Welcome to the 8th installment of The Ed Answer Key’s special bonus series, where we continue an extraordinary conversation between five lifelong friends who first met in kindergarten over 65 years ago. Raised in the heart of a tight-knit Indianapolis community, they fondly recall School 26—a beacon of excellence in their childhood—while shedding light on the pressing social needs that today’s schools strive to meet.

In Hungry for More: How Schools Support Social Needs, these friends draw upon their decades of shared experience to explore how the role of education has expanded beyond the classroom. Once, lunch from home and simple, structured discipline were the norm. Now, teachers and administrators juggle the roles of mentor, counselor, social worker, and advocate. They work tirelessly to support children facing hunger, limited family contact, and countless other obstacles that make traditional learning an uphill struggle.

If you care about educational equity, student well-being, and the future of our communities, this is a must-watch conversation. Gain insight into how dedicated educators, despite mounting challenges, continue to carry forward the spirit of places like School 26—ensuring no child goes without the guidance, empathy, and hope they deserve.

Don’t miss this illuminating dialogue. Like, share, and subscribe for more transformative insights from The Ed Answer Key.