent Claremont Edition 2023
Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monarrez.
28 Nov 2023
Ask the Superintendent - Doherty Edition 2023
Students from Doherty Memorial High School have a discussion with Dr. Monarrez, Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools.
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